Jade plants are popular house plants as they are beautiful and easy to care for. Like most plants, Jade plants are prone to plant diseases and pest infections.
Many plant owners use neem oil to get rid of pests. So you might have wondered, can neem oil be used on Jade plant?
The answer is yes, neem oil has several uses for those succulents. So, keep reading to find out how and when to use neem oil on your jade plant.
Neem Oil Benefits for Jade Plant
Neem oil is beneficial for Jade plants in a few ways. It can help with problems that affect the plant.
1 – Repelling Pests
Jade plants can get attacked by common house pests such as spider mites or mealybugs. Neem oil has been used as an insect repellent for a long time.
Unlike other pesticides sold on the market, this natural oil doesn’t have side effects on the environment or your plant.
Neem oil also has an active ingredient called Azadirachtin. This ingredient has been known to turn off the feeding hormone in insects and disrupt their reproduction. Therefore, the insects gradually die.
2 – Preventing Fungal Diseases
Neem oil has antifungal properties and is effective against different fungi types. Therefore, neem oil can prevent many fungal diseases that can affect Jade plants.
3 – Helping the Plant Grow
While neem oil alone doesn’t directly help with Jade plant growth, it does so indirectly by protecting it from pests and diseases.
When the plant is unaffected by such problems, it can grow healthily to its full potential and live longer.
Preparing Neem Oil for Jade Plant
To prepare the spray, you’ll need neem oil, a spray bottle, and dish soap. Add one and a half teaspoons of neem oil to one teaspoon of dish soap.
The reason for adding dish soap is that neem oil doesn’t dissolve in water, so dish soap will help mix it a bit.
Then add the oil and the dish soap to one liter of water in the spray bottle. Shake the bottle well to mix everything.
How to Apply Neem Oil on Jade Plant
Now, it’s time to apply the mixture you prepared to your Jade plant. Evenly spray all parts of the plant. Make sure you cover the whole plant, including the stem and leaves.
Check that the spray has reached every leaf; you can lightly rub some of it on the leaves. You also need to spray the surface of the plant’s soil well.
How Often Should You Apply the Mixture?
There are two reasons to apply neem oil to a Jade plant. The first reason is if pests have infected your plant and you want to get rid of them. The second is to prevent possible infestations.
If you’re using neem oil to get rid of pests, spray it every three days. If you’re using it as a preventative method, then spray it every week.
Can Neem Oil Be Harmful to a Jade Plant?
While neem oil isn’t harmful to jade plants, it can harm them if used excessively. If you use too much neem oil or you use it too often, it can cause the leaves to burn. Too much neem oil can also clog the pores of the plant’s leaves.
To avoid such problems, apply small amounts of the solution, and decrease it if you notice any leaves turning yellow. Moreover, avoid exposing the plant to direct sunlight as it can burn the leaves, especially with the oil.
Final Thoughts
Neem oil is an excellent solution for pests and diseases that may affect Jade plants. It’s also natural and safe for the environment.
To use neem oil, you’ll need to prepare a simple mixture using the oil itself, water, and dish soap. This mixture will help you get rid of existing pests and prevent future attacks.
It’s important to apply neem oil as instructed; excessive use could lead to damaging your plant.
With proper use of neem oil on your Jade plant, you can protect it and enjoy its beauty for a long time.
Growing up with a mom who filled her home (inside and out) with all sorts of plants, Lisa got her start in gardening at a young age. Living now on her own with a home and yard full of plants (including an indoor greenhouse), she shares all the gardening tips she’s gained over the years.