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| Hi all, I've read how neem oil can be sprayed on new plants (3 times/a week apart) as a preventative measure against disease/pests. I've never used neem oil and was wondering: a) How frequently should it be sprayed as a preventative on 'established' plants? Each time I repot? I would conduct a trial on a leaf or two but on my micros a leaf or two is a good chunk of the plant and I'm afraid I might kill them. Thanks a million in advance for your input! Sprout |
This post was edited by ProfSprout on Fri, Mar 15, 13 at 16:45
Follow-Up Postings:
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- Posted by Perle_de_Or Zone 7 (My Page) on Fri, Mar 15, 13 at 15:44
| I used it last fall for a mild case of powdery mildew. It worked wonderfully, and I only had to use it a couple of times. These were standard leaves put down in solo cups. They actually seemed to like it. I have no experience with micros, so I am sorry I can't tell you about that. But it is supposed to be non toxic and you can even spray in the house, which I did by putting them in my bathtub, let them dry before putting back on the shelf. I also used it as a drench on my large houseplants before I brought them in for the winter. |
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| Does it kill scale?? |
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- Posted by Taxonomist3 none (My Page) on Fri, Mar 15, 13 at 22:47
| neem oil affects the reproduction cycle of insects (and humans in a greater dose). I know of people who use it, but I think more people are preferring to use imidacloprid based products to prevent/treat for bugs. |
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- Posted by ProfSprout none (My Page) on Sat, Mar 16, 13 at 11:47
| Perle, If a rootless standard leaf can handle it, then I'm thinking a micro can too! Good to know neem oil was able to knock out your case of powdery mildew. Leafhead, Taxonomist, Folks, apparently neem oil is available in a concentrate where you have to mix a solution (that has to be used asap), and a ready-to-use spray bottle...any thoughts on which one is better? Keep the input coming, please! I'm just getting back into AVs and appreciate the help (my first go-around with AVs hadn't gone so well). Sprout |
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| There is another product I've used which is formulated from Neem oil. It seems to avoid any oily residue on your plants. It is called AzaMax. It's affordable and seems to work well to solve various insect/mite problems on your violets. It was recommended by Kent Stork on a segment of the online "All About African Violets" podcast. |
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| Sprout - the liquid form of imidacloprid is called Merit. I do not spray for prevention, unless it is some kind of danger of infestation is present - like we are getting close to the Powdery Mildew season soon. If you brought a new plant - which you are going to keep in isolation - probably any kind of Neem oil is good. If you got the leaf - I would think dipping it into a Clorox 1:3 or rubbing alcohol - same dilution --is less hassle. i. |
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- Posted by Perle_de_Or Zone 7 (My Page) on Mon, Mar 18, 13 at 1:29
| I don't know about scale, have never had to deal with that. I got the Neem Oil at home depot and bought a spray bottle too. I figured out the amount to use to mix up a small amount, I think about a pint. You are supposed to not keep it after using, but I think I did keep some a day or so and used it. Then I used it as a drench on some houseplants rather than just throw it out. It has a peculiar smell, but it stopped bothering me and the smell goes away. I also used it to spray some AV's I brought home from Home Depot before bringing them in the house, just as a precaution. I had dis-budded those plants before I sprayed them. Its best to use it warm or room temperature. You can just set the mixture in your spray bottle in some warm water to take any chill off. |
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| Scale - was mentioned, never heard of of scale on the AVs. We all have different plants besides gesneriads - and we want to have them healthy too. My take on Neem oil smell - is rotten onion... Irina |
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- Posted by ProfSprout none (My Page) on Mon, Mar 18, 13 at 22:04
| Aegis, Something about the glossiness and gloopiness of any kind of oil treatment tends to make me hesitate. Sounds like AzaMax provides the benefits of neem without the cons! I've included a link at the bottom; is it the podcast you had mentioned?? Irina, Perle, Folks, thanks for your aid! I think I might be getting obsessed with violets :) Sprout |
Here is a link that might be useful: All About African Violets
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| Plants from big box stores may also have been through a whole regimen of hormone and chemical treatments to make them "perfect" for market. Once that supply is cut off, IE the "consumer" takes it home, the plant goes into decline fast or simply will not bloom ever again. Such forced plants should be avoided. A good place to start is at a reputable garden center or from a private collector, where they can verify the history of the plant in question. |
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| Sprout ... The link is to the podcast I mentioned. The one where AzaMax is discussed is #17, on Oct 21st. Look in the October archive to find this episode. |
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| Leafhead - this is an urban legend IMHO. AVs do not need hormones - they are growing like weeds anyway - in a controlled environment. The culture shock when they are taken from their home - packed - driven across the country - kept in a store where the guy who waters them comes with a garden hose with icy cold water - and when the plants are sold - they go to the brown thumb people who should stick to the plastic plants...I know several like this - they get the plant - put a bow tie on a pot - and a plastic butterfly on the top - and stick it in a darkest corner - where the flower color matches the upholstery - and continue watering them to death. Month later - plant is gone... We do not need conspiracy - we can do it on our own ;-)) I. |
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- Posted by ProfSprout none (My Page) on Wed, Mar 20, 13 at 14:31
| Update: Decided to go with a ready-to-use neem solution so I can test it before investing in the concentrate or something else. By the way, to me, the spray smells vaguely of french-fried onions. Not too bothersome. Thanks a million for all of your input. My re-entry into the world of African violets has been an enlightening one. Leafhead, Aegis, Happy first "official" day of Spring! |
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