If you are wondering if neem oil can be used on fiddle leaf figs, then yes, it surely can. In fact, neem oil has been proven to be the most effective natural pesticide.
In various ways, you can use neem oil. Fig leaves, trunk, and stem can be sprayed, wiped, etc. Additionally, you can apply neem oil to the soil. Furthermore, neem oil is organic, so it is safe for your fiddle leaf fig plant.
Nevertheless, it is important to know how much neem oil to use, at what time, and at what frequency to prevent any harm to your plant. So, if you do not want to damage your fig plant unintentionally, keep reading. Also, if you are wondering how to use neem oil fiddle leaf fig, this article has you covered.
Is it safe to use neem oil on fiddle leaf fig?
Yes, it is safe to use neem oil on fiddle leaf fig. However, there are a few considerations. Try not to apply neem oil in the middle of the day. At that time, the sun is at its hottest and brightest, so it can make your plants a little more photosensitive and scorch them.
Therefore, it is best to apply neem oil in the morning. During that time, the sun is gentle and less direct.
Overall, neem oil is perfectly safe for fiddle leaf figs as long as you use it correctly. Additionally, these plants have thick, tough leaves that aren’t easily damaged. So no worries about oily coatings.
However, don’t forget to follow the instructions on the bottle. There’s always a risk of overdoing it, even with something so mild as neem oil.
As we know, neem oil is safe to use, but when to apply it? So, let’s get into when to use neem oil on fiddle leaf fig in the next section.
When to use neem oil on fiddle leaf fig?
Neem oil is widely used in the prevention of disease and pest infestations. The popularity of this product is due to its organic properties. To get a more detailed understanding of when neem oil should be applied, let us read on.
1. To treat disease and pest infestation
Fiddle leaf fig is susceptible to fungal issues such as powdery mildew. To get rid of powdery mildew neem oil is used. As well as that, neem oil works to eliminate other bugs that attack them. So, whenever your fig plant becomes infested with pests, do not forget to use neem oil!
Also, check our blog on White Spots On Fiddle Leaf Fig – Causes And What To Do
2. To clean leaves
Insects and diseases are more likely to attack the dirty leaves of fig plants. In this case, neem oil is used as a preventive measure. It is less likely that insects will attack your fig plant if you give its leaves a good dusting and apply neem oil. Furthermore, clean and green leaves keep your plant looking beautiful.
Also, check this blog to learn how to clean fiddle leaf fig leaves in detail.
As I mentioned before, neem oil is highly beneficial and safe, but only when you use it correctly. So in the next section, I will show you how to use neem oil.
What is the best way to use neem oil on fiddle leaf figs?
Depending on the severity of the situation, neem oil can be used. Let us go through some of the ways in which neem oil can be used.
1. Spraying the fig plant from top to bottom
This is the most common way to use neem oil as it is the easiest method. However, the only thing to keep in mind here is to bring your fig outside. Because neem oil can be stinky. After taking a fig outside, don’t be shy and spray generously.
Give a thorough spray to your plant. Also, make sure to get the top and bottom of the leaves. Additionally, don’t forget about the trunk and stems as well.
Before bringing the plant inside, let it dry. If possible, keep the leaves out of direct sunlight.
2. Using neem solution to wipe leaves
If you want to prevent insects from invading your plants, you can wipe them with your neem oil solution. If you plan to do this, wear gloves because neem oil can cause a slight itch.
In a spray bottle, mix Neem Oil with water. For a 500mL spray bottle, you should only need a few mL.
Apply the solution to the leaves from top to bottom, front and back. Wet and drip each leaf well. It takes time, but it’s better to do it right the first time!
To make sure you are actually applying the neem oil solution to the leaves, re-wet the rag often after wiping each leaf top and bottom thoroughly with neem oil solution.
Let the plants drip dry before wiping away the solution. Once that’s done, you can bring your plants inside again.
3. Drenching your Fiddle Leaf Fig’s soil with Neem Oil
As you might imagine, the term “soil drench” refers to using neem oil in your water when you water your figs. By absorbing the neem oil mixture, the roots release azadirachtin, which pests consume.
When you have an active infestation, the foliar spray is your best option. Meanwhile, soil drenches can be used to prevent infestations as well as to kill fungus gnats.
For the soil drench, simply mix your neem oil mixture with the liquid soap, shake well, and then water your plants as usual.
You can also buy premixed and ready to use neem oil sprays. Certainly, these are more convenient than nothing, but they might not be effective as homemade remedies. So, we will see the easy steps to make homemade neem oil in the following section.
How to make neem oil spray at home?
Here is a quick and easy recipe for homemade neem oil
- Put a tablespoon or two of neem oil into a gallon of water and add a small amount of mild dish soap.
- Add the neem solution to the spray bottle, shake or stir to mix well, and spray on the plant.
In case you don’t need the entire gallon at once, you can also divide the recipe in half.
What is the best time to apply neem oil on a fig plant?
Early morning and late night is the best time to apply neem oil on fiddle leaf fig plants. It is advisable to avoid using it during the daytime as it can scorch the fig leaves.
How Often Should I Spray neem oil on the fiddle leaf fig plant?
If you are treating an active infestation, douse your fiddle every week. To prevent infestations, spray neem oil spray once a month or every few weeks.
Similarly, fungal diseases need to be treated. Once or twice a month after the infection is over, spray or wipe the leaves once or twice a month to prevent the fungus from returning.
Fiddle Leaf Fig Neem Oil Safety Tips
In general, neem oil is safe to use on plants like fiddle leaf figs. In comparison to chemical pesticides, it has natural properties that make them a safe alternative. However, there are a few safety things you should keep in mind. Such as:
- Neem oil can be harmful if consumed in high concentrations. Therefore, pets and children should be kept away from treated plants.
- Don’t use straight neem oil on your fiddle’s leaves. Neem oil can chemically burn your fiddle’s leaves quickly, especially if it gets direct sun.
- In hot weather, neem oil sprays should be avoided. This can cause leaf burn, as we mentioned earlier.
- After applying the solution, keep the leaves out of direct sunlight. Fiddle leaf figs are photosensitive when sprayed with neem oil.
- Immediately stop using neem oil on your plants if there are any adverse effects.
- Wear gloves when handling neem oil because it can cause slight irritation.
Few questions on neem oil fiddle leaf fig
Q1. Can I use neem oil on fiddle leaf fig?
Ans. Yes, you can use neem oil on fiddle leaf fig. However, do not apply it in the middle of the day. During that time, the sun is at its hottest and brightest, making your fiddle’s leaves more photosensitive and scorching them.
Q2. How do I get rid of bugs on my fiddle leaf fig?
Ans. You can use a spray bottle filled with neem oil to get rid of bugs. It is an organic insecticide that effortlessly controls aphids, mealybugs, and scale. Additionally, it can be drenched in the soil.
Q3. When should I use neem oil?
Ans. The best time to use neem oil is early in the morning or late at night. Use neem oil outside at night and avoid using it during the day, as it can cause the plants to burn if combined with direct sunlight.
Q4. Can I spray neem oil every day?
Ans. No, do not spray neem oil every day. Spray the neem oil solution once a week or every few weeks. Also, don’t spray it on stressed or young plants. Additionally, you can use neem oil to kill fungi and insects in the soil.
Q5. How quickly does neem oil work?
Ans. It takes time for neem oil to work. Two days or more might pass before you see fewer live insects. To completely get rid of your target pests, reapply your neem product every three or four days.
Conclusion
As mentioned in the article, neem oil is perfectly safe when applied correctly. If there are pests on your fiddle leaf fig, you can apply neem oil. Additionally, neem oil can help prevent bugs on your fiddle leaf fig plant if you apply it to the leaves.
One thing to keep in mind is not to use neem oil during the midday. During that time, direct sunlight can scorch the leaves of your plants. So, it is recommended to apply neem oil in the morning or evening.
In terms of how often to use it, it depends on the reason. If you have active pest infestations, apply neem oil once a week. Once a month will do if you are preventing insects or keeping leaves clean.
Lastly, before you use neem oil, please read our safety tips to avoid any harm to you or your plants.
If you have any other questions about neem oil fiddle leaf fig, feel free to leave a comment below. Don’t forget to share this article.
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