Essential Oils and Your Indoor Plants
Did you know that some of the same essential oils people rely on to enhance their well-being also benefit plants? Lemongrass, cedar, peppermint, rosemary, and other oils can give your plants a much-needed boost to thrive.
From helping deter pest infestations to breaking down fungus, essential oils provide vital benefits for indoor plants.
The Benefits of Essential Oils for Indoor Plants
Different oils help plants in different ways. Some are effective against pests like ants, ticks, flies, slugs, and mosquitoes, while others can stop cats from using your plant pots as a litter box.
One common issue with indoor plants is fungal growth. Essential oils, such as tea tree oil, help with that. If you have plants that seem to be struggling to grow, essential oils can provide just the right type and amount of support to energize them. Oils like geranium can promote leaf health, helping them look rich, shiny, and deep in color.
Top Three Natural Oils for Plants
Plants can fall victim to diseases, especially those brought on by pests. Essential oils can deter a variety of invaders and the illnesses that might come with them. Following are some of the best essential oils for plants and why they’re beneficial.
Rosemary Oil
If you take your plants outdoors every so often, rosemary oil will attract pollinators while repelling flies, ticks, and mosquitoes. It will also neutralize insect larvae and keep the neighborhood cat from giving the plant its own little “sprinkle.”
Lemongrass Oil
Lemongrass oil is an ingredient in citronella, which is considered to be one of the best natural pest repellants. It works especially well against spiders, fleas, mosquitoes, gnats, ants, mealybugs, and ticks. Lemongrass oil is also fantastic for encouraging plant growth and health.
Cedar Oil
An excellent option for a natural bug repellant, cedar oil protects against mollusks, moths, slugs, lice, and aphids. It’s not just the smell that repels these harmful pests; cedar oil blocks the octopamine neurotransmitters in the little invaders, disrupting their behavior, movement, and heart function.
How to Use Essential Oils for Indoor Plants
Essential oils are highly concentrated. You’ll need to pour them into a spray bottle (preferably glass) and dilute them with water. Store your oils in a cool, dark place.
Whether you purchase oils online or at a brick-and-mortar store or online, always read the instructions on the bottle. Usually, a light mist every few days with the diluted solution is all you need.
Alternatively, some people dip the end of a popsicle stick into their oil of choice and insert it into the soil near the plant. You can also use a diffuser near your plants to administer essential oils.
Caring for Indoor Plants with Essential Oils
Essential oils can improve the health, defense, and even appearance of indoor plants. There are many to choose from. In addition to those mentioned above, use melaleuca and clove oil for fungal growth, sage oil for pests, and lavender or eucalyptus oil for bug control.
For more tips and information about caring for your indoor plants, visit Plants on Broadway.