The Best Neem Oil for Plants + How to use it!

In this article, the best neem oil for plants, I’m sharing everything I know about neem oil, how to use neem oil on your houseplants and in your garden and what the best neem oil for plants available today!

At last count, I’ve got over 40 plant babies at my house. You could say I’m a bit of a crazy plant lady, but that’s ok. Plants make me happy.

And over the years, I’ve learned a lot about how to care for houseplants.

Alright! Without further ado, let’s get this party started.

This post may contain affiliate links. Read disclosure here

The Best Neem Oil for Plants + Gardens too!

What is Neem Oil?

Neem oil is a natural pesticide found in neem seeds from the Azadirachta indica or the neem tree.

Neem oil is made from the seeds of the neem tree and has been used for hundreds of years as a natural pesticide.

The active ingredient in neem seed oil is azadirachtin, which repels and kills pests and treats disease in both houseplants, and garden plants, and in the vegetable garden as well.

Neem Oil Controls Insects and Fungal Diseases

Neem oil is used to control both insect and fungal diseases in plants.

Neem oil is the most effective way to treat insects and fungal infections without chemical pesticides. It is the preferred method of insect control for plant lovers and organic gardeners.

Using Neem Oil to Treat Insects in Plants

Neem oil is an effective insecticide and natural insecticide that eliminates over 200 kinds of insect pests!

Some of the most common indoor and garden pests include:

• Fungus gnats
• Aphids
• Spider Mites
• Japanese beetles
• Moth larvae
• Scale insects
• Leaf hoppers
• Whiteflies
• Caterpillars
• Mites
• Mealybugs
• Thrips

How Does Neem Oil work to Kill Insects?

Neem oil work by reducing insect feeding while acting as a repellent.

The oil also interferes with insect systems, making it harder for insects to feed, grow and lay eggs.

Azadirachtin can also repel and reduce the feeding of nematodes. Other components of neem oil kill insects by hindering their ability to feed. (source)

Related Article: The Best Way to Kill Fungus gnats!

Neem Oil is Safe for Beneficial Insects or Good Bugs.

Does neem oil harm beneficial insects?

In a word, no.

Neem oil does not harm birds or good bugs and soil-loving creatures, such as bees, butterflies, lady bugs, and earthworms.

Treating Plant Diseases With Neem Oil

Neem oil spray is also used as a fungicide to treat black spots, mildew, leaf spot, scab, anthracnose, blight, and botrytis.

Black spot– Black spot is the blemish that results from a bacterial or fungal infection that can grow on any plant,

Powdery Mildew- Powdery mildew is a fungal disease of foliage.

Leaf spot-Leaf spot is a common fungal or bacterial infection that plagues houseplants. It causes unwanted brown spotting that can spread from leaf to leaf or plant. (source)

Scab-Scab is a fungal disease that disfigures plants with scab-like wounds. 

Anthracnose–  Anthracnose is caused by fungi Colletrotrichum and Gloeosporium, turning leaves yellow, tan, and dark brown. The browning may extend completely around the leaf until the leaf dies.

Botrytis-Botrytis blight, also known as gray mold, is one of the most common houseplant diseases. It’s a fungal disease that is a serious issue as it kills the infected plants quickly.

What Plants can be treated with Neem Oil?

Neem oil is safe for all plants, from houseplants to outdoor plants, vegetables, and herbs.

How to Use Neem Oil on Plants:

There are three ways to use neem oil on plants. You can spray the plants with neem oil, use neem cakes in the plant’s soil, can do a neem oil soak.

• Neem Oil Spray
• Neem cake
• Neem oil soak

Neem Foliar Spray

The most popular way to apply neem oil is through a foliar spray.

Neem oil sprays can be used to combat pests, as well as serve as a leaf shine.

Foliar sprays use clarified hydrophobic neem oil or cold-pressed neem oil. And can be purchased ready to use, or you can make a neem oil solution using concentrated neem oil, water, and dawn dish soap (see recipe below)

It’s the best time to spray plants in the morning or evening, avoiding the middle of the day.

To use Outdoors, you should avoid direct sunlight spraying the plant in the early morning or dusk.

Neem cakes

One of the most beneficial sources of neem oil is neem cakes.

Neem cakes consist of the solids left over from extracting raw neem oil, neem cakes contain a small amount of Azadirachtin-rich oil, as well as many nutrients.

These cakes are a natural compost fertilizer for plants are an effective preventive measure and treatment against grubs and insects which like to burrow into the soil around the plant.

In addition, neem cakes can help prevent fungal infections such as root rot and can be used to help plants recover from these infections.

Neem OIl Soil Soak

Soil soaks, sometimes called soil drenches are perhaps the best treatment method using neem oil. The neem soaks into the soil, where plants absorb it through their roots.

Once inside the plant, the neem oil works as a systemic insecticide.

Soil soaks are one of the best ways to treat pest infestations and the most effective treatment in the long run because the neem oil fights off bacteria, fungi, and insects.

Purchasing The Best Neem Oil for Plants

Before you shop for the best neem oil for plants, let’s go over a few things you should know.

When purchasing neem oil insecticide, there are three kinds of neem products available.

You can either buy ready-to-use sprays, neem oil concentrate, and neem cakes.

Whether you want neem oil spray, concentrate, or neem cakes, if you want the best neem oil for plants available, you will want to be on the lookout for organic products that have been cold-pressed.

Premixed, ready-to-use spray neem oil

Using pre-mixed, ready-to-use neem oil spray is the easiest way to get started using neem oil and is the best bet if you’ve only got a handful of houseplants.

Spray the leaves (top and bottom) thoroughly and the plant’s soil. Repeat every two days for up to two weeks until you no longer see active insects.

Concentrate Neem Oil Extract

When buying concentrated pure neem oil, choose the cold-pressed for the best results. Nutrients are lost during the hot pressing process.

Neem Oil Spay Recipe Using Concentrate:

• 100% Cold-pressed Neem Oil
• Spray bottle
• Warm water
• Dish soap

Homemade Neem Oil Instructions:

1. Fill your spray bottle with warm water.
2. Add 1/2 teaspoon of Neem Oil.
3. Add a few drops of dish soap (3-4 drops).
4. Put the lid on your spray bottle and shake it well. (will need to shake at each use)

Instructions for using neem oil mixture Spray:

Spray neem oil insecticidal soap solution on the entire plant, completely saturating plant leaves and soil.

Spray the leaves (top and bottom) thoroughly and the plant’s soil. Repeat every two days for up to two weeks until you no longer see active insects.

How to use Neem Oil cakes

To use, take a neem cake and break it up into the soil of your houseplant.

Be sure to follow any instructions to avoid overfertilizing your plants.

How to do a neem oil soak

Neem Oil Soil Drench Recipe

Neem soil soaks are quick and easy to make, requiring only three ingredients.

-Add one teaspoon of Dawn dish soap or pure castile soap to room temperature or lukewarm water.

-1 teaspoon of neem oil to a quart or 2 tablespoons to a gallon of warm water.

Remember to only make as much as you need since the mixture will go bad after only a few days.

Applying Neem Soil Soak

Pour 2 to 3 cups of your neem soil drench around the roots of each plant.

Repeat every two weeks to combat an existing infestation.

The Best Neem Oil for Plants

FAQs: Using Neem Oil for Houseplants and Gardens

Q: What is neem oil, and why does it benefit houseplants?

Neem oil is a natural extract derived from the neem tree. It’s beneficial for houseplants due to its antifungal, antibacterial, and insecticidal properties. Neem oil helps control pests, prevent diseases, and promote overall plant health.

Q: How should I apply neem oil to my houseplants?

I always dilute neem oil according to the product instructions and apply it using a spray bottle.

Ensure thorough coverage, including the undersides of leaves. Apply neem oil in the early morning or late evening to avoid sunburn on treated plants.

Q: Can neem oil be used as a preventive measure for houseplant pests?

Yes, neem oil is effective as a preventive measure. Regular applications create a protective barrier against pests and diseases.

I like to apply neem oil every 2-4 weeks, especially during the growing season, helps keep houseplants healthy.

Q: Are there different types or formulations of neem oil for houseplants?

Yes, neem oil comes in various formulations, including concentrated oils, ready-to-use sprays, and mixes with additional ingredients. Choose a formulation based on your preference and the specific needs of your houseplants.

Q: Can neem oil be used on all types of houseplants?

Neem oil, including flowers, herbs, and vegetables, is generally safe for most houseplants.

However, I would avoid using neem oil on plants sensitive to oil-based treatments, such as ferns and some succulents.

Conclusion: The Best Neem Oil for Plants

In conclusion, the best neem oil for plants is the one that will target the specific insects and diseases you are having problems with.

Read the label carefully to find the right one for your needs.

I’d love to hear from you in the comments below about what issues you are having with your plants and which neem oil products have worked well for you.

As always, thanks for stopping by. I look forward to seeing you again soon!

XO, Christine