Whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned plant parent, it’s fair to say that when it comes to keeping our green friends thriving, sometimes we need a little extra help. Fortunately that help needn’t come in the form of chemicals or synthetic concotions. While essential oils won’t give your plants any direct nutritional benefit, they are a great insecticide, they can help prevent fungus growth and ward off harmful vermin.
Of course, many additional factors play a role in long, happy relationships with your leafy companions - light, water, humidity and more. Above all, be sure to study up on the specific needs and challenges facing the species in your space. And turn to these trusted essential oil recipes to support your indoor green efforts!
misting
Some leafier and tropical plants often need a little more attention than other varieties. Weekly misting (between waterings) with an essential oil based plant mist goes a long way.
Bugs are deterred by Peppermint and Citronella, while cats don't like Citrus (if fur babies rule your domain, you may want to prevent them from chewing on your plants).
Once you've chosen your essential oils:
- add the oils and some distilled water to a glass spray bottle; mist your plants about once a week
- make sure the essential oils you're using are completely pure- if they contain even a trace of synthetics, this could damage your plants
- avoid mineral water in your mists – plants don't need added minerals because they're getting the minerals they need from their soil and from waterings. If you're misting their leaves, mineral water could leave spots.
- be sure to use a glass or aluminium spray bottle- pure essential oils will erode synthetic materials (this is a good thing, they're doing their job); but you don't want to be spraying traces of plastic onto your beautiful plants.
recipes
Buzz Off
natural bug spray
All natural pesticide spray effective in repelling plant pests like aphids, flies and beetles
-16 oz spray bottle
-10 drops each Rosemary, Clove, Peppermint & Orange oil
-Cap of Thieves Concentrate
-Fill the rest with distilled water
-Spray directly on soil and plant until pests are gone
Shine On
natural leaf conditioner
Use your everyday natural essential household cleaner to clean your plants
-16 oz spray bottle
-One cap of Thieves Concentrate
-Fill the rest with water
-Spray directly on leaves to remove dust
Get Growing
natural growth support
Each of these oils can encourage plant growth, especially in the early stages
-16 oz spray bottle
-10 drops of LEMONGRASS, GERANIUM and FRANKINCENSE
-Fill the rest of the bottle with distilled water
-Give it a really good shake and spray around the base and roots plants
Purify
natural soil enhancer
Citrus Fresh is an amazing air purifier and it can help purify your soil too
Add a drop of Citrus Fresh into the soil or into your watering can before you water
*Citrus oils are also great to keep those pest away, as is lavender and peppermint
Clean Green
natural plant wash
Sometimes our plants just need a soapy wash to deal with pesky bugs.
Add a few drops of Lemon oil into your toxic free dish soap to help the soap adhere to the leaves.
Let us know if you tried our recipe and what you think in the comments! We love to hear your feedback 💚
💾 Save this recipe to find it later ✨
DISCLAIMER: Make sure you are using the safest essential oils available to you. We use Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade. All information mentioned in this blog post has not been evaluated by Health Canada or the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. NOTE: The alcohol might overpower the scent of the essential oils. Adding more drops may not necessarily change this.
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