Proper Use of Neem Oil?

[New Orchid Lover]

I have been reading quite a bit about neem oil, but I have not found
anyone explaining the proper way to use it. Do i rub it on the leaves, mix it with water and spray, spray straight?
Anyone experienced with this?

[pikespeak62]

I mix with water and a little gentle soap (directions on bottle for mixing)
I spray about 3 times....about 5 days apart.

[atcrosby]

The proper way is to mix it with water and use a little soap (dove) to keep the oil and water emulsified. You spray it on the leaves (preferably outside) but be sure not to let them sit in the sun for a couple of days afterwards. The oil has the same effect as tanning lotion on your skin and amplifies the sun.

Neem is a natural product and seems to drive everything away. You can use it monthly or weekly as a preventative. Here's an interesting article you may find helpful:

Wikipedia Article on Neem Oil

Plant Care.com

Neem Oil

[janet_a]

you can also buy it premixed in a soap concoction in a spray bottle; i forget the brand name but the bottle is aqua green.

i use it on everything (i have a bunch of amaryllii of various ages); it appears to make the hibiscuses tasty to squirrels though, so use with caution.

but-- anyone know if it's safe to use on thin leaved oncs and phrags?

[Cynthia, Prescott, AZ]

Haven't had any problem with oncidiums, but have had problems with very thin leaved plants like Cochleathes, Pescatoria, and maybe Promenea, and an Aerides vandarum (not thin leaved). But, I have so very many different genera, this is actually a very small percentage of my collection having problems. No problem with my Phrags. Cynthia

[janet_a]

thx. i sprayed everything in the collection (except the l. discolor) with it yesterday, and so far so good. -fingers crossed-

[Cynthia, Prescott, AZ]

What is I (or L) in I. discolor? I think there are a lot of uses of the name discolor. Cynthia

[janet_a]

luidisa (sp?). jewel orchid. it's on another windowsill away from all but one of the rest of the plants so i tend not to spray it prophylactically. (the aphids on the gynura poop on it until i can get them off, but they don't seem interested in living on it. )

[Daniel S. Barrett]

the correct spelling is Ludisia Discolor, & pronounced:
"Loo-DIS- ia"
Does anyone have any cutting to share?

[Daniel S. Barrett]

i'm also looking for cuttings of the "alba" (or green variety)

[maninair]

Hi
I have seen some snails on my orchids. Can I use neem oil succesfully?

Mani

[kmarch]

The "D" in Ludisia discolor should not be capitalized as this orchid is a species and with species orchids the species name (or more correctly the specific name) is not capitalized.

[Cynthia, Prescott, AZ]

Neem will not harm snails or slugs. Try the dishes of stale beer. The only caviat is that the dishes have to be big/deep enough for the size of your snails/slugs.

[maninair]

thanks for your reply. I will try beer .
Mani

[morphiii]

I got this new fungicide with 99% neem oil. I am just wondering if I need to spray the roots as well?


Please help.

[Cynthia, Prescott, AZ]

Don't use neem oil as a fungicide. You will get fungal infections from it. It is fine as a fungicide for roses or other garden plants, but not for orchids. Use it for mites and other bugs. Don't use it on Paphs, or terrete leaved orchids like Aerides vandarum, or very thin leaved orchids like Cochleathes, Pescatoria, and maybe Promenea,