Need Neem Oil Recipe

[The Chosen One]

I'm looking for a good neem oil recipe for creating your own pest spray for my Phal orchids. My girlfriend is an aromatherapist and has access to straight neem oil, I just lack the knowledge to create my own spray. I've read other posts on the forum that suggest mixing with water and soap, but what kind of soap? Also, does anyone have any idea on proportions to use.

I've found one reicpe online but am hesitant to use without someone having some real world experience. I've pasted it below.

One recipe for a 1.5 liter spray bottle is to mix a 50:50 solution of isopropyl and water, with a few drops of liquid soap to act as a spreader, and 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of neem oil.

I've heard that alcohol can often cause your orchids to cool too quickly because of the evaporative quality of the alcohol, which is bad. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[Daniel S. Barrett]

I've never used Neem oil myself, but, I'd suggest going to Lowes first & reading the application label on a bottle of Neem oil there and see what is the suggested application, then go from there... trial on a single leaf first is always better than a whole plant.. good luck!

[Cynthia, Prescott, AZ]

Don't know why they are using alcohol. I would skip the alcohol, as this has given a few orchids a problem with chilling from the rapid evaporation. I was also told once that it should not be sprayed on the roots, however, there are a lot of old wives tales out there, so don't know if there is a direct problem on the roots, or just the chilling being a problem, or no problem at all. Probably just all water will work in the recipe.

[Aniko]

I have a concentrate of neem oil 70% (30% inert ingredients)from Schultz.
The mixing instructions on the label say: mix at the rate of 2 tablespoons/gallon of water, and frequently mix solution as you spray all plant surfaces until completely wet - I would add the warning: except flowers!
Aniko.

[The Chosen One]

I ended up mixing a 4 oz. batch of homemade spray. I went with 3 oz. water and 1 oz. alcohol, 2 drops of a Tea Tree Oil based dish soap (very mild), and 3 drops of Neem Oil. I was a little scared of the alcohol content myself so I dummied it down from the original recipe I discovered.

I've given them one spraying and I have not seen any adverse effects. I went for the leaves and the potting medium. Some of my Phals have airborne roots and its tough for me not to get a residual spray on them but I haven't seen any problems with the roots either. As for the bug content I think its a little early to tell. It appears to have helped but I know it will take several applications. I'll report back after my next watering and bug spray application, with an update.

[Daniel S. Barrett]

Here's a tip i've used when I discover a severe infestation of scale or mealy bugs on a NON-Flowering plant. To make sure I kill all of the hiding bugs, their eggs & larva,
I completely submerse the affected plant in water to which I've added a squirt of dish detergent & 1 oz of Listerine mouthwash per gallon of water, (first secour the potting mix so it doesn't float out of the pot!) & let the plant stay completely submerged for 2-3 hours, you'll find the bugs that don't drown will come out of hiding from the plants folds & creveses as the plant's leaves dry. usually within 24 hours. these bugs I cover with hand sanitizer gel applied by Qtip if just a few bugs, or spray with Listerine mouthwash if alot of bugs (either seems to work better than plain rubbing alcohol). As a bonus!, it cures your plants of bad breath & leave them with a squeeky clean smile! (repeat in one week if any more bugs are evident)

[Cynthia, Prescott, AZ]

Be aware that there are 2 different forms of neem oil. There is a hydrophylic extract of neem, and there is pure neem oil. Most of what is available at nurseries and home centers is the hydrophylic extract. So, if you have pure neem and you need a recipe, you will have to make sure it is the right recipe for the right type of neem. I have never used pure neem oil, so I can't comment on the effects, but I have read that the hydrophylic extract has had a lot of its pesticide components removed.

[The Chosen One]

Sweet! I always wanted to know how to handle those pesky orchids that don't brush properly. Seriously though, thanks for the tip. If I get gung ho on these bugs, I may end up trying this out.

Unless the label has been lying to me, I have been using Pure Neem Oil. The spray recipe I formulated seems to be getting fair results. I'm on my third treatment (I have been spraying about 5-6 days apart) and I have seen a definite reduction in the amount of pests in my Phals. It has by no means got rid of them all, but there has been a noticeable improvement. I know Cynthia expressed some concern on spraying the roots, however in a accidental spraying incident I nailed a fat airborne root dead on. I was a little nervous, but after about 36 hrs. the root seems to be fine. I will keep a close eye on it though.

[The Chosen One]

Sorry about delay in posting an update. This recipe has seemed to work well for me. I've had very good results. I treated for about 5 weeks with about a 5-6 day interval in treatments. It pretty much eliminated them. If anyone out there gives this recipe a try, please let me know your results.

You might consider increasing the amount of neem by a few more drops. The mix might work quicker.

[The Chosen One]

Thanks. I'll give it a shot on the next batch.

[OttPam]

Hi all;
First post (will certainly post in the Intros as well). This post on Neem oil interests me as I bought pure Neem oil at a local Orchid Society meeting (attended as a guest and am now hooked!). They told me that I needed to keep the Neem oil refrigerated which I have been doing and gave me a similar recipe (water, few drops of liquid soap). Does anyone know if it has a 'shelf life' if refrigerated? I used it last night when I discovered some nasty mealy bugs on the flower bud of one of my phals.

Thanks
Pam

[nertel]

Just a quick note to those of us that live in the south. You should not use neem oil on any of your orchids when it is to hot or sunny or you will do more damage than good. I think the advice is only when it is under 80 degrees and you should protect your plants from the light after you use it. Some of the experts can probably be more specific! Good Luck!

[The Chosen One]

I keep my oil refrigirated as well. I do not know the shelf life. If you find out though please let me know. I made a new batch with this recipe doubling the amount of neem and just used it for a treatment. Seemed fine. Luckily, as I have been using Neem its been in the winter and cool so I haven't had to move around the plants much to avoid sun. When spring gets into full swing...its a whole new ball game.