How To Use Diatomaceous Earth On Houseplants

Diatomaceous earth is great for houseplants including all cactus succulents.

How to use diatomaceous earth on houseplants. For starters you will want to locate the area s in your yard where the infestation is most apparent. Try applying after a morning dew or light rain. Using a dust applicator approved for such use spread your de powder on the affected houseplant. Water the plants thoroughly using a solution of water and three percent hydrogen peroxide. There are several ways to use diatomaceous earth and these are all dependent upon what and where you will use it.

You need to mix about 10 15 diatomaceous earth to the potting soil when using an outdoor pot. Mix the two at a ratio of four tablespoons of de per gallon of water and apply in a thick coat to tough spots like the tops and undersides of your plants. This video talks about using diatomaceous earth for houseplants to kill fungus gnats. Here is how we recommend that you utilize it in your yard or garden. Spider mites the bane of most plant lover s lives lay their eggs on the undersides of leaves so diatomaceous earth is unlikely to be effective against them.

If you re having trouble applying the diatomaceous earth powder consider using a parmesan cheese container as a shaker. Hydrogen peroxide is a natural substance that will help kill bugs and release oxygen into the soil. Many gardening experts actually recommend applying diatomaceous earth when your plants are a little bit wet however as the moisture helps the dust stick to the foliage. Use this paste to scrub away any offending stains or black spots and be sure to rinse clean. Dust your potted plants with diatomaceous earth to keep the topsoil dry and desiccate any larvae or gnats that land on the plant.

Using diatomaceous earth in the garden. If you have problems with gnats flies roaches or silverfish diatomaceous earth will definitely help but spider mites thrips scale and aphids are unlikely to be affected. The video describes several methods to apply the de to the top layer of soil. You can create a lovely smelling paste using a bit of diatomaceous earth lemon juice water and a dash of your dish soap. On the day you water your plant add some more crawling insect control diatomaceous earth to the soil again.

One of the easiest ways to apply diatomaceous earth on houseplants is through dusting. Try using some diatomaceous earth to help stainless steel shine. The oxygen will promote healthy root growth. One thing to remember when applying de via dusting is that you have to keep your masks on to keep the powder from entering through your nose and may cause irritation or shortness of breath. If you need to apply diatomaceous earth to areas where dry de won t stick the wet application method is a great option.