With people being stuck in their homes, being a plantito or a plantita is the new trend. And why not? Taking care of plants can be therapeutic. It's also a good distraction from the outside world. However, this could quickly change because of the presence of pests. In this case, pesticides are needed to control and stop the damage to our plants.
Buying a pesticide can be overwhelming, with so many kinds to choose from. So we've prepared this article to help you out! If you want to know more about the kinds of pesticides available, the tips for knowing the right pesticide for your house plants, our top 10 recommendations, then scroll down below.
Quick List - Top Plant Pesticides
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Table of Contents
Pesticides are substances that can kill, prevent or control the pests in our plants. They are used to reduce damages brought about by insects, weeds, and the like. Although there are homemade options, the ones formulated to particularly target a specific problem are the most effective.
Every plant parent knows that taking care of their plant babies is not always easy. Whenever pests appear and cause harm to our plants, using pesticides is the easiest and fastest way to help control them.
With so many options to choose from, buying a pesticide suitable for your plant's needs can be confusing. Below are some things you should consider when buying a pesticide.
To know which pesticide is the best for your plant, you have to know the root of the problem. So the first thing to do is to know what kind of pest you're dealing with. This could be a weed, an insect, or other organisms.
However, take note that having plants that look bad or have little holes doesn't necessarily mean there are pests. Some insects that munch on your leaves could end up being beneficial for pest control.
If you think that pests are causing problems to your plant, you will surely see evidence of it. There could be holes on the leaf, or sometimes the leaf would look like a leaf skeleton. Some insects can leave shells or skins around. Examine your plant to help you identify the pest causing problems to your plants.
Pesticides can come in different forms. They could come in dust, granules, aerosols powders, and liquids. Ultimately, it's up to you to determine what formulation would get rid of the pests in your plant.
Dust pesticides are commonly used for outdoor plants and are a good option if you would like to do spot treatment. It is sprayed using a duster or simply shaken from the packaging. The dust creates a lethal dry particle residue on the surface of the plant that can repel pests.
However, you should only use it outside when the air is calm. You should also have the proper equipment like masks, protective suits, and gloves to keep yourself safe.
Granules are dry and powder-like particles that are the best for soil treatment. It is said to be a better option than dust pesticides because it is safer to apply. Pesticides in granule form should be sprinkled on the topsoil and then sprayed with water.
The root then absorbs it and distributes the pesticidal properties to the whole plant to drive away pests. Granular pesticides can also last longer because they slowly release the active ingredient every time they're watered. The protection they offer can last up to 3 months.
An aerosol is a self-contained system that stores the substance in a metal canister. Solid or liquid particles are suspended in gas that can easily be dispensed in one press. Compared to other formulations, aerosols don't produce that much chemical waste because every spray delivers a controlled amount of pesticide.
Aerosol formulations are typically used indoors because their particles and residue are easily dispersed. However, it is best if you will use a mask when using it to prevent any accidental inhalation of the product.
Pesticides in powder form are almost like dust. However, powder pesticides are formulated to be mixed in water for an easy and safe application. The powder that is made doesn't dissolve and only makes use of the water as a way to spread it.
Once sprayed, the powder particles will remain intact and can stick to an insect, thereby killing it. The concentration is higher because it is delivered to the plant as a whole instead of as broken-down particles.
Liquid pesticides are the most common form of pesticides. These are solutions formulated to be sprayed on your plants. Liquid pesticides can also be used for spot treatments so that you are only applying pesticide where it is needed.
Because pesticides are known for being toxic to the environment, people developed organic pesticides. The ingredients for these come from natural sources, and as a result, can be a better option for you. However, these organic pesticides can still be toxic if accidentally ingested, so always be vigilant and store them properly.
The most popular natural oil that is being used is neem oil. This is an oil made from the extracts of the seeds of a neem tree. The extract contains azadirachtin, a compound that is good at controlling insect growth.
Essential oils like peppermint, rosemary, lemongrass, clove are also being formulated into pesticides because of their fragrance. Pests hate these overwhelming smells, and these drive them away.
Insecticidal soap is also a safe and effective pesticide option. It is inexpensive and leaves little residue. Like oils, it does not harm beneficial insects. Soaps break down the protective skin around the pest, causing them to die. This is the reason why homemade pesticides often include soap as an ingredient.
Insecticidal soaps are better applied in the early morning or later in the day when the sun won't dry out the mixture too quickly. You would need to dilute the soap in water to make it less aggressive. However, some plants may be sensitive to insecticidal soap, so it is better to try this in small areas first before spraying down your whole plant.
Reading the label and understanding the purpose of your pesticide can save you a lot of time. It tells you if the pesticide you want is suitable for your intended use.
The label would give you directions on how to use the product safely. Pesticide labels would also tell you how toxic the product is. They give tips on the proper storage and disposal of the product. Most importantly, they tell you what to do in case of accidents.
Knowing the specific properties of the pesticide you're about to buy means that you are targeting the pests and not your plant. It's important to remember that using the wrong pesticides can also damage your plants. Reading the label allows you to maximize the use of your pesticide.
If you read the label, you would notice the list of active ingredients. Knowing the basic properties of these chemicals can help you identify the best pesticide you can buy for your pest problem. Read on for a rundown of the most common active ingredients you can find in pesticides.
Citronella is probably the ingredient you're familiar with the most. Oil of citronella is extracted from the stems of some varieties of cymbopogon grass. It is a substance commonly used in a lot of bug sprays and insect repellants that we apply on our skin.
In pesticides, citronella does the same thing for plants as it does for us. Oil of citronella works best as a repellant. Instead of killing pests, it works by masking the scent of the plant and making it unattractive to insects.
Boric Acid is another common ingredient that can be found in nature. As a pesticide, it can control a variety of pests like insects, mites, molds, fungi, and weeds. When insects ingest boric acid, it affects their nervous system, causing death. Boric acid can also dry out unwanted weeds and plants.
Glyphosate is a herbicide made for destroying unwanted plants and weeds. It stops plants from producing the enzymes they need to grow. You should buy a pesticide with glyphosate if you have unwanted weed problems in your house plants.
Like glyphosate, 2,4-D is a herbicide. Its purpose is to effectively kill weeds but not grass or other plants. However, this chemical is very toxic, so you must be more careful when you buy a pesticide with 2,4-D as an active ingredient.
Malathion is an insecticide specifically used as an active ingredient that focuses on damaging an insect's nervous system. It disrupts the constant nerve signals that insects make and renders them unable to move or breathe properly, eventually leading to death.
This chemical may be found in products of various forms such as liquids, dust, emulsions, or wettable powders. It is typically used outdoors for agricultural purposes. Aside from this, malathion can often be found in products that are made to target lice, fleas, ticks, and ants.
Another herbicide, atrazine works by interrupting photosynthesis to prevent the growth of weeds and unwanted plants. Older leaves will dry and die faster than new ones. It is used in residential lawns and yards to maintain healthy grass. Its main purpose is to control weeds before they become a noticeable problem.
Safety is always a priority. With pesticides being used on house plants, there is a bigger chance of contamination in your surroundings. That's why even if it is tedious to check if your pesticide meets regulations, it is still necessary to do so to prevent harmful effects on your health.
Most of the available pesticides in the market are approved by the FDA. However, it's still better to check before buying. The FDA has a dedicated database for verifying registered products. You can check it here.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Vast Demolition X 480 SL Herbicide | ![]() | Get Rid of Weeds Quickly | |
2 | The Urban Gardening Shop Castile Soap for Gardening Use | ![]() | A Non-Toxic and Eco-Friendly Solution | |
3 | Pottedhome Ready To Use Neem Oil | ![]() | A Convenient Way to Use Neem Oil | |
4 | Stanes Nimbecidine | ![]() | A Concentrated Pesticide That You Can Dilute | |
5 | Masitera Neem Gold | ![]() | A 3-in-1 Organic Mixture for a Healthier Plant | |
6 | Masitera Dithane M-45 Fungicide | ![]() | A Powerful Cure for Fungal Spores | |
7 | The Urban Gardening Shop 2-in-1 Plant Shampoo | ![]() | Clean Your Plant as You Shoo Away the Pests | |
8 | Masitera Furadan 3G | ![]() | Long-Lasting Way to Maintain Plant Health | |
9 | The Urban Gardening Shop Lacto EM+ Plus | ![]() | A Biodegradable and Earth-Friendly Solution for Pests | |
10 | Plant Guard Diatomaceous Earth Powder (D.E. Powder) | ![]() | Natural Powder That Dehydrates Pests |
This product is every bit as powerful as its name suggests. Vast's Demolition X Herbicide is a water-soluble solution that kills unwanted weeds after they emerge. Your plant wouldn't be affected because it only targets weeds and unwanted plants.
The directions for usage say that 200-250 ml of Demolition X needs to be diluted with 16L of water. So if you are using this at home, a few drops of this product are enough for 1L of water. And since it's long-lasting, you can spray your plants or garden with this herbicide only once or twice a year.
We recommend this for people with gardens who want a fast-acting solution for weeds. Many users rave about how it only takes a few days for the weeds to turn brown after applying this product.
The Urban Gardening Liquid Castile Soap is a non-toxic way of effectively managing pests. It kills aphids, mealy bugs, scales, ants and spider mites. The product can also prevent the growth of fungus that could be present in the soil.
To make the mixture, you need to combine 1L of water with 1 tablespoon of castile soap. To make it more effective, you can also add a teaspoon of neem oil before you spray it to your plants.
This product is highly recommended because of its low toxicity. You can also use this as a handwashing soap after gardening and as a disinfectant for your gardening tools.
Normally, neem oil comes in concentrated doses, and you would have to make a diluted solution yourself. Pottedhome's Ready-to-use Neem Oil is already formulated so that you no longer have to do that.
This spray should be applied once you see signs of pests to prevent further damage. The spray also covers a broad surface when used, so it can easily target insects like spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies.
This product is perfect for those who like organic and safe sprays to deal with pests. It comes in a spray bottle that makes application easier. As with the other pesticides, make sure to test this on a small section first before use.
Stanes' Nimbecidine is made of 90.5% neem oil. It's an emulsifiable concentrate that you can mix and dilute with water before use. A small dose of 5ml of Nimbecidine is enough for 1L of water.
If you want to mix this with other pesticides, you would need to lower the concentration. It's also better if you can finish the whole liter at once because the oil would separate from the water if stored for a long time.
We highly suggest this product for people who like customizing their pesticides. Every plant has its own sensitivity, and in making your own solution, you can control the pesticide strength for your plant's specific needs.
Masitera's Neem Gold is a powdered combination of a pesticide, fertilizer, and fungicide. The organic powdered product is formulated by cold pressing neem tree fruits, kernels, and neem oil.
The neem gold powder is made to be sprinkled on the top layer of the soil. The roots absorb the properties of the product and distribute it to the whole plant. By using this, you are not just driving away pests from your plant; you are also nourishing it.
Because it's a unique 3-in-1 product, this is very much recommended for the plantitas and plantitos who don't want to compromise their plant's health. However, since this product is a mix of pesticide and fertilizer, its pesticidal properties wouldn't be as strong as those of pure pesticides.
Dithane M-45 is a broad-spectrum powder fungicide that targets entire groups or species of harmful organisms. Its active ingredient, mancozeb, prevents fungi activity from forming. This is a highly recommended product if your plant is already showing evidence of diseases like blight, leaf spots, rusts, and scabs.
The product is highly soluble and should be sprayed directly on the infected leaf once diluted with water. A 15-gram pack is enough for 5 liters of water. For maximum performance, you should finish the solution 8-12 hours after you mix it.
Urban Gardening Shop's 2-in-1 Plant Shampoo cleans and protects plants. This mild organic mixture is formulated to clean the dust, oils, and residues accumulated on the plant. At the same time, it has additional pesticidal properties.
This product is not intended for direct application straight out of the bottle. Make sure that you combine one capful of this shampoo with 1 liter of water. Once the mixture is thoroughly incorporated, you can use it to spray your plant every 2 weeks.
We recommend this to plant lovers who like cleaning and maintaining their plants. Your plants would be thriving and healthy after you use this product!
Furadan 3g is a pesticide that contains Carbofuran and 3G. The granular pesticide is a combination of an insecticide and 3G, an organic mixture of ginger, garlic, and green chilies.
After sprinkling the granules on the top layer of the soil, you need to spray it with water to activate its properties. And every time you water your plant, the granules break down even further to help your plant repel pests. You only need to apply this once every 3 months.
This is the best option if you're looking for longevity in a pesticide. However, be careful because this product is very toxic. Make sure to use gloves and keep it away from animals and children.
Lacto EM+ Plus is an organic pesticide targeted at soft-bodied insects. Its natural ingredients, namely garlic and Madre de cacao, are formulated to kill and repel pests. This is highly recommended for plant lovers who prefer an organic and non-toxic solution to their pest problems.
Mix 2 capfuls of the product with 500 ml water before spraying it on the infected leaves of your plant. You can also use this to water your pest-infested plants.
Aside from being an earth-friendly and biodegradable pesticide, Lacto EM+ Plus is also good for beneficial micro-organisms. The product only prevents harmful pathogens from destroying the soil or the plant.
Diatomaceous earth powder is a pesticide that works by dehydrating pests and unwanted insects. It is also a soil amendment which means that it improves the soil's properties to absorb or drain water.
This product is a natural, non-toxic pesticide that is safe to use at home. It is a preventive measure rather than a solution. To use, you can sprinkle the powder on the leaves and on the topsoil. This powder can't be damp, so reapply if it does get wet.
However, being a non-toxic product means that it doesn't work instantly. If the pest problem is too severe, this powder might not work quickly enough to get rid of the problem, and you might need a stronger pesticide.
If you are a certified plantito and plantita, you've come to the right place. Check out below our other reviews of plants and essentials you can add to your collection!
Author: Angelica Sy
No. 1: Vast|Demolition X 480 SL Herbicide
No. 2: The Urban Gardening Shop|Castile Soap for Gardening Use
No. 3: Pottedhome|Ready To Use Neem Oil
No. 4: Stanes|Nimbecidine
No. 5: Masitera|Neem Gold
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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