10 Plants Not to Use Neem Oil On

Neem oil is a rich natural plant oil that can be used to combat pests and diseases on various plants. It also has pleasant odor, which makes it perfect for use in gardens or indoor house plants.

However, as with any other chemical product, there are some plants to avoid using neem oil on. Read on to find out more about the plants you should avoid using neem oil on.

What is neem oil?

Neem oil is a natural liquid extract from the neem tree. It has been used as a pesticide and insect repellent for centuries. Unfortunately, many pests have developed a resistance to neem oil over time, so it is not as effective as it used to be. However, neem oil is still a great product to use to maintain house plants and indoor gardens.

Plants to avoid using neem oil on

There are certain plants that should not be exposed to neem oil. These include:

– Avocado: Avoid using neem oil on avocado trees, as it can cause the plant to become stunted and produce poor quality fruit.

– Cacao Trees: Avoid using neem oil on cacao trees, as it can prevent the tree from bearing any fruit.

– Citrus Plants: Avoid using neem oil on citrus plants, as it can cause the leaves to develop yellowing and twisting.

– Coffee Plants: Avoid using neem oil on coffee plants, as it can stunt the growth of the coffee trees and cause fruit to drop off prematurely.

– Coconut Trees: Avoid using neem oil on coconut trees, as it can stunt the growth of the tree and cause it to produce poor quality coconuts.

– Grapevines: Avoid using neem oil on grape vines, as it can stunt the growth of the vines and interfere with fruit production.

– Papaya Trees: Avoid using neem oil on papaya trees, as it can stunt the growth of the plants and cause the fruit to drop off prematurely.

Avoid Neem Oil When Planting

When planting or germinating seeds, avoid using neem oil. While neem oil can prevent pests and diseases from infecting mature plants, it can also prevent seeds from germinating. If you plan on planting seeds with neem oil already applied, be sure to clean your hands before touching the seeds. The chemicals in the neem oil can prevent the seeds from sprouting.

Don’t Use Neem Oil When Germinating Seeds

Similarly, if you wish to start a new batch of plants from cuttings or seedlings, avoid using neem oil. The chemicals in neem oil can cause the roots of the plant to become stunted or even stop the growth of the young plant entirely.

Be Careful Using Neem on Fruiting Plants

Fruiting plants are susceptible to pests and can be easily infected by harmful insects and diseases. If possible, avoid using neem oil when you have fruiting plants in your garden. While neem oil can be effective in combatting pests when they are in small numbers, large populations of pests can cause the neem oil to become ineffective.

There are some fruiting plants, like some types of tomatoes, that are particularly sensitive to neem oil. Be sure to carefully read the instructions on any neem oil product before purchasing and applying it to your plants. In some cases, it is better to use an alternative form of pest control, like beeswax, to keep pests away from your plants.

Be Wary of Using Neem During Flowering

Flowering plants, like some types of roses, are very sensitive to pests and diseases. While neem oil is effective in preventing pests and diseases, it can also interrupt the flowering process.

This can be problematic if you are growing rare or valuable plants that require a specific type of flowering process. If you wish to grow flowering plants with neem oil applied, carefully monitor the plants and be sure to take action as soon as you detect a problem.

Conclusion

Neem oil can be a great way to prevent pests and diseases from infecting your plants. However, there are some plants that are sensitive to neem oil. When applying neem oil, be sure to carefully read the instructions and follow them exactly.