Tulasi Neem Oil Spray

Neem oil and eucalyptus castile soap are commonly used in combination as a natural and effective solution for controlling insect infestations on plants. We have a neem oil spray recipe for Tulasi Devi that has proven to be highly effective. Each ingredient contributes specific properties that make the mixture useful for pest control:

• Neem Oil:
  • Insecticidal Properties: Neem oil contains compounds such as azadirachtin, which have insecticidal properties. It disrupts the life cycle of insects, affecting their feeding, molting, and reproduction.
  • Antifeedant and Repellent: Neem oil acts as an antifeedant, making plants less palatable to insects. It also has repellent properties that deter pests from feeding on treated plants.
  • Systemic Action: Neem oil can be absorbed by the plant, providing systemic protection. This means that even parts of the plant not directly sprayed with the solution can be less attractive or harmful to pests.
• Eucalyptus Castile Soap:
  • Surfactant Properties: Castile soap acts as a surfactant, breaking down the surface tension of the water and neem oil, allowing the solution to spread more evenly on the plant’s surfaces.
  • Coating and Smothering Effect: The soap helps the neem oil adhere to the plant surfaces and insects.
  • Enhanced Penetration: The soap can enhance the penetration of the neem oil into the pests’ bodies, making the treatment more effective.
  • Insecticidal Properties: Eucalyptus oil is known for its strong scent, which can act as a natural insect repellent. It may deter pests from approaching treated plants.
  • Antimicrobial Properties: Eucalyptus oil has antimicrobial properties that can help protect plants from certain fungal and bacterial infections.

When combined, neem oil and  eucalyptus castile soap create a synergistic effect, providing a dual-action approach to pest control. The neem oil targets the insects at various life stages, while the soap improves the application, adherence, penetration, and adds another layer of repellent with the eucalyptus oil. If eucalyptus castile soap is unavailable in your area, plain unscented castile soap can be used instead. It’s important to note that while neem oil and Castile soap are considered safer alternatives to synthetic pesticides it is very important to:

• Strictly follow the recipe below (otherwise solution could be to strong and burn leaves, or not strong enough and not have any effect)
• Provide ample airflow after spraying by putting Tulasi Devi outside or using a fan (otherwise mold/mildew could form on her leaves)

Here is a simple recipe to make a neem oil spray at home. This recipe can resolve the majority of bug problems. To diagnose other common Tulasi plant illnesses, check out this article. Feel free to contact us with any questions.

Tulasi Neem Spray Recipe:

1 liter sized spray bottle
1 liter warm water
½ teaspoon neem oil
½ teaspoon eucalyptus castile soap (or plain unscented castile soap)

Mix oil and soap well in a spray bottle so the oil is evenly mixed. Then add warm water and stir/shake thoroughly. When using the spray, be sure to thoroughly wet Tulasi until she is dripping wet. Thoroughly spray the underside of leaves because most bugs feed there. If the mixture has been left sitting in the spray bottle, after some time it will need to be rewarmed and stirred thoroughly. Give Tulasi Devi some airflow, and let her leaves dry.

Check out our other foundational articles on watering, lighting, nutrients, temperature, humidity and soil to learn how to take care of the Tulasi plant. If you don’t already have a plant, get some seeds here, and watch our video on how to grow them.

Look over this article to learn how to diagnose your Tulasi plant when she’s sick and feel free to contact us with any questions. If you want to deepen your knowledge about the Tulasi plant from ancient Vedic wisdom, check out this amazing book.