Plant Booster Oil
Cold-pressed neem oil. Five millilitres, one litre of water, one healthier plant.
What it is
100% cold-pressed neem oil, single-source from neem seed kernels. The press happens at low temperature so the active compound, azadirachtin, survives intact, which is what does the actual pest deterrent work. We don't dilute it with mineral oil or palm oil to bring the cost down. The bottle smells the way real neem should: bitter, slightly sulphurous, unmistakably medicinal.
How to use
- Mix 5 ml with 1 litre of water. Add a single drop of dish soap so the oil emulsifies properly.
- Spray the leaves. Both top and underside. Coat lightly, you don't want it dripping.
- Best time of day: early morning or after sunset. Never spray under direct afternoon sun (the leaves can burn).
- Repeat every 10 to 14 days as a preventive, or every 4 to 5 days if you're already fighting an active infestation.
You can also use it as a soil drench for fungus gnats, same dilution, pour 100 ml around the base of the pot.
What it controls
- Mealybugs, the white cottony clusters on hibiscus and money plants.
- Aphids, green or black soft-bodied bugs on new shoots.
- White-fly, flies up in clouds when you disturb the plant.
- Spider mites, the dusty-looking webbing on the underside of leaves.
- Powdery mildew, the white dusting that shows up in humid weather.
Safe around bees once the spray dries, neem doesn't act as a contact poison the way chemical pesticides do. Don't spray flowers directly when bees are active; aim for the leaves.
Common questions
Why does my neem oil go solid in winter?
That's normal, pure cold-pressed neem oil solidifies below 22°C. Place the bottle in warm water for 5 minutes and it goes liquid again. If yours doesn't solidify, it's likely cut with mineral oil.
Can I use this on edible plants like tulsi or mint?
Yes, neem oil is the safest option for edibles. Wait 48 hours after spraying before harvesting leaves, and rinse before use. We use it on our own kitchen herbs.
Will it harm my dog or cat?
Diluted neem spray on plants is non-toxic to pets at the concentration we recommend. Don't let them lick the concentrated bottle.
How long does an opened bottle last?
About 12 months if you keep it sealed and out of direct sunlight. The smell gets sharper over time, that's fine, the oil hasn't gone bad.
