Neem oil extract???

11 years ago

An alternanthera thin gold I've been keeping as a houseplant has been assaulted by what I believe to be red spider mites for quite some time now. I've been watering it in the shower to try to knock them off and some dusting with diatomaceous earth, but these aren't working to get rid of them completely! They just keep coming back! I've read that neem oil is very effective at getting rid of spider mites, and so I went and got some neem oil concentrate(in the picture I posted). Upon further research, I realized I bought extract! (I thought maybe extract meant 'concentrate').
I've read that extract is not nearly as effective as concentrate. Here are my questions:
1. Did I waste my money on this? I lost the receipt and I can't return it... will it be effective at all?
2. Do I need to add an emulsifier before applying? The instructions don't mention it, but other info I've found about neem oil says emulsifiers are necessary.
3. Can this be used as a systemic insecticide?

thank you!!!!!!

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Comments (4)

ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
11 years ago
a few seconds of googling.. indicates its for outdoor use ...

what do the instructions on the bottle say???

most oils work by suffocating an insect ... ergo... i dont know how they could be considered a systemic ...

if the directions do not specify the use of an emulsifier.. then dont do it ... the instructions are specific.. and to be followed ...

ken
Kimmsr
11 years ago
Neem oil must be extracted from the seeds of the "(Azadirachta indica" tree, a tree that grows in India. So all Neem oil is extracted.
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rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
11 years ago
Pirates, follow the directions. Most neem products are ready to be mixed in water and applied; the emulsifiers are included. (Tsk tsk....I just read the on line label and it clearly states not to add anything but water. Read ALL of the directions again until you clearly understand how to mix, how to apply.)

To make sure that spider mites are the problem, use an inexpensive magnifying glass and a bright lamp to inspect the underside of the leaves carefully. Though a bit difficult, not impossible, to see with the naked eye, they can easily be seen with a little help. Alternanthera is quite prone to spider mites, so you're likely right on target.

Only mix the amount of neem that you'll use at one time, but do the math accurately. Stronger isn't better. And be sure to target the underside of the leaves.
rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
11 years ago
Pirates, follow the directions. Most neem products are ready to be mixed in water and applied; the emulsifiers are included. (Tsk tsk....I just read the on line label and it clearly states not to add anything but water. Read ALL of the directions again until you clearly understand how to mix, how to apply.)

To make sure that spider mites are the problem, use an inexpensive magnifying glass and a bright lamp to inspect the underside of the leaves carefully. Though a bit difficult, not impossible, to see with the naked eye, they can easily be seen with a little help. Alternanthera is quite prone to spider mites, so you're likely right on target.

Only mix the amount of neem that you'll use at one time, but do the math accurately. Stronger isn't better. And be sure to target the underside of the leaves.