A Bowl of Soap Water
Gardeners find it most troublesome when plant diseases and pests invade, with scale insects and powdery mildew being known as "invisible killers." Commercial pesticides are not only expensive but may also leave harmful residues. In fact, soap water in the kitchen is a natural control tool, and when combined with other household materials, it can create a safe protective net. This article explains five common disease prevention and treatment methods, teaching you step by step how to use everyday items to protect the health of green plants.
Analysis and Control of Five Common Household Diseases
Scale Insects: The Armor Troops on Leaves
These pests with waxen shells often gather on the undersides of leaves of plants like jasmine and camellia, sucking sap and causing leaf discoloration. Soap water can dissolve their protective layer: dissolve soap shavings in 60°C hot water, dilute with cold water at a ratio of 1:60 and spray, with physical removal using a cotton swab for better results.
Powdery Mildew: The Winter Cold of Plants
Roses and succulents are most susceptible to this powdery disease. In addition to spraying diluted 100-fold white wine, a baking soda solution (1:500) can alter the environment for pathogens, and improved ventilation can block spore dispersal.
Spider Mites: The Product of High Temperature and Dryness
A Bowl of Soap Water
Chili water (1 bowl of concentrate mixed with 2 bottles of water) contains capsaicin that can effectively repel these microscopic mites. Focus on spraying the undersides of leaves and maintain environmental humidity, alternating with tobacco water to prevent resistance.
(T-J) Disease: The Black Marks on Leaves
Ginger extract (1:20 soaked for 12 hours) contains gingerol with natural antibacterial properties, and scallion juice (1:60) contains sulfur compounds that can inhibit the spread of pathogens, with alternating use of these two materials yielding significant results.
Whitefly: The Flying White Nightmare
Garlic water (1 head of garlic in 500ml of water) contains allicin that can repel adult insects, and sulfur powder can destroy egg structures. Note that early morning spraying is most effective when adult insects are less active.
Multiple Application Scenarios of Soap Water
In addition to controlling scale insects, soap water can also: 1. Remove aphids: its surfactants can block stomata 2. Prevent powdery mildew: form an alkaline protective film 3. Enhance efficacy: as an additive to improve the adhesion of other solutions. It is recommended to use once a week, avoiding midday during hot seasons.
Establishing a Three-Level Protection System
1. Physical Control: Regular inspection + manual pest removal 2. Biological Control: Plant extracts like chili and garlic 3. Chemical Control: Use low-toxic* agents like imidacloprid when severe, combined with monthly sulfur powder soil disinfection to build an all-around protective net.
Mastering these home control techniques can not only save on pesticide expenses but also create a non-toxic planting environment. It is recommended to save this article and establish a control calendar, adjusting protection strategies according to different seasons to keep plants healthy throughout the year.