Not using garlic on snake plants? Check out what garlic can and can’t do, how to use it safely, and mistakes to avoid!
Snake plants have a reputation for being nearly impossible to kill. Because they are so tough, many plant owners assume they can handle almost anything. Unfortunately, this is not always true. But where does the use of garlic in snake plants come from? Can it solve plant problems or is it just another gardening myth? Here’s everything you need to know!
What does garlic do to a snake plant
First things first. Garlic contains sulfur-based compounds, including one called allicin. Allicin is formed when fresh garlic is crushed, chopped or damaged. This compound is the reason garlic has such a strong smell and is also why gardeners have been interested in garlic for decades.
Research has shown that garlic extracts they have antifungal and antimicrobial properties. Simply put, the compounds in garlic make it difficult for fungi and microbes to grow.
Because of these properties, some gardeners use garlic sprays to discourage soft pests such as aphids and mealybugs, although results may vary
It is important to understand what garlic does not do. Garlic will not makes a snake plant grow faster. It won’t fix bad lighting. And it certainly won’t bring a dying plant back to life.
Signs that garlic may be worth a try
Garlic is not something a snake plant needs as part of regular care. So how do you know when your plant needs it? Watch out for these signs.
- You notice a small number of soft-bodied pests on the leaves.
- There are minor leaf issues that may be associated with microbial activity.
- You have to deal with occasional fungus gnats and you already have correcting excessive watering habits.
Note: Before you plant garlic, check your watering routine. Most snake plant problems are caused by too much moisture, not a lack of treatment.
How to use garlic on snake plants
Start with fresh garlic instead of bottled garlic products. Just crush a clove or two of garlic and put them in water. Then let the mixture sit for 4-5 hours so the compounds can disperse. Then strain the liquid well.
Once drained, transfer the liquid to a spray bottle and lightly mist the affected leaves rather than soaking the entire plant. You should focus on areas where pests are present, including the undersides of leaves where insects often hide. A little goes a long way; the goal is to lightly coat the leaf surface, not soak the plant.
A fine mist spray bottle makes the job much easier. If you don’t already have one, this is it spray bottle we recommend for indoor plant treatments and leaf care.
You can also spread 2-3 cloves of garlic on the surface of the soil. Garlic compounds naturally break down over time, so whenever you water, your plant will reap the benefits.
Best time to apply garlic spray
Apply garlic spray in the early morning or late afternoon when temperatures are cooler and sunlight is less intense. Wet leaves exposed to strong sunlight can sometimes become stressed, especially if the spray concentration is too strong.
Also, before treating the entire plant, test the spray on a single leaf. Then wait a day or two and check for discoloration, spots or damage.
Pro tip: If you are treatment of flour carriers or other visible pests, it is often helpful to remove severely affected leaves before treating the plant. A pair of sharp pruning bits makes clean cuts and helps prevent unnecessary damage to healthy growth.
Things to avoid when using garlic on snake plants
Just resist the urge to create complicated homemade concoctions. Adding ingredients like vinegar, concentrated soaps, alcohol, or large amounts of oil can quickly turn a mild spray into something that destroys leaves. Simpler is usually safer. Go with one drug and stay on it for at least 6-8 weeks. Also, if you have put garlic in the soil, you better not give your plant any fertilizer at all!
Did you know that? Overwatering is one of the biggest causes of snake plant problems. a simple soil moisture meter it can take the guesswork out of watering. It’s an easy way to check if the soil is really dry before you reach for the watering can.
Garlic can be a useful helper for snake plants when used carefully and for the right reasons. Now that you know how to do it right, it’s time to try it on your snake plants!
