Non-Toxic Way to Treat Insects on Houseplants

We have many different plants with various “bug” issues. What is your go to organic type treatment? Peroxide? Rubbing alcohol? Dish soap? Vinegar? What combination and measurements? Thanks!

Hi Jo,

I use what I call the Green Solution, easy to make, very inexpensive, and works really well.

This is a mixture of water, alcohol, biodegradable liquid soap (like ivory), and mineral oil (available in drug stores). Always test any spray on one or two leaves to be sure it won’t damage the plant. Depending upon how severe the infestation is, you can use these ingredients in varying proportions.

If there are only a few pests, dip a Q-tip in alcohol and gently swab them off. For a more widespread problem, start by using a spray of warm water mixed with a few tablespoons of biodegradable soap. If that doesn’t cure the problem, make a solution using 8oz. water & 8oz. alcohol, add two tablespoons of biodegradable soap and two tablespoons of mineral oil. Spray all areas of the plant. Use this solution on leathery leafed plants (except palms), never on fuzzy leafed plants like African violets or begonias. For palms, omit the alcohol from the Green Solution. Never spray a plant that’s sitting in the sun or one with very dry soil.