Diatomaceous Earth for House Plants

Description

• Diotomaceous earth is sold as a fine-grained powder and readily available from most home and garden stores. The powder is formed from crushing a highly porous marine rock called diotomite that is composed of ancient diatoms skeletons. Diatoms are a unicellular algae that have a hard cell wall composed of amorphous silica, a non-harmful form similar to sand and quartz, but a very tiny size that requires powerful microscopes to observe.

Function

• The small particle size and rigid nature of diotomaceous earth makes it a useful organic pesticide. Diotomaceous earth is deadly to soft and hard-bodied pests of house plants. The diatoms' sharp silica skeleton is highly abrasive and cuts the exoskeleton of insects that come in contact with the powder, causing them to die quickly. Soft-bodied pests, such as slugs and worms, are quickly dehydrated from the absorptive nature of the powder.

Application

• Sprinkle a fine layer of diotomaceous earth around the topsoil, flower pot, foliage and areas around the base of the flower pot to prevent insects from crawling onto your house plants. Wear gloves and a protective mask when applying diotomaceous earth since the powder can cause dry skin and irritate the respiratory system when inhaled. Diotomaceous earth remains effective against insect pests around your house plants as long as it retains its form. If you live in a humid area, the dust will absorb moisture and lose its effectiveness and require regular reapplication to create a barrier to protect your house plants.

Benefits

• Diotomaceous earth is a natural, non-toxic pesticide that is highly effective against slugs, ants, silverfish, spider mites and foliage-feeding insects such as aphids and white flies. The powder is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to chemical pesticides that is safe to use indoors around children and pets.