How to Cure Sick Houseplants With Peroxide

One of the main diseases that affect houseplants is fungus, which is often a symptom of root rot caused by over watering. Once the fungus develops in the soil and on the roots, it spreads throughout the soil and is challenging to control. One effective solution for treating sick plants is applying a diluted mixture of hydrogen peroxide. The peroxide has a dual function to both provide additional oxygen to the roots and to destroy the soil pathogens.

35 percent hydrogen peroxide
Water
Pitcher or empty milk jug
Spoon
Plastic nursery pot
Spray bottle

Instructions

- 1
  Fill a pitcher or a clean empty milk jug with 2 ounces of hydrogen peroxide. If you are treating a hydroponics plant or edible vegetation, substitute food-grade hydrogen peroxide in the same percentage.
- 2
  Add 1 gallon of lukewarm water to a pitcher or jug and mix the two ingredients up thoroughly. For the pitcher, stir it using a spoon and mix the jug by replacing the cap and shaking it for 30 seconds.
- 3
  Move the houseplant outdoors or to a sink and look at the bottom of the pot to ensure drainage holes are present. If needed, remove the plant and place it into a temporary plastic nursery pot with drainage holes.
- 4
  Pour the diluted hydrogen peroxide mixture through the top of the soil slowly to drench it and continue pouring until it begins to drain from the bottom of the pot.
- 5
  Pour the remaining solution into a spray bottle and spray it evenly onto all upper portions of the leaves and the stem.
- 6
  Leave the plant outdoors or in the sink until no more water flows from the bottom.
- 7
  Repeat the process once the soil dries out in the plant pot and thereafter until no signs of sickness or rot is detected.

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