From our point of view, the carnation plant, our delicate leaf tissues and sensitive root systems are easily damaged by harsh synthetic chemicals. These substances can scorch our leaves, leaving behind unsightly brown spots and compromising our ability to photosynthesize. Furthermore, they often disrupt the delicate microbial life in the soil that we depend on for nutrient uptake. Natural sprays, typically made from gentle ingredients like soaps and plant oils, protect this balance. They target the pests—aphids, spider mites, thrips—that suck our sap and weaken us, without causing us collateral damage or leaving behind toxic residues that could harm our growth or the beneficial insects we rely on, such as ladybugs and lacewings.
We find a simple soap spray to be immensely effective and non-invasive. To make this, you must use a pure, liquid castile soap, as detergents and degreasing soaps are far too harsh for our waxy cuticles. Mix one tablespoon of the mild liquid soap with one quart of lukewarm water in a spray bottle. The soap works by breaking down the protective exoskeletons of soft-bodied insects like aphids, causing them to dehydrate. It is crucial to test the spray on a single leaf first and wait 24 hours to ensure we do not have an adverse reaction. When applying, ensure you coat the undersides of our leaves, a favorite hiding spot for pests. Please rinse us with clean water a few hours after application to prevent any potential soap buildup.
For more persistent infestations, a garlic or hot pepper spray acts as a powerful repellent. While the strong odor of garlic is unpleasant to us, it is a far better alternative than being consumed by pests. To create this, steep several crushed garlic cloves and a teaspoon of cayenne pepper in a quart of water for 24 hours. Strain the mixture and add a teaspoon of the same mild castile soap to help the solution stick to our leaves. This concoction creates an environment that pests find intolerable, encouraging them to seek a meal elsewhere. It protects our buds and new growth from being devoured.
Your consistency is vital for our recovery and long-term health. A single application will only affect the pests present at that moment; it will not deal with eggs that hatch later. You must reapply these natural sprays every 2-3 days for at least two weeks to break the pest life cycle. Always apply these sprays during the cooler parts of the day, either early morning or late evening. Spraying us under the hot sun can cause the liquid to heat up rapidly and scorch our leaves. Furthermore, please ensure we are well-watered beforehand; a stressed, thirsty plant is even more vulnerable to spray treatments, even natural ones.
