Lately, the concept of essential oils and gardening has been hot. And although both these concepts are already marvelous as they are, one cannot deny the power they possess when combined.

How is this possible?

Essential oils are nature’s gift to us. They’re organic, safe, and of course, they’re very versatile — perfect not just for humans, but for plants too. Depending on the aromatic compounds that each of these oils are made of, they bring different benefits to your garden such as killing fungi, controlling the presence of unwanted pests, and attracting various types of pollinators like bees, butterflies, etc.

Table of Contents

• How essential oils work
• Essential oils that kill fungi
• Other essential oils and their uses
• How to use

How essential oils work

Essential oils are consecrated liquids obtained from plants through careful distillation. Every drop consists of the natural aroma and components of its source. Since they’re oil-based, they stick on different surfaces longer and better, making them a perfect candidate if you’re looking for organic, safe, and longer-lasting pesticides and/or deterrents.

Moreover, essential oils are extremely helpful in terms of covering up your plant’s pheromones, the chemical signals that pests use to trace your plant. The pungent aroma of these oils help quickly mask the tracks of plant pheromones and redirect the insects, turning your plants into almost unrecognizable targets.

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Essential oils that kill fungi

Most common plant concerns are caused by fungal infections. Fungus greatly affects the well-being of any plant and when left untreated, it can not just block the nutrients that your plants need but as well as poison your plants to death.

Tea tree oil is known for its antimicrobial and antifungal properties that help prevent the growth of any fungi. Also, its distinct aroma repels pests, making it hard for their unhealthy secretions to reach, touch, and hurt your plants.

A few honorable mentions that demonstrate the same antifungal properties include: Oregano, Citronella, Rosemary, Neem, Geranium, Eucalyptus, and Peppermint essential oils.

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Other essential oils and their uses

• Lavender. Just like Tea tree oil, lavender has antibacterial and antifungal properties that help well in keeping unwanted insects away from your plant. Moreover, its sweet scent is one that different pollinating agents like butterflies and bees love. Simply put, not only is it great to ward off fungus, it’s perfect to attract pollination too.
• Peppermint. Peppermint’s pungent aroma is perfect to mask your plant’s smell and confuse the insects. It keeps out aphids, ants, beetles, spiders, slugs, flies, and even fleas. This oil is also helpful for warding off larger pests like moles, mice, and squirrels.
• Rosemary. Another essential oil that’s perfect for pest control is Rosemary. Introduce a few drops in your garden and have its woodsy aroma takeover to repel pests and attract butterflies. Also, if you’re looking for ways to keep cats away from your garden, Rosemary essential oil is the answer. Cats hate the smell of Rosemary.
• Orange. Orange essential oil’s sweet scent is one that both bees and butterflies just can’t resist. Moreover, studies show that Orange oil is perfect as natural insecticides. For optimal results, mix it with Lavender and Rosemary.
• Cedarwood. Cedarwood essential oil’s aroma is one that roaches, slugs, and snails, just can’t stand. Moreover, it’s also perfect for repelling aphids, lice, moths, and weavils.

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How to use

A. Spray

1. Add about 8 to 10 drops of essential oil to a 100-mL spray bottle
2. Fill the bottle with water
3. Shake carefully
4. Spray only on necessary areas (leaves, stem, soil, etc.)

B. Cottonball

1. Simply add a drop or two of essential oils to each cotton ball (you can have as many cotton balls as you want)
2. Scatter these cotton balls in different areas of your garden

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Sources

• http://naturemoms.com/blog/2015/05/28/tips-for-gardening-with-essentials-oils/
• https://www.happy-mothering.com/best-essential-oils-gardening/
• https://www.edensgarden.com/blogs/news/essential-oils-in-the-garden
• https://thefreerangelife.com/essential-oils-for-gardening/
• https://www.a2zbiotics.com/essential-oils-and-young-living/

Your plant is trying to tell you something. Understanding plant language can draw the line between a thriving or dying garden. Listen closely, before it’s too late.

The look of your plant’s leaves speaks volumes of your plant’s state. Yes, they’re not just food makers, but they’re also interpreters of your plant’s health condition. With this, you need to pay close attention because even the slightest difference in terms of their appearance—color, texture, and direction, can already mean something serious. Next thing you know, your plant is gasping for life.

Now, what are the leaves trying to say? And how should you answer back?

Curling inward

When you notice your plant’s leaves curling inward (somewhat forming a cup), this is most probably caused by heat stress. Too much heat can cause evaporation to happen fast. By instinct, leaves curl up in order to conserve enough moisture that your plant needs.

To prevent this from happening or worsening, give your plant the proper ventilation it needs. Also, avoid exposing your plants close to high-intensity lights and stationing them in temperatures above 26 degrees C.

Curling downward / droopy / discolored / misshapen / limited

When the leaves are looking limited, yellow, misshapen, droopy, and/or sad, it’s because they really are sad. Usually, these are what happens when you overwater, which is a common problem for most container plants. You have to know that drowning in water doesn’t only mean you’re giving them too much water, but it can also be because you’re not providing them with the adequate drainage they need. To prevent this, punch some holes on the bottom of your containers so excess water can escape. Also, check on your soil moisture from time to time too.

Brown and crunchy

When the leaves are looking brown and crunchy, your plant is most probably dehydrated. Water is an essential factor for every plant’s growth as it is what delivers important nutrients through the plant. Underwatering disables the freeflow of the necessary nutrients required by your plant. Solve this by regularly watering and providing your plant the right moisture it needs. And as mentioned, remember to check on the soil too.

Pale

Are the leaves looking less vibrant than they should? Your plant is most probably trying to convey their need for some good feeding. Yes, perhaps they’re hungry for fertilizers. As you provide them with what they need, remember to do so gradually as to not shock and overfeed them. Also, you can try transferring them to a larger container to bring back their enthusiasm. Remember, not too large, though!

Leaning to the side

If the leaves aren’t growing in the direction that they’re supposed to, horizontally, for example, they’re probably searching for where the light is. All plants crave sunlight as it is what fuels photosynthesis. To prevent your plants from leaning to the side further, put it where it can receive the light it needs.

Black mold growing on top of leaves

When leaves are beginning to wilt, show yellow spots, and develop black molds, your plant is most probably infested by aphids. Be sure to provide your plant the protection it needs against pests. For safe and best results, try using organic pesticides!

Powdery

When your leaves are looking powdery, they’re probably affected by powdery mildew disease, a disease caused by many types of fungi. This usually occurs among young leaves. When left unaided, its white to grey powdery coating can block light from reach the infected leaves, making it hard for the plant to receive the energy it needs from sunlight.

Green, healthy, and growing in the right direction

Congratulations, your plant is doing beyond well! But, remember that caring for your plant is an ongoing process that doesn’t just stop the moment they look fine. Anyways, keep up the good work!

Conclusions

Plants are not inanimate objects that you can just leave in random corners and then never look back. Rather, they are living things that feel, feed, and even speak. Listen to their calls and be observant of whatever they’re trying to say. Of course, don’t just stop there. When necessary, remember to act accordingly too.

Happy leaf = happy plant = happy you!