What Kind of Insect Repellent Can I Use on Desert Roses?
- Insecticidal soaps are one of the gentlest insecticides to use on a desert rose. As long as the saponins in the soap remain active (i.e., are not broken down by the sun or washed away), they will deter pests from desert roses. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a bacteria that kills rose-eating caterpillars. After consuming just a small portion of Bt, caterpillars are deterred from eating more and ultimately die, reports the University of Florida.
- While oils discourage insect infestation and kill off insect problems, they are not safe to use on desert roses. The fleshy stems of the desert rose cannot abide the oil, which causes burning or suffocation.
- Not all insecticides have been checked for compatibility with desert roses. Those that have are often labeled whether they are safe to use. Desert roses are sensitive to many insecticidal compounds, so one cannot assume that an insecticide is safe to use on a desert rose just because there's no precaution against it, warns the University of Florida Extension Service.
- One of the best ways to keep insect problems in check is to plant a diverse spread of plants that host beneficial bugs. Desert roses need not be fertilized, as fertilizing can make them more vulnerable to insect attack.
Insecticides
No Oils
Warning
Considerations
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