Fitoverm for indoor plants – how to dilute and use?

Fitoverm is a biological product that has proven itself as an affordable and easy-to-use insect repellent. It is suitable for treating not only garden crops but also indoor plants. This insecticide is used in indoor gardening to care for delicate flowers and is characterized by low toxicity and a rapid onset of action. Since the dosage of Fitoverm varies for different indoor plants, gardeners often wonder how to dilute the product.

The principle of action and special instructions for the use of Fitoverm

Fitoverm's active ingredient is avermectin C. This insecticide is most often used to control dangerous insects. The biological product paralyzes pests, causing them to die within 2-3 days after application. Fitoverm's advantages include low toxicity and the lack of insect tolerance.

The product lasts from 7 to 20 days. It does not accumulate in leaf or fruit cells. It can be used in hot weather, before and during flowering of fruit crops. Its rapid decomposition prevents contamination of the soil surrounding the plant.

Please note that the prepared Fitoverm solution must be used immediately after dilution. Furthermore, the sprayers used for treatment quickly deteriorate.

Indications for treatment

Fitoverm should be used if the following has been noticed on indoor plants:

1. Aphids. These yellow, green, or black insects reach 5 mm in length. Plant parts infested by aphids become sticky and often deformed, while flowers and shoots wither.

   

2. Whiteflies. These tiny insects, resembling butterflies, damage flowers. They appear on the underside of leaves and fly away when the flower is shaken.

   

3. Thrips. Rarely visible to the naked eye, they leave numerous light-colored spots on the outer surface of leaves. These pests also attack buds and flowers.

   

4. Spider mites. The plant is partially covered with a fine web, the leaves lose their rich color and die, and may become covered with white spots.

   

Hazard class and precautions

Fitoverm is classified as a moderately hazardous substance (Class 3). Before treating plants, avoid contact with skin and mucous membranes. The following personal protective equipment will help:

• rubber gloves;
• mask;
• glasses.

It is advisable to wear a suit or work clothes with long sleeves and trousers, and wear a headscarf or a hat. Closed-toe shoes are recommended. The safe working time for this chemical is 4 hours.

During treatment, do not smoke, drink, or eat. Symptoms of poisoning include nausea and vomiting. If the product is accidentally ingested, drink activated charcoal with plenty of fluids, perform a gastric lavage, and call an ambulance.

Any unused product can be disposed of down the drain or into the plant's soil. Do not pour the chemical down the sink or into open water. Wash your hands with soap after use.

Compatibility with other products

This chemical product should not be used concurrently with pesticides. Other substances may be used on plants a week after spraying them with Fitoverm.

Three days after applying the insecticide, the plant can be treated:

• fertilizers;
• growth regulators;
• organophosphorus insecticides;
• fungicides;
• pyrethroids.

How to dilute Fitoverm and how to use it

Initially, the solution is prepared in a small amount of water. While stirring, add liquid to the required volume, which varies depending on the disease and plant species. This solution should only be prepared if it will be used the same day.

You cannot prepare a solution from Fitoverm and other chemicals, but you can mix it with biostimulants. Before using the resulting solution, check the compatibility of the mixed products: if a precipitate appears in the solution, the products are incompatible. Flowers can be treated with a hand or mechanical sprayer.

Thrips

Thrips are the most common pest of ornamental plants. To control them, dissolve 2 ml of the product in 200 ml of water. Spray the plant with a spray bottle. You can also wipe the plant's leaves with a sponge soaked in the solution.

The frequency of treatments depends on the size, age of the flower, and the number of pests on it. On average, four sprays are enough to get rid of the insects. Treatment intervals are 5-8 days. The product takes effect after 3-5 days. After the final spray, the flower can be treated with the strengthening agent Epin.

Spider mite

To kill spider mites with Fitoverm, dissolve one ampoule in a liter of water. The maximum number of treatments per plant is four.

The procedure should be repeated every week or 10 days. Orchid and ficus leaves should be wiped with a cotton swab soaked in the solution; other houseplants can be sprayed with a spray bottle.

Aphid

Aphids are most common on indoor roses. Two capsules (8 ml) diluted in 1 liter of liquid are sufficient to eliminate the insects.

A solution of this concentration is suitable for all houseplants infested with aphids. The insects die within 2-3 days. Two to three treatments are required, spaced weekly.

Whitefly

To kill flying insects, the volume of liquid and chemical solution should be increased. Therefore, a whitefly solution should be prepared using 1.5 liters of water and 6 ml of insecticide. Two sprays are sufficient to eliminate the insects. The interval between treatments is one week. The effect of the product is noticeable within three days.

Features of treatment of some indoor plants with Fitoverm

When treating indoor plants, there are several things to consider. If pests are detected on one plant, inspect all flowers in the house to avoid the risk of secondary infestation. Tips for treating indoor plants:

1. Chemical spraying should be carried out 3-4 times every 7 days. The air temperature should be at least 25˚C. If the temperature is higher, the treatment should be repeated every 5 days. The treatment will be ineffective at temperatures of 18˚C and below.
2. After spraying, there's no need to cover the plant with a plastic bag (with the exception of orchids). It's much more important to repeat the spraying as scheduled.
3. A single treatment gives only a temporary effect: flower treatment must be systematic.

Since Fitoverm is a Class 3 hazard product, it's best to spray it on a balcony or outdoors. If you have to spray flowers indoors, thoroughly ventilate the room afterward. To enhance the effectiveness of Fitoverm, you can add potassium soap to the solution.

Violet

Indoor violets are most often attacked by thrips, aphids, and spider mites. The entire plant should be treated, not just the affected areas. It's a good idea to change the potting soil or thoroughly treat the old one with an insecticide. Before treating violets for pests, remove the flower stalks.

Prepare a solution of 2 ml of Fitoverm and 1 liter of water. You can add a little shampoo or soap to the solution for a stronger effect. A total of 3-4 treatments are needed, spaced 4 days apart. After spraying, place the violets in a dark place to prevent the leaves from becoming spotted.

Orchid

Fitoverm is used to treat spider mite infestations on orchid stems and leaves. Treatment protocol:

1. Remove the orchid from its pot and disinfect it. If possible, it's advisable to purchase a new pot to protect the plant from re-infestation.
2. Remove the substrate from the orchid's roots. Then, rinse the root system with hot water and soak it in a container with a Fitoverm solution (1 mg per liter).

   

3. After treatment, place the orchid in a basin and cover the roots with a plastic bag for 24 hours. Place the container in a location where the plant will receive sunlight. The roots may begin to dry out, so moisten them as needed.
4. The treatment should be repeated after 10 days, and then the orchid should be repotted. Watering can be resumed after 5 days.
5. The flower treatment is repeated 2 more times, and in this case the preparation should not be applied to the leaves, but added to the soil.

Rose

Spider mites are the most common pest found on roses. Treatment should be carried out outdoors, spraying the leaves on both sides with a spray bottle. If any solution remains, you can moisten the top layer of soil with it. Use a sponge soaked in the chemical solution to treat the windowsill where the rose pot is located.

The parasites die within a few hours. Three to four treatments, spaced weekly, are sufficient to completely eliminate them. The average dosage of Fitoverm for roses is 2.5 ml per 1.25 liters of water.

Lily

Lilies should be treated with a sprayer that delivers a fine mist of the solution. It's important to treat both sides of the lily's leaf blades. The insecticide's action time depends on the pest species. Chewing pests begin to die within 6-8 hours, while sucking pests die within two days. The chemical reaches its maximum effect after a week. Lilies can be treated again after 20 days. The dosage of Fitoverm varies depending on the lily's disease:

• 4 ml per 2 liters against ticks;
• 4 ml per 1 liter against aphids;
• 4 ml per 0.5 liter for thrips.

Ficus

To spray ficus plants, use the finest spray setting on the spray bottle. On average, 2 ml of the product per 1 liter of water is needed. This method is suitable for eliminating spider mites. Repeat treatment after 4 days.

To eliminate thrips from plants, dilute 2 ml of the product in 500 ml of water. In severe cases, 300 ml of the solution can be used. Spray not only the leaves but also the top layer of soil. Two treatments are required, spaced two weeks apart.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fitoverm is an effective alternative to poisonous insecticides. It has low toxicity, and insects do not develop tolerance to the substance. The product can be used during the flowering period and at high temperatures. The insecticide is used in gardening not only for indoor flowers but also for fruit crops and trees.