Hydrogen peroxide for indoor plants - application for watering and dosage

Many have heard about the benefits of hydrogen peroxide for the human body and its use in first aid for skin injuries, but not everyone knows about its benefits for indoor plants. Despite the abundance of chemicals designed specifically for plants, experienced gardeners still use this substance to treat flowers, seeds, and foliar sprays.

Chemical properties and composition of peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is widely used in medicine. Its active ingredient is hydrogen peroxide. The main difference between hydrogen peroxide and ordinary water is the presence of an extra oxygen atom, which quickly dissociates. This product is found in every medicine cabinet due to its powerful antibacterial properties and its oxidizing properties. It is used in first aid to treat wounds, cuts, and stop bleeding.

By releasing free oxygen, the substance helps kill microbes on the skin's surface and cleanse damaged and dead skin cells. Foam formation accelerates the sealing of damaged vessels and stops bleeding. However, the medication only has a temporary effect and does not completely sterilize the wound surface.

Using hydrogen peroxide for indoor plants

Few people know that hydrogen peroxide can also be used to care for houseplants. Experts compare the composition and effects of this product to rainwater, as it also contains an additional oxygen atom, which is created by ozone saturation. This allows the product to neutralize harmful microorganisms, which is why it is used in floriculture.

Many florists know that adding a few drops of hydrogen peroxide to water for irrigation displaces chlorine atoms with more active oxygen, and their release also leads to the substance filling the substrate with essential elements.

Furthermore, the product is recommended for use during the active growth period to protect young flowers from bacteria, fungi, and insects. Hydrogen peroxide has been shown to be highly effective in treating fungal diseases, replacing fungicides.

Florists note that the substance not only helps accelerate flower growth but also strengthens small roots and prevents root rot. This product is often used as a fertilizer.

Preparation of solution and calculation of dosage

The main components of the solution are hydrogen peroxide purchased at a pharmacy and running water. Some recipes call for the addition of sugar or iodine. A standard solution requires one liter of water and 10-15 drops of the solution.

Experts note that the dosage of the components may vary depending on the intended use. For example, for daily watering, only a few drops of the substance are diluted in a liter of water. Regular watering with this mixture will yield quick results, and the plant will soon begin to grow vigorously, and its appearance will improve.

These are the solutions used to treat root rot and restore a healthy appearance to wilted young plants.

This substance is often used to disinfect seeds before planting, using the concentrate rather than diluting it. Hydrogen peroxide can also be used to treat the substrate itself when planting. For this purpose, add a full bottle of hydrogen peroxide to 5 liters of water.

Hydrogen peroxide is highly effective in treating plant diseases. For medicinal purposes, prepare a solution of 40 drops of iodine, 10 liters of water, and 100 ml of hydrogen peroxide. Experts recommend using this remedy when late blight is detected.

Features of using hydrogen peroxide for flowers

Hydrogen peroxide diluted in water can be used in various dosages for various purposes. Solutions are often used for watering or spraying flowers, soaking seeds, and killing pests.

Foliar spraying

To spray, add 10 ml of hydrogen peroxide to 1 liter of water. Mix the resulting mixture thoroughly. Pour the solution into a spray bottle with a fine spray nozzle and seal tightly. Spray along the leaf blade, distributing the liquid evenly over the surface. There is no need to wipe the leaf surface after spraying.

Once applied to the leaf, the product significantly accelerates the plant's metabolic processes, improves connective tissue function, and accelerates intercellular metabolism. It's also important to note the mechanical cleaning of the leaf surface from dust, small particles, and microorganisms, which not only clog pores but can also trigger disease. Dissolved oxygen saturates the substrate, thereby improving root function.

Can you water flowers with hydrogen peroxide?

Gardeners recommend watering houseplants with hydrogen peroxide. The active ingredient saturates the substrate with oxygen, which improves root function, neutralizes bacteria, and promotes plant growth.

Houseplants are often watered with running tap water, but it's too hard and contains large amounts of calcium and magnesium salts, which negatively impact plant growth. Therefore, it's recommended to prepare a hydrogen peroxide solution for watering.

To prepare it, add 20 ml of 3% hydrogen peroxide to 1 liter of running water. Stir the resulting mixture thoroughly. It is recommended to water with this solution every 5 days. Before watering, be sure to remove all dried leaves and other debris from the pot and lightly fluff the top layer of the substrate.

This same solution can be used to disinfect damaged areas of the plant. Adding 1 tablespoon of sugar to this mixture makes it an excellent foliar spray.

Seed treatment

Treating seeds with hydrogen peroxide not only disinfects them but also increases the likelihood of rapid germination. The substance acts on growth inhibitors within the seeds, preventing them from inhibiting germination. The seeds are completely soaked in hydrogen peroxide, after first soaking them in warm water for half an hour to soften the outer shell.

To soak the seeds, add 1 tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide to 0.5 liters of water and leave them for 3 hours. Soak them on paper towels or in shallow containers. Then rinse with water, dry, and sow them in the soil.

Pest control

Due to the bactericidal properties of peroxide, it is used to treat bacterial and fungal infections, as well as parasites.

To prepare the mixture, take half a liter of water, add 60 drops of hydrogen peroxide and 80 drops of iodine. This solution is effective against scale insects, mites, mealybugs, and gnats, which are the most common parasites on houseplants.

Root feeding

Adding a few drops of the product when watering is an excellent alternative to fertilizer. Furthermore, when using hydrogen peroxide in this way, the plant doesn't need additional fertilizers, as it completely replaces them.

Potential plant damage and precautions

Experts claim that using this substance does not harm plants. However, they recommend using peroxide in moderation, as directed. Hydrogen peroxide is considered a strong oxidizer, so it is used only in diluted form. If frequent watering is necessary, do not increase the amount.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hydrogen peroxide is widely used in floriculture due to its ability to kill microorganisms and the presence of an additional oxygen atom. It is used as a watering agent, fertilizer, pest control agent, and seed treatment.