Is STEM Bug Spray Safe For Plants?

Stem bug spray is an insecticide that claims to safely kill common plant pests like aphids spider mites and thrips on ornamental plants. But is it really safe to use on your prized houseplants and garden plants? Let’s take a closer look at this pesticide to find out.

Active Ingredients in STEM Bug Spray

The active ingredients in STEM bug spray are:

• Cedarwood oil
• Sodium lauryl sulfate

Cedarwood oil is derived from cedar trees and has insecticidal properties. It has been shown in research to effectively kill and repel various insects. The cedarwood oil allows the spray to kill soft-bodied insects like aphids on contact.

Sodium lauryl sulfate is a surfactant – a compound that allows the oil and water in the spray to mix together properly, It helps the insecticidal cedarwood oil stick to and penetrate the bodies of insects it comes into contact with

Both active ingredients are plant-derived and biodegradable. They work synergistically to provide a potent bug killer that is safe for most plants.

How STEM Bug Spray Works

STEM insecticide spray works through a combination of ingredients that kills common garden pests. Here’s a quick overview:

• The cedarwood oil damages the nervous systems, tissues, and exoskeletons of soft-bodied insects like aphids, thrips, and spider mites. This quickly kills them on contact.

• The sodium lauryl sulfate allows the cedarwood oil to mix with water and properly coat plant surfaces. This helps the insecticidal compounds penetrate insect bodies.

• The spray nozzle produces a targeted jet of formula that reaches bugs hiding deep inside foliage. This allows you to thoroughly coat leaves and stems where pests lurk.

• The water-based formula evenly distributes active ingredients over plant surfaces without causing damage. It allows for quick knockdown and control of plant pests.

When used as directed, the natural insecticidal compounds in STEM spray will kill common garden pests while remaining safe for most plants.

Is STEM Bug Spray Safe for Plants?

STEM insecticide spray is designed to be safe for use on ornamental plants when used as directed.

The active ingredients come from botanical sources and break down quickly in the environment without leaving toxic residues. Being water-based, the formula won’t damage plant tissues and leaves no oily residues on plant surfaces.

STEM sprays are safe for use both indoors and outdoors on ornamental plants. They can be sprayed directly onto edible plants like vegetables and herbs without harm.

Of course, it’s always a good idea to test spray a small area first and wait a few days to watch for any phytotoxicity issues before spraying all your plants.

STEM is not recommended for use on delicate plants like ferns, orchids, and begonias which may be sensitive. And it should not be used on plants grown for food production or commercial resale.

But for the average home gardener dealing with pests on ornamental plants, STEM offers a safe, natural pest control option.

How to Use STEM for Plants

Using STEM is simple:

• Shake the bottle well before each use
• Hold the bottle about 12 inches from plants
• Aim nozzle at pest insects and spray directly on bugs and foliage
• For multi-plant treatments, shake bottle between each plant
• Apply thoroughly but avoid heavy saturation of plants
• Reapply every 5-7 days until pests are under control
• Can be used indoors and outdoors

Be sure to move any edible plants away from surfaces where food is prepared before spraying. Always check the label for full application directions.

STEM insecticide spray offers a convenient ready-to-use option for protecting plants against damaging pests. When used properly, it can knock down populations of aphids, spider mites, thrips, and other soft-bodied insects quickly and safely.

Benefits of Using STEM Spray on Plants

There are many advantages to using a natural, plant-based spray like STEM versus synthetic pesticides:

• Kills a wide range of soft-bodied pests including aphids, mites, thrips, leafhoppers, and more
• Made from cedarwood oil and sodium lauryl sulfate – natural insecticidal ingredients
• Water-based formula won’t damage plant tissues
• Designed for use on edibles and ornamental plants
• No oily residues left on plant surfaces
• Can be applied in indoor and outdoor settings
• Short pre-harvest interval if used on edibles
• Fast acting but lasts 5-7 days per application

STEM provides effective insect control without the downsides of many chemical pesticides. It gives rapid knockdown of pests while remaining gentle on most plants.

This makes it a good option for organic gardeners, indoor plant parents, and anyone wanting natural protection for their precious vegetation.

Potential Drawbacks of STEM Insecticide Spray

While STEM does offer a safer pest control option, there are a few potential drawbacks to consider:

• May require repeat applications to maintain control
• Avoid getting on blooms as it could harm pollinators
• Not recommended for delicate ferns and orchids
• Oil-based formula can burn leaves if overapplied in hot sun
• Should be kept away from lakes, ponds and other bodies of water
• Not intended for large-scale commercial crop use

For most home garden applications, however, STEM provides an effective plant-safe way to battle invasive pests. Just be sure to test on sensitive plants first and follow all label directions.

Alternative Natural Pesticides for Plants

For those concerned about using any type of pesticide on edibles or delicate vegetation, there are some alternative pest remedies:

• Insecticidal soaps – Potassium salts of fatty acids that dissolve soft bodied insects
• Neem oil – Botanical oil that repels and disrupts insect reproduction
• Pyrethrin – Plant-based insecticide made from chrysanthemums
• Diatomaceous earth – Powder of fossilized algae that damages insect cuticles
• Horticultural oils – Suffocate pests while safe for most plants
• Bt-k – Organic bacterial insecticide effective on caterpillars

However, most plant-based and organic insecticides will still require repeated use, just like STEM. For severe infestations, the cedarwood formula used in STEM may provide faster and more effective knockdown of common sap-sucking pests versus some gentler alternatives.

The Bottom Line

For organic management of soft-bodied insects like aphids, mites, and thrips on ornamental plants and vegetables, STEM spray is a good option.

The natural active ingredients and water-based formula offer safe yet effective pest control for most plants. While not completely non-toxic, STEM provides rapid knockdown of common plant pests without the harshness of many synthetic pesticides.

Just remember to always follow label directions and test on a few plants before wide-scale use. Employing natural pest deterrents like beneficial insects and horticultural oils can further reduce reliance on any sprays.

With vigilance and integrated pest management, a product like STEM can be a useful tool for protecting plants against invasive bugs while minimizing risks. Check it out if you’re seeking an organic-approved, plant-safe pesticide alternative for home gardens.