15 Natural and Homemade Fungicides for Plants

You’re in the market for a natural plant fungicide, but you don’t know where to start.

We get it. The options can be daunting; knowing what is worth your money is hard.

In this article, we will share a few of our favorite organic, store-bought fungicides and some tips on making homemade fungicides for plants.

1. Soapy Water

You can use soap and water to make an antifungal solution for grass and plants. Soapy water is one of the best homemade fungicides for plants.

Mix two tablespoons of liquid dish soap with one gallon of water. Mix the solution thoroughly, and then pour it into a spray bottle.

Use it twice weekly on houseplants, soil, and outdoor plants. It kills lawn fungus.

2. Horticultural Oil

Horticultural oil is also a safe and effective treatment for plant fungal diseases.

The oil coats the fungi and prevents them from getting what they need to survive, killing them off [1].

3. Painted Daisies

The painted daisy flower contains pyrethrin. It is also a common ingredient in some commercial fungicides for crops.

To make a DIY fungicidal spray, dry two handfuls of daisy flower heads and grind them.

Next, soak them overnight in 4 gallons of water. Finally, strain them through cheesecloth before spraying on plants.

4. Organic Milk

You can also use organic milk to create an organic vegetable fungicide.

Some gardeners find that milk sprayed on plants effectively controls some leaf diseases. It works well for powdery mildew on zucchini [2].

To make this solution, mix one part organic milk with ten parts water. If you cannot access organic milk, you can also use regular pasteurized milk.

Pour this homemade fungus spray into a spray bottle and generously spray it on afflicted plants in your vegetable garden.

5. Garlic Spray

To make a garlic fungicide for plants, you will need five cloves of garlic and two cups of water.

Next, blend and strain to remove chunks, then pour the liquid into a spray bottle. Add a few drops of liquid soap to the solution and shake it up.

Finally, use this DIY spray right away. Spray your plants with it once a week to help prevent any fungus from taking hold.

6. Cow Urine

Yes, you read that right! Cow urine is an excellent all-natural fungicide used in some cultures.

It’s believed to have antifungal properties [3], which can help shield your plants from specific fungal pathogens.

Use 100 ml of fresh cow urine, diluted with 1 liter of water, directly on the plant leaves.

7. Papaya Leaf Spray

Now, let’s talk about papaya leaf spray.

If you’re dealing with fungal plant issues, try this remedy. The leaves of Carica papaya contain antifungal properties [4].

You only need to take 2 pounds of fresh Carica papaya leaves and grind them into a paste. Next, add the paste to a bucket with 3 gallons of water and let it soak overnight.

The next day, add two tablespoons of liquid soap and stir it. Strain it, then fill a spray bottle with the solution.

Shake it up, and then you’re ready to go. Use it to spray infected crops once every two weeks as a control treatment.

8. Clove Oil

Clove oil is also a natural antifungal remedy that you can use to control fungal growth.

Clove oil is particularly useful for disinfecting non-plant surfaces. Mix ten drops of clove oil with one gallon of water.

Next, spray it on garden tools and other accessories affected by fungi.

9. Horseradish

Horseradish root can be used to make a “tea” that can be used as a homemade fungicide to treat fungal diseases in plants.

For the recipe, blend one cup of the roots in two cups of water and let it sit for 24 hours.

Afterward, strain it and add the liquid to two quarts of water. Your horseradish tea is now ready. It is beneficial for treating brown rot in apple trees.

10. Neem Oil

Neem oil has antifungal properties.

It is a great choice for organic gardeners, as it is environmentally friendly and, if used correctly, will not harm the soil or plants in your garden.

When using neem oil as a fungicide, mix four tablespoons of the oil with one gallon of water in a spray bottle.

Next, add three tablespoons of liquid soap, shake it, and apply it to your plants.

You can also buy the concentrate online or at your local garden store. It works great against powdery mildew, rust, and other plant diseases.

It’s also one of the best organic fungicides for fruit trees.

11. Vinegar

You can also make a simple fungicide using vinegar.

Add 50 ml (1/4 cup) of white vinegar to one liter of water in a spray bottle. Spray it on indoor and outdoor plants affected by fungus.

12. Baking Soda Spray

Making a baking soda spray is another home remedy to ward off fungus. You will need only baking soda, water, and a spray bottle.

Mix one teaspoon of baking soda with 1 quart of water and pour it into your spray bottle. Add a few drops of liquid soap.

When you’re ready to use it, spray it on the leaves of your plants. It’s best to do this when the sun isn’t shining directly on the plants.

Use this DIY fungicide on roses, hollyhocks, peonies, and vegetables. It can also treat root rot.

13. Cinnamon Oil

Cinnamon oil is another popular home remedy for fungal infections. It helps combat certain plant fungi, rot, and molds.

Four tablespoons of cinnamon oil and a gallon of water can make the spray.

14. BONIDE Liquid Copper Fungicide

There are plenty of non-toxic, store-bought fungicides available to protect your plants. BONIDE Liquid Copper Fungicide is one such product.

It offers protection against several plant diseases, including powdery mildew, black spot, and anthracnose.

15. Fungastop L&G

Also on the organic fungicide list is Fungastop L&G.

This product can help protect your plants from certain fungal diseases. It also works against certain bacterial diseases and even some pests.

Takeaway

This list contains some great remedies to help keep your plants and garden fungus-free without harsh chemicals.

Experiment with a few and see which one works best for you.