16 Natural and Homemade Fungicides for Plants

You’re in the market for natural fungicides for your plants, but you don’t know where to start.

We get it. The options can be daunting; knowing which ones are worth your money is difficult.

But don’t worry; below, we provide tips for making your own fungicides. We will also share some of our favorite organic store-bought ones.

This list of natural fungicides for plants can help you manage common fungal diseases without relying on harsh chemicals.

What Is a Natural Fungicide?

A natural fungicide is a substance derived from natural sources. It helps prevent or control fungal diseases that affect plants.

These fungicides can come from plants, minerals, beneficial microorganisms, or common household ingredients.

Many gardeners opt for natural fungicides. That’s because they are often safer for people, pets, pollinators, and the environment when used properly.

Natural and Homemade Plant Fungicides

1. Chamomile Tea

Chamomile tea is a gentle natural remedy. It can help prevent fungal problems in seedlings, especially damping-off disease.

To make a chamomile fungicide, steep 2 chamomile tea bags in 2 cups of hot water, then let it cool completely.

Pour the tea into a spray bottle and lightly mist the seedlings and the surrounding soil once or twice a week.

2. Horticultural Oil

Horticultural oils are effective against certain fungal diseases. They coat plant surfaces and can help suppress certain fungal diseases by reducing spore activity and spread [1].

3. Hydrogen Peroxide

When mixed with water, hydrogen peroxide creates a powerful spray. This spray can help fight both fungal and bacterial infections on plants.

Using hydrogen peroxide on your plants may temporarily reduce the numbers of certain disease-causing organisms in the soil. It also boosts oxygen levels around the roots.

To make a DIY fungicidal spray, mix one part 3% hydrogen peroxide with 4 parts water. Spray around the plant’s base every two to three weeks.

However, avoid overusing hydrogen peroxide. Using it too often can impact the beneficial microorganisms in the soil.

4. Organic Milk

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

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

Mix one cup of organic milk with ten cups of water. You can also use regular pasteurized milk if you cannot access organic milk.

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

5. Garlic Spray

Five cloves of garlic and two cups of water are needed to make a garlic fungicide for plants.

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. Compost Tea

Compost tea contains beneficial microorganisms [3]. Some gardeners use it to help improve plant health and may help suppress certain fungal diseases.

To make compost tea, soak one part finished compost in five parts non-chlorinated water for 24 to 48 hours.

Strain the liquid and use it as a foliar spray or soil drench. Apply it every two weeks during the growing season.

7. Papaya Leaf Spray

Papaya leaves contain natural compounds that have shown antifungal activity in laboratory studies [4]. However, their effectiveness in home gardens may vary.

To give it a try, you will need 2 pounds of fresh Carica papaya leaves, which you will grind into a paste. Next, add the paste to a bucket with 3 gallons of water and let it soak overnight.

The next day, add 2 tablespoons of liquid soap and stir. 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.

It is beneficial 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 serves as a homemade fungicide to treat fungal diseases in plants.

For the recipe, blend 1 cup of horseradish root with 2 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’s an excellent option for organic gardeners. It’s eco-friendly and won’t harm your soil or plants if used correctly.

When using neem oil as a fungicide, mix 4 tablespoons of neem oil with 1 gallon of water in a spray bottle.

Next, add 1 to 2 teaspoons of liquid soap to help the oil mix with the water. Shake well, then 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. However, avoid spraying in direct hot sunlight to reduce the risk of leaf burn.

11. Apple Cider Vinegar

You can also make a simple fungicide using apple cider vinegar.

Add four tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to one gallon of water. 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 1 teaspoon of baking soda with 1 quart of water, then pour it into your spray bottle. Add a few drops of liquid soap.

When you’re ready to use it, spray it onto your plants’ leaves. 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.

13. Cinnamon Oil

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

Mix one teaspoon of cinnamon oil with 1 gallon of water to make the spray.

However, always test cinnamon oil sprays on a small part of the plant first. Concentrated oils can cause leaf burn.

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, apple scab, black spot, and anthracnose.

Copper fungicides work best when applied before diseases become severe.

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.

16. Sulfur

Sulfur is one of the oldest and most widely used organic fungicides. It is effective against diseases such as powdery mildew, rust, and black spot.

Sulfur is available as a dust or spray at most garden centers.

However, always follow the product label directions. Using too much can harm plants, especially in hot weather.

Preventing Fungal Diseases Naturally

The best way to fight fungal diseases is to prevent them from developing in the first place.

Water plants at the base rather than overhead, and improve air circulation. Also, remove infected leaves promptly and avoid overcrowding plants.

Healthy plants are often more resistant to fungal infections.

FAQ

What is the most effective natural fungicide?

Neem oil, sulfur, copper fungicides, and baking soda sprays are among the most effective natural options for many common fungal diseases.

Can I make a fungicide at home?

Yes. Popular homemade fungicides include baking soda sprays, milk sprays, garlic sprays, chamomile tea, and hydrogen peroxide solutions.

What kills fungus on plants naturally?

Natural remedies such as neem oil, sulfur, copper fungicides, milk sprays, and baking soda sprays can help control many plant fungi.

Is neem oil a fungicide?

Yes. Neem oil has antifungal properties and can help manage diseases such as powdery mildew, rust, and black spot.

Can baking soda kill fungus on plants?

Baking soda can help slow the spread of certain fungal diseases on leaves, especially powdery mildew. However, it does not cure severe infections.

Is sulfur safe for organic gardening?

Yes. Sulfur is approved for use in many organic gardening systems. For centuries, it has been a trusted method of controlling plant diseases.

Can natural fungicides harm plants?

Yes. Even natural products can damage plants if used incorrectly or in excessive amounts.

Always test a new spray on a small area first and follow the recommended application rates.

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.