It is perfectly safe for plants when properly diluted and used in moderation. Adding hydrogen peroxide to water promotes better growth in plants and boosts roots ability to absorb nutrients from the soil. Diluted 3% peroxide adds needed aeration to the soil of plants and helps control fungus in the soil.
For established plants: Mix 1:1 ratio of 3% H2O2 and water (eg: 1 cup of each). Bottom or top water as usual (water soil only, do not pour on leaves).
Golden Rules When Using Hydrogen Peroxide
Purchase a 3% solution of peroxide for plant use, as higher concentrations will burn plants. Always label your spray bottle when creating a solution. Always test your hydrogen peroxide solution on a small area before applying your spray.
It also breaks down into the soil and releases extra oxygen that helps the plant grow new, healthy roots. Before you use hydrogen peroxide on your plants, you'll need to dilute it. Mix one part of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide with two parts water in a watering can or spray bottle.
If you use a higher concentration of hydrogen peroxide on the foliage of the plant you run the risk of burning it. You could burn the roots, but since it's necessary to kill the root rot-causing bacteria, it's a risk worth taking.
If you are treating a sick plant or one infested with insects, use a slightly stronger mixture of one tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide in eight ounces of water. Don't use hydrogen peroxide on your plants more frequently than twice each week. If you make more than you need, you can store it.
Or, if you want to take 3% Hydrogen Peroxide to 1% Hydrogen Peroxide, simply mix 2 parts 3% Hydrogen Peroxide to 1 part distilled water. The most common dilution for hydrogen peroxide is 1:1 (1 part hydrogen peroxide and 1 part water). However, depending on the application, the dilution may vary.
Hydrogen peroxide can help to control fungal growth and fungal infection, such as root rot, by preventing the growth of fungi. It can also help kill fungus and bacteria on plant roots.
Step 1: Mix one part of hydrogen peroxide and four parts of water in a spray bottle. Step 2: Lightly spray the plant leaves and stems where the adult fungus gnats are visible. Step 3: Repeat as needed until the adults are no longer visible.
Treat the soil.
Use 1-2 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide per cup of water, and mix enough to saturate the entire root ball. Mix well, then apply to the soil. Hydrogen peroxide is root safe though it can look a little scary, because it will begin to bubble up when poured in. This is normal!
Hydrogen peroxide, well known as an ingredient in disinfectant products, is now also approved for controlling microbial pests on crops growing indoors and outdoors, and on certain crops after harvest. This active ingredient prevents and controls bacteria and fungi that cause serious plant diseases.
Combine a 4:1 ratio of water and Hydrogen Peroxide 3% – Oxygen Plus in a spray bottle (60ml of Hydrogen Peroxide to 300ml water). Increase to 2:1 ratio if your plant can handle it. Reduce the treatment to once a week until finished. Lightly spray the leaves to ward off unwanted pests.
Hydrogen peroxide is a chemical and may cause serious side effects. The higher the concentration, the more serious the side effects can be. Using a high concentration of hydrogen peroxide on your skin could cause blistering and burning. Even 3% medical grade can cause skin irritation.
The bottom line. Hydrogen peroxide used to be a popular antiseptic for cleaning wounds and treating acne. But it's not a good idea to use it for those purposes, since it can irritate your skin. If you don't want to throw away your brown bottles, you can use hydrogen peroxide to clean and disinfect around the house.
It is perfectly safe for plants when properly diluted and used in moderation. Adding hydrogen peroxide to water promotes better growth in plants and boosts roots ability to absorb nutrients from the soil. Diluted 3% peroxide adds needed aeration to the soil of plants and helps control fungus in the soil.
To dilute to a 3% solution use 1 part 12% food grade Hydrogen Peroxide to 3 parts distilled water. For example, to make 400ml of 3% H2O2, use 100ml of 12% H2O2 with 300ml of distilled water.
Mix one part of 3 per cent hydrogen peroxide into two parts water — you can do this in a watering can or spray bottle.
So, the answer to the question, “Does hydrogen peroxide hurt plants?” is a resolute no, provided the strength is sufficiently diluted. You can purchase hydrogen peroxide in various potencies. The most commonly available is a 3% solution, but they go up to 35%.
Apart from being more mindful of how often and how much water you give your plants and plant roots, you can also use a mixture of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide concentration mixed in 1 quart of water once a week to encourage healthy root growth in your plants' roots or treat the spread of root rot and root decay.
How to Save Overwatered Plants. Luckily, many plants can be saved if you notice the issue in time. At the first sign of overwatering, grab a bag of fresh soil and a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution.