Garlic cloves add that extra oomph to your dishes—but can they also work magic on your snake plant? Let’s find out!
Snake plants, or Dracaena trifasciata, are among the most popular houseplants for their upright leaves and carefree nature. But even these hardy beauties sometimes face pests, fungi, and other issues. Can a simple kitchen ingredient fix it all? Let’s dig in.
Why are Garlic Cloves Beneficial to Snake Plants?
Garlic naturally has a high sulfur content, which is responsible for its strong odor and flavor. But this is not all negative, as this element acts as a natural repellent and has potent anti-fungal properties. Let’s discuss the main beneficial properties of garlic in detail.
1. Keeps pests at bay
Along with sulfur, garlic also contains a compound called allicin. When coupled, the combo of both these highly malodorous constituents shoes off most pests such as gnats, aphids, and mealybugs. Other bugs also despise the scent and tend to steer clear of the vicinity.
When kept near a snake plant, it creates an odor shield and protects the succulent from infestations!
2. Goodbye Fungal Growth
One of the biggest problems with snake plants is not watering them properly. Novice gardeners tend to go overboard on the process, leading to soggy soil. This excessive moisture in the substrate invites fungal infections.
Garlic has anti-fungal properties, which prevent the multiplication of fungal spores in the immediate vicinity. This includes both in the air and in the soil.
3. Natural Air Purifier
Snake plants are considered one of the most effective botanical air purifiers. However, garlic cloves also share the same attributes. They reduce the amount of microbes in the air, keeping the surroundings clean and safe.
This not only helps the plant by reducing air contamination but also improves your health!
How to Use Garlic Cloves?
Before you toss garlic into the pot, here’s the right way to use it effectively.
Pick 2–3 fresh, firm cloves without any rot. Peel them and place them on top of the soil, not buried. This helps the aroma spread evenly. Since garlic decomposes quickly, replace the cloves every 1–2 weeks.
Note: Garlic holds moisture, so remove the cloves before watering and let the soil surface dry before placing them back. Too much moisture can attract fruit flies—exactly what you’re trying to avoid.
Alternative Ways of Using Garlic
1. Misting with Garlic Concoction
Toss in a few peeled garlic cloves in a pot of water and boil them. Once it cools down, you can strain and transfer the liquid into a spray bottle and use it to mist your plant.
Note: Do not do it too often; once bi-weekly would be sufficient.
2. Crushed Sauteed Garlic
If you are somewhat of a master chef and want to take it a step further, you can saute your garlic cloves and crush them open to release a burst of smoky, garlic scent. Place the crushed mixture in a small dish around the plant for an enhanced effect!
Now that you have a natural, pocket-friendly, and easy way to keep pests away. Tell us what other daily kitchen goods have turned out to be life-savers for your succulents
