Why apply natural healing agents to plants?
When pruning, grafting or cutting plants and trees, wounds that can become sources of infection. Although Many species have the ability to seal their own wounds, there are certain situations in which helping the plant with natural healing agents is the best option to avoid infections, excessive humidity, pests and diseases, accelerating tissue regeneration and prolonging the life of the specimen.
The application of natural healing It is essential, especially in fruit trees, ornamental plants, and species that are particularly sensitive to fungi and bacteria after a cut. In addition to protecting, healing accelerate the healing process, they favor the isolation of damaged tissue and make it difficult for pathogens to enter.
Another advantage of opting for natural options over commercial or chemical products is that home remedies They do not block perspiration or prevent gas exchange, helping the plant to carry out its natural healing process without compromising its long-term health.
When and where to use natural healing agents
The use of natural healing agents is especially recommended in the following cases:
- Pruning thick branches or cuts greater than two centimeters in diameter.
- Tras grafts, to protect the joint and prevent the entry of moisture or fungi.
- When there is accidental injuries (hail, wind damage, animal damage).
- In trees or plants susceptible to fungal diseases or bacterial.
It is always preferable to apply the healing agent in dry seasons, avoiding rain and frost, so that the paste is not washed away and the wound remains protected. In addition, it is recommended to use the paste in clean, angled cuts, thus allowing water to drain and not accumulate in the wound.
Effective recipes for natural healing plants
There is a wide variety of homemade recipes that have proven to be very effective, such as sealants, healing agents and natural barriersBelow are the most popular formulas and their variations, so you can choose the one that best suits the available materials and the needs of your plants.
Healing of Vaseline, cinnamon and ash
- Vaseline (preferably pure)
- Cinnamon powder (powerful natural fungicide)
- Vegetable ash (provides consistency and protective minerals)
Mix all the ingredients little by little until you obtain a smooth, homogeneous paste that is easy to apply. vaseline moisturizes and keeps the mixture adhered, cinnamon prevents fungi and ash Harden the paste. Apply to the wound with a spatula or brush.
Sealant based on vegetable oil, cinnamon and plasticine
- Olive oil or vegetable oil
- Cinnamon
- Dark-colored plasticine
This option is especially practical if you are looking for a waterproof insulation that also doesn't attract the attention of birds. Simply mix the ingredients until you get a thick, uniform paste. clay mechanically seals, the oil provides nutritional properties and cinnamon protects against undesirable organisms.
Healing paste of ash and water
- Vegetable ash
- Water
Simply mix both components until you get a thick paste. This formula, although simple, has been used successfully for generations to heal wounds on trees and shrubs, preventing the entry of unwanted moisture.
Recipe with beeswax
- Bee wax
- Cinnamon
Beeswax is highly valued for its waterproofing properties and its natural origin. Melt the wax carefully, mix it with cinnamon, and apply it warm (with caution) to cuts or grafts. It provides a protective and breathable layer for a long time.
Toothpaste and ash healing agent
- Toothpaste (preferably white and without additives)
- Vegetable ash
Mix both ingredients until you get a thick paste. This formula has gained popularity for its effectiveness in preventing wood-boring insects and protecting exposed wood.
Healing paste with rue, rubber paint and copper
- One gallon of clear rubber paint
- One kilogram of copper powder or shavings
- Half a kilo of fresh rue
- Three liters of water
Cut the rue into small pieces and place it in water, letting it macerate for ten days. Stir daily and finally strain. Mix the rue water with the paint and copper until you get a consistent paste. This recipe, although less common, is excellent for large wounds and pruning areas on adult specimens, as it combines fungal and bactericidal action.
Paste made from mugwort, tobacco, petroleum jelly and cinnamon
- Dried mugwort
- Cigarette tobacco
- Vaseline
- Cinnamon
In a metal container, burn the tobacco with the mugwort and use the remaining substance and ashes. Mix these with petroleum jelly and cinnamon until a smooth paste forms. This combination It acts as an antiseptic, natural insecticide and water repellent.
Practical tips and considerations when applying healing agents
To ensure success when using natural healing agents, keep these recommendations in mind:
- Clean the wound with a disinfected tool before applying any healing paste.
- Performs clean, slanted cuts, this way you will avoid water from remaining stagnant.
- apply the paste immediately after cutting to prevent early infections.
- For very large injuries, periodically check the condition of the paste and replace it if it is washed away by rain.
- Keep the pasta in glass or plastic containers, never in metal, to avoid oxidation.
- Prepare only the quantity needed for immediate use, thus ensuring the freshness and effectiveness of the active ingredients.
Choose suitable natural healing agent It depends on the materials you have at hand, the type of plant, and the extent of the wound. You can also learn to prune correctly To prevent further wounds and facilitate the natural healing process, helping your plants stay in optimal condition. For more information on species that can benefit from this treatment, visit our Complete guide to sun-resistant medicinal plantsThis way, you can contribute to the health of your crops in a sustainable and ecological way, avoiding the use of chemicals that could harm the environment and your plants in the long term. By applying these solutions, your plants will recover faster and be protected with 100% natural and very economical methods.
