Basic H for your Plants

Over the winter, my ficus tree developed scale--little brown insects on the undersides of leaves which suck sap from the plant. They secrete “honeydew”, a clear sticky substance which drips down on leaves and the floor. Yuck!

There are numerous chemical products available for the control of scale bugs. Insecticides must be applied each week for a month or more for the greatest results. For heavy infestations, most people just discard the plant.

Iʼve had success with other diseased plants by spraying them with a solution of Basic H2 and water. Iʼve read that the Basic H2 penetrates the bugsʼ exoskeleton and they drown. Since the bugs are too small to do an autopsy (who really cares, anyway?) I just accept that the treatment seems to work. When itʼs warm enough, I move the plant outside, spray the undersides of leaves a couple of times a week; and if it can tolerate it, put it in bright sun. Iʼm using the Basic H2 degreaser formula (1 1/4 tsp in 2 cups water) on my tree but you can use a less concentrated formula. Use your own judgement.

Shaklee sells Basic H2 as an organic household cleaner. Itʼs super concentrated and super economical. For example, 16 oz of Mrs. Meyers Clean Day Countertop Spray costs $3.99. Basic H2 all-purpose cleaning solution (1/4 tsp in 2 cups water in a spray bottle) costs 3 cents. It cleans kitchens, appliances, bathrooms, furniture, fixtures, walls, stainless steel, as well as sealed granite, marble and woodwork. Dr. Shaklee said he would never make people pay for water.

Basic H2 contains sustainable-sourced cleaning agents derived from corn and coconut and is completely nontoxic, emits no harmful fumes, is hypoallergenic and contains no hazardous chemicals. It is biodegradable, meaning it totally breaks down into harmless natural compounds within 30 days or less. So by using Basic H2 (or any of Shakleeʼs household products) you contribute a net-zero impact on our water supply and the environment.

Basic H2 removes impossible stains like lipstick on a linen napkin or crayons on a painted wall. It removes gum from hair. It lifts off old wallpaper, removes pesticide spray residue, dirt and waxes from fruits and veggies, protects rose bushes from red spider mites and other diseases. Itʼs the best and safest window & mirror cleaner Iʼve ever found--at less than 1 penny for a 16 oz. spray bottle. Are you getting the picture? Itʼs the most versatile and safest cleaning product on the planet with 1,001 uses.

I always recommend purchasing the 3-pack Spray Bottles with your first bottle of Basic H2. Each bottle is clearly labeled for All Purpose, Windows, or Degreaser with the dilution recipe for each. It makes Basic H2 easy to mix up and use.

As the 42nd anniversary of Earth Day approaches, itʼs time to jump on Shakleeʼs “Always Safe, Always Green, Always Effective” bandwagon. After all, whether youʼre cleaning your house or trying to save a houseplant, it shouldnʼt involve dirtying the earth.

 Harriett