Can Vinegar Harm Indoor Plants?

Vinegar, a household ingredient with 5 acetic acid, can be harmful to indoor plants when applied directly or in high concentrations. It damages the outer layers of leaves, damaging the waxy cuticle that prevents water loss from cells. When the cuticle gets damaged, vinegar can dry out the leaves and harm the plant.

Diluted vinegar is generally safe for plants and can be used in various ways to benefit your garden. However, if you accidentally spray vinegar on the plants or their roots, rinse them off with plenty of water as soon as possible. High concentrations or direct application can damage plants, as the acetic acid in vinegar can remove the protective waxy coating on plant leaves.

Vinegar can be an effective pest control and fungicide when used correctly, but it is important to use it in moderation and dilute it properly to avoid damaging the plant. It can also cause chemical burns and discoloration, especially to plants.

To clean plant leaves for healthier houseplants, it is essential to use damp rather than dry methods. Applying vinegar too close to plants can temporarily change soil pH and be harmful to the roots. Full-strength vinegar directly onto plant foliage will kill them, so avoid spraying or pouring into plants or grasses that you want to keep alive.

Vinegar is an acidic substance, so it is crucial to dilute or wash it away until it is a harmless amount. It can kill weeds, plant diseases, insects, and even act as a fertilizer or acidify soil. Although vinegar is nontoxic to cats and humans, it is harmful to plants due to its 5% acetic acid content.