Frequently Asked Questions
We have you and your plants covered.
How does Wilt-Pruf work?
Wilt-Pruf creates a protective coating, sealing in moisture on foliage and stems, reducing water loss during periods of severe plant stress.
When should I apply Wilt-Pruf?
Wilt-Pruf should be applied whenever moisture prevention is imperative. A few examples include:
(1) Summer drought
(2) Stress and shock
(3) Winter kill protection
We recommend applying every 1-2 months during spring/summer months, and every 3-4 months during winter like conditions.
How do I apply Wilt-Pruf?
For our RTUs:
(1) Shake the bottle thoroughly
(2) Spray the tops and bottoms of stems and leaves to run off
(3) Let dry for 3-4 hours of daylight (not necessarily sunlight)
For Concentrates:
(1) Shake concentrate thoroughly
(2) Add Wilt-Pruf to water
(3) Stir concentrate into the water. Use any pressure type trombone, pump, or power sprayer (except a hose end)
(4) Spray the tops and bottoms of stems and leaves to run off
(5) Let dry for 3-4 hours of daylight (not necessarily sunlight)
What should I use to spray Wilt-Pruf?
If you aren't using one of our Ready-to-Use products, we recommend using any pressure type trombone, pump, or power sprayer (except a hose end) to apply Wilt-Pruf. The more pressure, the better the spray pattern.
Can I apply Wilt-Pruf on indoor plants?
Yes! Although we recommend spraying them outside or in a similarly safe location to prevent Wilt-Pruf from getting on unintended surfaces (e.g. counters, tables, walls). Always let your plants dry outside for 3-4 hours in daylight (not necessarily sunlight).
Do I need to do anything different when using on my indoor houseplants?
No, use as directed (although we do recommend spraying outside to prevent unwanted surfaces from coming into contact with Wilt-Pruf).
You also need to make sure that you let the plants dry outside for 3-4 hours in daylight (not necessarily sunlight).
What happens if I overspray Wilt-Pruf?
If you overspray, allow product to dry and powder off over time.
What should I do if I sprayed a surface in error?
Wash surfaces sprayed in error immediately with warm water and dish soap.
If the film dried on an unwanted surface, can I get it off?
Dried film may be dissolved with kerosene, but we recommend letting the film oxidize and disappear naturally over time.
Are there any plants I shouldn’t spray Wilt-Pruf on?
Do not apply Wilt-Pruf to arborvitae, cypress, or cedar until the plants have hardened off for the winter and moisture has retreated down into the roots or cell bursting may occur. Do not use on African violets or exotic, slow growing dwarfing plants. Not recommended for use on plants with hairy leaves.
It’s supposed to rain, can I still apply Wilt-Pruf?
Depends. If you are able to apply Wilt-Pruf and let it dry for 3-4 hours before the rain falls you will have no issues. If the film will not have enough time to dry we recommend waiting for another day.
How do I mix the concentrate?
Wilt-Pruf is mixed to different dilution rates depending on the use case so make sure you follow the directions.
(1) Shake the concentrate thoroughly
(2) Add Wilt-Pruf to water in the sprayer of your choice
(3) Once you've added Wilt-Pruf to water, stir (we think a paint stirrer attached to a drill works well)
(4) Spray and let dry
While my plant grows in the summer, will Wilt-Pruf expand to protect the new growth?
Yes! Our coating is clear, flexible, does not inhibit growth, and has no material effect on osmosis, respiration, or photosynthesis
Can I spray Wilt-Pruf if I have pets or animals around?
Since Wilt-Pruf is organic, non-toxic, and non-hazardous, you can spray Wilt-Pruf even if you have pets or animals. That being said, we do recommend waiting until Wilt-Pruf has had time to dry to prevent pets from licking the film or getting it on their paws or fur.
Do I need to wait until arborvitae, cypress, juniper, or cedar have hardened off for the winter?
Yes! Don’t apply Wilt-Pruf to arborvitae, cypress, juniper, or cedar until the plants have hardened off for the winter or plant damage may occur. An easy way to gauge if plants have hardened off is when the ground is frozen. This damage can happen naturally, but Wilt-Pruf would likely exaggerate the effect by locking in moisture while the roots continue to push more into the stems, leaves and needles. If there is concern about applying, a dilution of 1-part Wilt-Pruf to 10-parts water (1:10) can be used instead of the standard 1:5 winter dilution rate.
Does applying Wilt-Pruf turn blue spruce needles green temporarily?
Yes, our film changes the color of the needles but as the film powders away the color will be restored.
Can I apply Wilt-Pruf to curled rhododendron leaves?
Yes, but you’ll get better coverage and results if the leaves aren’t curled.
Typical Use Cases
Winter Protection
(1) You may spray Wilt-Pruf anytime so long as spray does not freeze on foliage while spraying or during the subsequent drying period. We recommend splashing some water on a branch to test.
(2) Let it dry for 2 to 3 hours after spraying in daylight (not necessarily sunlight)
(3) Use a 1:5 dilution rate (1 Part Wilt-Pruf / 5 Parts Water / 6 Total Parts)
(4) One application should last 3-4 months before re-application is necessary
Drought & Windburn Protection
(1) Spray at a dilution rate of 1:12 (1 Part Wilt-Pruf / 12 Parts Water / 13 Total Parts)
(2) Let it dry for 2 to 3 hours after spraying in daylight (not necessarily sunlight)
(3) Re-apply as needed
Transplanting
(1) For spring, summer, and fall transplanting water your plants thoroughly before applying Wilt-Pruf
(2) It is best to spray a few hours before digging, or if necessary, just after transplanting
(3) Spray at a dilution rate of 1:8 (1 Part Wilt-Pruf / 8 Parts Water / 9 Total Parts)
(4) Let it dry for 2 to 3 hours after spraying in daylight (not necessarily sunlight)
(5) Re-apply as needed
Shipping & Transport
(1) To guard against windburn and dry-out while transporting trees, plants, and shrubs
(2) Spray at a dilution rate of 1:10 (1 Part Wilt-Pruf / 10 Parts Water / 11 Total Parts)
(3) Let it dry for 2 to 3 hours after spraying in daylight (not necessarily sunlight)
Christmas Trees, Wreaths, Garland, and Pumpkins
(1) To keep trees, wreaths, garland, greens, and pumpkins from drying out, dropping needles, or turning brown
(2) Spray at a dilution rate of 1:10 (1 Part Wilt-Pruf / 10 Parts Water / 11 Total Parts)
(3) Let it dry for 2 to 3 hours after spraying in daylight (not necessarily sunlight)
Storage Protection
(1) Tubers and bulbs can be sprayed or dipped in Wilt-Pruf
(2) Spray or dip at a dilution rate of 1:10 (1 Part Wilt-Pruf / 10 Parts Water / 11 Total Parts)
(3) Let it dry for 2 to 3 hours after spraying in daylight (not necessarily sunlight) before putting in storage
Ingredients
What is in Wilt-Pruf?
Wilt-Pruf is mixture of organic pine resin and inert. Our inert is primarily water with some other organic ingredients to help stabilize the product. Our concentrates are 25% Pinolene and 75% inert, our RTUs are 5% Pinolene and 95% Inert.
What's the difference between the RTU and Concentrate products?
Our Ready-to-Use (RTU) products are pre-diluted with water so they are ready to spray right off the shelf. Each RTU dilution is optimized for a specific use case. Specific dilutions can be found on each product page.
Our concentrates need to be mixed with water before spraying.
Storage & Handling
Can I store diluted Wilt-Pruf in my sprayer?
We do not recommend storing diluted Wilt-Pruf in your sprayer.
Does Wilt-Pruf clog sprayers, nozzles, or lines?
Wilt-Pruf does not clog sprayers, nozzles, or lines (remember to add Wilt-Pruf to water, not the other way around) and can be cleaned up with water UNLESS it’s allowed to dry.
Is Wilt-Pruf damaged by freezing in storage?
Wilt-Pruf is not damaged by freezing in storage.
What is Wilt-Pruf’s active life?
Wilt-Pruf's active life is 1-2 months during spring/summer months, 3-4 months during fall/winter months.
Does Wilt-Pruf expire?
Wilt-Pruf has an indefinite shelf life if it's in concentrate form or one of our Ready-to-use bottles. If Wilt-Pruf was mixed into a sprayer, it must be used and/or applied immediately.
What is the shelf life once I’ve opened a bottle of Wilt-Pruf?
If the cap is secured properly, Wilt-Pruf has an indefinite shelf life.
I can’t get the top off my 1 Quart Ready-to-Use Trigger Sprayer, is this normal?
Yes! Given the portability of our 1 Quart RTU we've moved towards a permalock top to prevent unwanted spilling.
Should I be careful when handling Wilt-Pruf?
Even though Wilt-Pruf is organic, non-hazardous, non-toxic and biodegradable. It’s always wise to err on the side of caution as inhalation or contact may cause irritation to eyes, nose, throat and skin.
Benefits & Satisfaction
What are the benefits of Wilt-Pruf?
(1) We use only the finest quality ingredients, which are organic, biodegradable, non-toxic, and non-hazardous.
(2) When our product is sprayed on plant surfaces, the water evaporates leaving a soft, flexible film which degrades one molecular layer at a time when exposed to air and light, making us long-lasting.
(3) We have multiple use cases to help protect your plants year-round.
How is Wilt-Pruf different than competitor anti-transpirants?
(1) We use very fine and expensive quality pine resin.
(2) When our product is sprayed on plant surfaces, the water evaporates leaving a soft, flexible film which degrades one molecular layer at a time when exposed to air and light (like layers of an onion). The film then immediately starts a polymerization. However, the entire thickness of the film does not polymerize at the same rate. Only the surface molecular layer is going through rapid polymerization.
(3) Most competitor products begin powdering away as soon the coating has dried and then there is no protective coating behind the first.
What if I’m not satisfied with Wilt-Pruf?
If you're not completely satisfied, please submit a refund request to:
Wilt-Pruf Products
120 Broadway Ave S
Suite 100
Wayzata, MN 55391
Please include a copy of your receipt, the back label, and a note explaining why you were dissatisfied.
General
What are anti-transpirants?
Anti-transpirants are natural compounds applied to plant leaves to reduce transpiration of moisture.
Ultraviolet rays from outdoor daylight react with the film-forming polymer, which produces a continuous flexible film that forms a coating, similar to the layers of an onion. When the top layer is removed, there are still more layers left.
The same phenomenon is true with Wilt-Pruf. Over time, sun, wind, and rain cause the outside layer to wear off and powder away, causing another layer to form.
Does Wilt-Pruf have a wholesale program?
Yes! If you are interested in becoming a wholesale partner please fill out the form found on our "Become a Partner" page.