corn oil on fuchsias

Question

I tried getting rid of aphids on some fuchsias by spraying some corn oil mixed with water and a bit of dish soap on them, like in this article (https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/problems/homemade-aphid-control-a-natural-way-to-kill-aphids.htm) – the ratios were slightly different, but it was similar. I sprayed it thoroughly over the fuchsias using a spray bottle. However, I’m noticing some problems after a few days.

First of all, the oil is still there and won’t evaporate or wash off (of course, that’s what oil is like haha).
Secondly, many of the leaves on the plant are turning a dark olive color, and some come off easily when pulled gently. The bulbs look like they’re yellowing at the tips, too.
Finally, sections of the leaves seem to have been eaten away by ants.

Is this supposed to happen? What do you think is causing this, and what have I done wrong? Is there any way I can save these fuchsias? What can I do? I’ve tried washing off the oil, but it’s really hard to get it off, and I still don’t know if it’s the oil or the soap that’s causing the problem. They’re my mother’s fuchsias and I’m a total novice, so it’s hard for me. (I’m watching them while she’s away, and I don’t want her to come back to a dead fuchsia plant; she really likes them.) Anyway, I hope to hear from you soon. Thank you for reading my question!

Answer 1

If you used a soap that had bleach in it, like an anti-bacterial soap, this may have hurt the leaves on the plant. Put them in the shower and wash off as much of it as you can with plain water.

The plants may look a bit bedraggled, but if the stems are still alive, which is likely, they will regrow their damaged leaves.