Teachers don't talk about it in elementary school, but plants need more than just water and sun to survive: When they live indoors, they also need a little attention. "Outdoor plants typically benefit from Mother Nature's cleansing process (rain and mist), but indoor plants need human care," says Madeline Hooper , host of the PBS show GardenFit . Fortunately, the process is simple. Here's exactly how to clean plant leaves so they thrive.
Why clean plant leaves?
"Think of the leaves as your plant's lungs," says Kelly Dyer , plant doctor and horticulture manager at Patch Plants . "On the underside of the leaves there are small stomata through which the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide as well as the absorption and release of moisture occurs." If the leaves of your plants are clogged with dust, they cannot effectively participate in photosynthesis and grow. For maximum health, Hooper recommends cleaning the top and bottom of the leaves, as well as the stems and stalks.
Related: Plant experts share their top tips for reversing root rot and the best way to prevent it.
How to clean plant leaves
Although Dyer says there's no rule for how often you should clean plant leaves, Hooper likes to do it once a week when he waters them. However, depending on how much dust has accumulated in your home, you may not even need to do this that often. Here we will tell you how and with what you should clean the leaves of your plants:
a feather duster
Just like you would use a feather duster to dust your furniture, you can also use it on the leaves of plants (top and bottom). "It's almost fun to dance around my plants and carefully dust all surfaces," says Hooper. In addition to being simple, this method allows for a gentle touch so as not to damage delicate leaves or stems. Tip: If your plant is particularly small, a soft makeup brush will suffice.
a damp cloth
For Dyer, this is the easiest and safest way to clean the top and bottom of the blades. For best results, you should gently hold the leaf in one hand and clean it from the stem to the tip of the leaf. To do this, use a wrung-out damp cloth for larger leaves or a small damp brush for smaller ones. Be careful not to rub or you risk damaging the plant.
The key, Hooper emphasizes, is temperature: "The water should be warm, not too hot or too cold. Extreme temperatures affect your plants and can even stunt their growth. Hooper switches to this method when you have the windows open and pollen or other matter is building up, because of course the power of a feather duster is to remove the dust . Water can (usually) do the rest.
Related: Why is my house so dusty? Cleaning professionals provide answers and tips for elimination
If your plant needs a little more help cleaning, especially if you're struggling with pests, you can use an all-natural liquid soap like Dr. Use Bronner's Castile Soap . This is best for young, soft-bodied children as the soap removes their protective coating and causes them to dry out. The process is exactly the same as above except you add some soap to the water and then rinse the leaves.
Shower
Yes, you can really shower your plant; Think of it as rain. As with the damp cloth, you should use warm water and remember to turn on the shower slowly so that the soil does not leak out of the pot. For best results, massage the leaves gently to ensure water reaches the entire plant. When you're done, make sure the water drains completely out of the pot so it doesn't sink into its own soil.
Related: Plant Benefits: 7 Brilliant Ways to Water Plants While You're Away + a Trick You Should Never Try
How to make your plant's leaves glow
After you learn how to clean plant leaves, it's helpful to know how to make them shine.
First, Dyer notes that "some plants naturally have brighter leaves than others." Just as each person has their own unique characteristics based on their composition, plants also have their own unique characteristics. They are also similar in that "just as the health of human hair or skin depends on the health of our bodies, so do plants." To keep your plants healthy and happy, the most important thing is to give them the right ones to provide nutritional and environmental conditions.
However, giving the leaves a good shine will not harm the plant as long as you do not use the wrong treatment. It's important to know that you should stay away from commercially available leaf whitening products: "The oils in these products can have a harmful effect by clogging the stomata and creating a sticky surface that only attracts more dust," says Dyer. "The same goes for foods recommended by many crop protection councils, such as mayonnaise or beer." Ultimately, tap water in a spray bottle is your friend.
If you want to take it a step further, Hooper recommends a lemon and water solution, which harnesses the acidity of lemon to remove buildup or water stains. "It's a simple mixture of equal parts lemon juice and water. Put it in a spray bottle, spray the surfaces, then dry with a soft cloth," says Hooper. A vinegar solution also helps, which is also acidic and even acts as a pest control agent.
For more plant health tips, click on the links below.
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