A common misconception of plant owners is that they should dust their plants when they become dusty. In reality, not only is this a not so reliable way of cleaning, it can actually cause scratches to the plant’s leaves. Instead, it is recommended to use water.
Cleaning Plant Leaves
If it’s time for your plants to be cleaned, simply give them a shower. Take care that the temperature of the water is cool, but not freezing cold. If cleaning during cold weather months, a tepid temperature is preferred. Adjust the stream of water coming from the shower head so that it is gentle, rather than forceful.
This method works best with planters that have drain holes so the excess water can drain out. Afterwords, leave the plants in the shower or move them to a bath tub to give them the opportunity to dry off before returning them to their normal locations.
Washing Plants
If a shower isn’t available, plants can be taken outside and washed with a hose. As with the shower, use caution that the water streaming from the hose isn’t too forceful. Also, do not wash them in the hot sun, but pick a shaded area instead. Let them remain outside for awhile before bringing them back inside so they can begin drying.
Sometimes water alone isn’t enough to clean a plant. This would particularly hold true for kitchen plants that have been exposed to grease. In a case like this, some mild soapy water can be used. Afterwords, rinse the plant thoroughly to make sure all of the soapy residue is gone.
House Plant Care
Certain plants, such as the African violet, don’t respond well to showers to being hosed off. An alternative method of cleaning is to take a soft rag, dip it in mild, soapy water and gently wipe the leaves from the leaf bases to their tips.
Support the leaves by placing your other hand underneath each one as you clean it. Use a separate clean, wet rag to remove the soap. Usually, plants only need to be cleaned every few months unless you live in an area that has a high amount of dust particles or if the plants are subjected to grease.
Although many people think that dusting is a good way to clean plants, a much better way is to use water. Watch the temperature and spray of the water and be sure to allow the plant to dry before putting it back in its usual place, particularly if it is placed in an area with sunlight. This way you can have clean plants without any damage occurring to the plant.
More information about house plants can be found in the article The Best and Most Popular House Plants for a Bedroom.
Source:
Houseplants for Dummies, Larry Hodgson and the Editors of the National Gardening Association, (IDG Books Worldwide, Inc.,) 1998
Janis Masyk-Jackson - I'm here to seek out the truth about some of life's mysteries. There is nothing new about New Age beliefs. These are beliefs that have ...
Join the Conversation