Now, I know what you’re thinking – you’ve got enough to clean around the house without worrying about your plants. But trust me, those leafy friends need a bit of TLC as the winter days draw short.
Think of it this way: dust on leaves is like cobwebs on a window. It blocks the sunshine your plants need to thrive. See, plants use sunlight to make their own food through photosynthesis. And a plant that can’t feed itself? That’s a stressed-out plant, more prone to pests and diseases.
So, grab a damp cloth or a soft brush and gently clean those leaves. Your plants will thank you for it!
How Often Do You Need to Clean Your Houseplants
This is where a little observation comes in handy. Take a close look at those leaves. If you see a layer of dust building up, or if you run your fingers over them and come away with grime, it’s time for a cleaning.
How often that happens depends on a few things. If you live on a dirt road or in a windy area, you must clean those leaves more often. Construction nearby? Same thing.
How to Clean Houseplants
Alright, let’s get those plants sparkling! The easiest way to clean most houseplants is with a good shower. Before grabbing the hose, remember these plants are a bit more delicate than your average garden variety.
Bring them to the sink or shower, but test the water first. Lukewarm is key – too hot or too cold shocks leaves. A little soapy water can help cut through the grime if they’re really dusty. A drop of dish soap in a quart of water will do the trick.
A gentle bath might be better for smaller, more delicate plants. Water the soil first, then carefully turn the pot upside down, securely holding the plant’s base. Swish those leaves in a bucket of lukewarm water, and you’re good to go. If you’re worried about the soil falling out, wrap some plastic wrap around the base of the plant for extra security.
After their spa treatment, let those plants drip dry before putting them back in their spots. They’ll be looking refreshed and ready to soak up the sun!
For those big, leafy friends that are just too darn heavy to move, don’t worry! You don’t need to wrestle them into the shower. A simple wipe-down with a damp cloth will do the trick. And here’s a little tip: once they’re clean, a quick dusting every now and then will keep them looking their best. Just like your furniture, a little regular maintenance goes a long way.
Remember those fuzzy-leaved friends we talked about? Well, they need a slightly different approach. Skip the water altogether and grab a soft brush instead. Think of it like a gentle massage for your plants, removing dust without disturbing those delicate hairs. African Violets, in particular, appreciate this kind of dry cleaning.
And while you’re giving your plants some TLC, take a moment to tidy up any dead or yellowing leaves. They’ll come off easily with a gentle tug if they’re ready to go. If not, a quick snip with some pruners does the job. And if you see any brown tips from a little under watering, don’t fret! Just trim away those crispy bits, following the natural shape of the leaf. It’s like a little haircut for your plants, keeping them looking sharp.
Insider Tip – If you want to take those houseplants to the next level, let me share a little secret. It’s called Leaf Radiance, like a magic potion for your plants.
This all-natural shine enhancer is specially formulated to bring out the natural beauty of your foliage. Just a few spritzes and those leaves will be gleaming like they’ve been professionally polished. It’s the same stuff we use here at the garden center to keep our plants looking their best and trust me, it outshines the rest.
Green Glow is a classic for a reason, but Leaf Radiance takes it up a notch. It’s gentle on your plants, safe for your home, and leaves behind a brilliant shine that will make your indoor jungle the neighborhood envy.
So, don’t forget the finishing touch next time you give those houseplants a little TLC. A little Leaf Radiance will have them looking like a million bucks!
I know, I know. Adding another chore to your list might seem like a bit much. But trust me, a little cleaning goes a long way with houseplants. Think of it like brushing your teeth – a quick routine that keeps things healthy and looking their best.
Until next week, I’ll be helping gardeners clean their houseplants for the holidays here at Watters Garden Center.
Ken Lain can be found throughout the week at Watters Garden Center, 1815 Iron Springs Rd in Prescott, or contacted through his website at WattersGardenCenter.com or Top10Plants.com.
