The leaves of houseplants end up getting dirty because of the dust that enters from the street, which is created in the very atmosphere of our homes and because of watering with hard water, leaving them even stained with lime.
These stains tend to accumulate on the leaves, since they are not washed by the rain as it was the case outside, and they end up completely dulling their appearance.
To clean and shine the leaves of houseplants, there are different systems to do so, either at home or using products on the market made specifically for this. Interested in learning more? Keep reading below.
Why Is It Necessary to Clean the Dust from the Leaves of Houseplants?
The maintenance of houseplants relies mainly on proper irrigation and fertilization, proper lighting and good cleaning.
Despite what we often think, cleaning the leaves of our plants is not only recommended for purely aesthetic reasons.
Plants are autotrophic organisms. What does this mean? They are able to obtain the carbohydrates and energy they need to carry out their metabolic processes. They do this with the help of sunlight, through a process known as photosynthesis. In short, they do not need any other living thing to obtain their energy.
Leaf Dust Influences the Photosynthetic Process of Plants
How does the accumulation of dust influence the photosynthesis of leaves? Accumulated dust prevents plants from absorbing light and therefore slows down photosynthesis.
In addition, it also makes it impossible for them to transpire properly, which means that, during the night, oxygen is not transformed into the energy they need.
Keeping houseplants in good condition is also a form of self-care, as some of them are purifying plants that remove toxins from the house and help reduce heat.
How Often Is It Recommended to Clean the Leaves of Plants?
The answer to this question depends on several factors. For example, a houseplant that is next to a street construction site does not accumulate the same amount of dust as one that is not.
Our recommendation is that if running your finger over the leaf leaves a visible mark, it is a good time to clean the plant.
How to Clean Plant Leaves
Wash or Shower the Plants
Once you have selected the plants that need to be cleaned, place them in the shower. Yes, how did you know, under the shower!
These plants need, from time to time, to have a little hot water poured on them from above because, being inside the house, this doesn’t usually happen.
If you do this in the morning, take the plants out onto the balcony to let them dry before putting them back in their usual place.
To completely remove the dust, using a cloth, go over the surface of the leaves.
Cleaning Leaf by Leaf
The classic method of cleaning plant leaves is to go leaf by leaf. You can use water for this, water diluted with a little hydrogen peroxide or beer.
Once you have chosen your “soap”, place it in a bowl and moisten a cotton ball or cloth, removing the excess. Then wipe it over the surface of the leaves. This way, you will easily remove all that dust and they will be shiny.
Use a Brush
There are some plant leaves that, by their nature, do not need to be moistened. This is the case with the African violet, whose leaves are covered with a kind of hair.
The leaves of the African violet are covered with hairs.
Does this mean they can’t be cleaned? No, you just have to do it in a different way. Take a brush or paintbrush and gently wipe the leaves.
Other plants such as cacti can also be cleaned using this system, being careful not to hurt ourselves with their tips.
What are your thoughts? Did you know that indoor plants had to clean and if not are you going to start doing it? Share everything with us in the comments below.
