Let's admit it. Knowing how to clean plant leaves is a great responsibility that comes with a great collection of plants. Whether you have a vast acquisition of green heads that is a step closer to competing state botanical gardens, or a humble collection as a beginner, making the leaves squeaky clean and shiny is a twinned maintenance practice. As a benefit, plants become more aesthetically pleasing, healthy, pest and disease-free, and efficiently process plant food. Ready to know more? Don't skip this article as we discuss tips on how to clean plants indoor and a handful of DIY leaf shine techniques.
Why Should You Clean Plant Leaves?
In greenhouses, gardeners often spray plants with pesticides, thus dipping down the condensation stuff. Carefully check the plant after buying: you can notice white or gray spots on the leaves of your plants.
To get the dirt and dust off! Sometimes, it’s not a big deal until it’s building up heavily and blocking the way to get oxygen. As plants breathe through their leaves, you always have to check whether they are as clean as possible or not. Additionally, dusting of the leaves will also make the plants capture sunlight more efficiently through photosynthesis, one of their main sources of plant food. Most of the dust accumulates on the surface and not on the underside of the leaves, where plants breathe through natural openings (called stomate)
Another reason is to get the residue from pests off the plants. If your plant has suffered from diseases (feds, mealybug, or something like that), it's gonna leave behind a sticky residue, and there might also be some eggs (oops). That's going to be a good reason to clean the plant and get rid of all those things.
..for a good look. To look at your plant and see it clean just gives you another feeling.
Household Methods & Products for Cleaning Plant Leaves
Making plant leaf shine is a piece of cake, with all the materials in your hand or within reach in your cupboard. In the following, we have listed some hacks on how to clean houseplant leaves:
Shower
Looking for the most straightforward and uncomplicated way of cleaning your plant babies? If so, sprinkling the leaves with water is the answer. Take it outdoors or in your bath or garden, and wash off the accumulated dust on the foliage with a shower or garden spray gun. Shower the plant when it’s watering time, or if the soil is already wet, covering it with plastic wrap can protect the potting medium from absorbing more water. For plants with tiny and fragile leaves, fill a spray bottle with lukewarm water and apply it on the leaves to facilitate dust removal.
- Shower or garden hose
- Spray bottle
- Water
- Plastic cover
Vinegar
Vinegar or any naturally-sourced acids, such as lemon juice that adds an extra sweet scent is a good additive when cleaning the leaves. Dilute a teaspoon (5mL) in a gallon of water (approx 4 liters). However, do not overdo it, as the leaves naturally cannot handle acidity and get burned if overapplied.
- White vinegar or lemon juice
- Water
- Microfiber cloth
Cleaning Plant Leaves With Coconut Oil
We are often asked whether oil for plant leaves is an excellent leaf polish, and we’ve heard you. The answer is yes; cleaning plant leaves with coconut oil gives a natural finish. To apply, dampen a cotton pad with a few drops of coconut oil and smear it on the foliage. While it adds a gleaming gloss to the foliage, it may clog the pores and even collect more dust because of the adhesive nature of oils compared to water; hence it should be applied with precaution
- Coconut oil
- Cotton pads or cotton balls
How to Clean Plant Leaves With Milk
Milk is another household product always at reach to clean plant leaves. If you are curious about cleaning plant leaves with milk, like other additives, we suggest using this only on less frequent occasions. Mix a 1:1 ratio of whole or skim milk and wipe it with a cloth or cotton pad. Although this mammary liquid contains essential proteins, vitamins, and minerals that may boost your plant health, the plant's biology does not guarantee that it will all be absorbed. The bottom line: it is still worth trying!
- Dairy milk or powdered milk
- Water
- Cotton pads or cotton balls
Neem Oil Leaf Shine Method
Neem oil leaf shine method is our highly recommended plant-based oil for two benefits: it adds a soft green luster to the foliage and deters house-inhabiting pests away from your plants, including mites, whiteflies, mealybugs, and scales. To clean and shine the foliage, simply spritz 1-2 times on a microfiber cloth and coat the leaves lightly. Do not slather overly wet cloth to avoid catching more dust.
- Neem oil
- Microfiber cloth
Cleaning Plant Leaves With Olive Oil
Cleaning plant leaves with olive oil is an alternative solution readily available in your cupboard. Add a few drops on the cotton pads and rub them gently to the surface. Alternatively, fine mist a cloth with an olive spray cloth, avoiding too much oil swabbing. Like other plant-derived oil, we also suggest wiping it to the leaves on minimal occasions to prevent more dust from sticking.
- Olive oil or olive oil spray
- Cotton pads
- Microfiber cloth
Water Immersion
The build-up of dust in small and delicate plants is feasibly removed using this method. It works by submerging the entire plant in a bucket of water when it needs to be watered. Ensure that the pot has enough drainage holes to remove extra moisture.
- Water container larger than the plant
- Water
Feather Duster
An uncomplicated method on how to make plant leaves shiny is to simply brush the leaves with a gentle duster. Most often, the dust can easily be removed as it only rests on the leaf surface. However, any of the above methods might be more effective in removing adhered dust particles.
- Duster
- Dutch-cathing wipes
FAQ
How to Clean Fiddle Leaf Fig Leaves?
The easiest way to clean fiddle leaf fig leaves is to simply take it to your bathtub and shower it. Alternatively, spray it outdoors with a garden hose if you have a spacious backyard.
How to Clean Monstera Leaves?
As this tropical plant typically has gigantic foliage, the best way to clean monstera leaves is by showering them. Aside from removing dust, the plant will also enjoy the humidity of having a full bath.
Is Leaf Shine Bad for Plants?
Is leaf shine bad for plants? It is both yes and no. It will make the leaves glossy and more attractive but use it less frequently. While it cannot kill the plant, overapplication may cause leaf burns and premature defoliation.
