It is at the end of April, which means that it is time for the great spring household, if you have not yet ticked it on your list … Something that is always forgotten? Cleaning the leaves of green plants. How do we make them perfectly clean and make them shine?…CONTINUE READING....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Just like our furniture, our indoor plants need a good occasional dedusting. In fact, the cleanliness of their foliage is quite important as the accumulation of dust and the mineral deposits from the hard water do not rhyme with vigorous growth.
The benefits of regular leaf cleaning
The truth is that a layer of dust on the leaves of a plant hinders photosynthesis. As you may know, this is the essential process by which flora absorbs carbon dioxide and sunlight and converts them into energy. The same energy improves its ability to absorb water, making its leaves healthier and greener while facilitating the creation of oxygen as a by-product.
Thus, cleaning the leaves of plants from dust and preventing its accumulation optimises the amount of sunlight that the plant is able to absorb. As a result, you have not only lushest species, but also better air quality inside the house.
Another reason why cleaning leaves from indoor plants is crucial is to keep out the infestations of possible pests. Many pests such as spider mites like dirty dusty leaves and, above all, notice them in time to react and get rid of them and more difficult if regular cleaning is skipped. The dusty a plant is, the weaker it is and therefore susceptible to attack.
The easiest way to clean the leaves of indoor plants is to shower them from time to time. Usually, washing in the shower once a month is enough. Obviously, we shower the plants when they need watering as well. Just place your pots in the bathroom and pour the shower water over the plants. Make sure that the water pressure is not too high, which can damage the more fragile species. At the same time, it must be strong enough to remove dust and other debris. Do not use hot water or shower your cactus and orchids.
When you put the plants back in their place, if you notice that the leaves are still dirty, use a clean, damp cloth and wipe them gently. Also wipe the drops left on the leaves to prevent white spots from limestone water and to reduce the risk of fungal diseases as well. For the same reasons, after the shower, make sure that the air circulation around the plants is good and that the drainage holes are not obstructed. Now, you know how to clean them, but how do you make the leaves of green plants shine?
Can sprays be used to make the leaves shine?
We sell a lot of prefabricated sprays that promise to shine the leaves of indoor plants. Unfortunately, these products can do more harm than good. This is because plants have tiny pores called stomatates, which are essential for many plant functions, including gas exchange. The brilliants in question obstruct these orifices with the wax they contain, limiting the natural processes within the plant. In addition, these substances attract more dust and are difficult to remove in the long term. The good news is that you can make your own cleansers and home-made lacquers and make the leaves of the plants shine naturally and safely.
What are the brilliant alternatives made homemade?
Neem oil is one of the most suitable green cleaners, as it is beneficial in several ways. Not only will it shine the leaves of green plants, but it is effective in protecting them from pests as well. How can we take advantage of this? Mix equal parts of neem oil and water and add a few drops of dishwashing liquid. Spray the foliage with this concoction, wipe it with a clean cloth and it’s done. Do not use coconut oil, olive oil, etc. because they are too “heavy” and may always clog the stomatates.
By the way, using soapy water is another good solution for cleaning the leaves of plants and making them shiny. It has some pest control effect as well, especially when talking about womb walls and thrips. Also, a spray bottle and a microfiber cloth are used, and the trick is done.
The mixture of water and lemon juice (as a 4:1) is another suitable option for cleaning the leaves of plants at home. This is all the more true if your flora has hard water spots, as lemon acid dissolves them easily. White vinegar is just as effective, but you need to further weaken concentration. So start with a tablespoon in one litre of water so as not to damage the leaf mass of the plant.