Plant parents know that it doesn’t take long for the dust gather in indoor seedlings. And when a fan or air conditioner is turned on or a window opens, it is inevitable that a spot of dirt will appear on the lower leaves.
Although it can be a tedious task, it is important that you clean up your species’ waste regularly. A layer of dust on the leaves will block sunlight and reduce the ability to photosynthesize, which is how the plant feeds.
A clean seedling that photosynthesizes at optimal levels will be healthier and more resistant to disease and pest infestations. So periodically sanitizing your home branches actually takes less work for you in the long run – and improves both your growth and your indoor environment.
when to clean
How often do you clean the leaves of indoor plants really depends on the amount of dust in the air. If you live in areas with dirt roads, ongoing construction, vacant lots and a lot of wind you will have to do this regularly. To know the right time, rub your fingers on the leaves: if you can feel or see a lot of dust, it’s time for a cleaning.
what you will need
- spray bottle
- Bucket
- damp cloth
- mop
- Stiff brush (to clean the vessels)
- soft brush
- Paper movie
- Detergent
- Bleach
Instructions
With a spray nozzle
The easiest method to clean medium to large plants is to move them to the Kitchen sink or for the shower and wash them with a spray nozzle. Keep the water pressure low and test first to make sure it’s lukewarm, as hot or cold water can injure the seedling’s leaves. Support the leaves or stems during the process.
With a spray bottle
For species that cannot handle the force of a spray nozzle, a spray bottle is a great solution. Succulents, cacti and bonsai are among the best cleaned using this material.
dip in the water
Small plants can be cleaned by holding their base at ground level, inverting it over a bucket of water, and swirling the leaves under the water. Watering the soil in advance will help prevent it from sagging when the pot is turned over.
See too
You can also wrap plastic wrap around the base to make the procedure more secure. Again, be sure to use warm water. Let the branches dry before moving them back to their original position.
Attention: If your seedlings are very dirty, you can spray them with a mixture of water and soap and then wet them or immerse them in a sink full of water. Use about 1/4 tablespoon of dish soap to 1 gallon of water. Those that can’t stand being washed in the sink can be sprayed with clean, warm water to wash off the soap.
with a cloth
For ones that are too big to move, you can simply sanitize their foliage with a damp cloth. This method also works well with plants that only have a few leaves, such as George’s sword or banana trees.
You don’t have to repeat this every time, you can help prevent dust from accumulating by using a soft duster on them whenever you dust your furniture or floors.
Use a soft brush
For sticky or fuzzy leaves things are a little different. And in the case of species such as african violets, who do not like their foliage wet, none of the types already mentioned is the answer. wear a soft brushlike a wooden cleaning brush, to very gently remove dust from the leaves.
Tips to keep your vases always tidy
Include in the cleaning the removal of dead, brown or yellow leaves. If it comes off easily, do it with your hands, or use scissors. Never pull on strong, tightly held parts. Prune only the yellow tips of plants that have become too dry. Follow the natural contour of surfaces for a more natural look.
Why not make sure the vases look good too? If salt or minerals form a white coating on the outside or rim of a vase, remove the branch and wash the vessel thoroughly. Apply a solution of 1 part diluted bleach to 10 parts water.
Scrub off the salt residue with a stiff brush and get it very clean before repotting the plant. Prevent future buildup by periodically flushing the soil with water and allowing it to drain completely.
*Via The Spruce