Do you wipe houseplant leaves?

Plants, like all living things, need proper care to stay healthy and flourish. Also  the right amount of light  and regular watering houseplants need a maintenance every once in a while. As long as you’re cleaning the rest of your home in the spring , you can pay a little extra attention to your houseplants. Not only will cleaning your houseplants keep them dust-free, but you'll be more aware of any pests or other problems they may be causing.

Cleaning your plants is important

No one wants a dusty plant, but at home, plants can accumulate dust, dirt, and other debris over time if they are not cleaned regularly. And a layer of dust on a plant's leaves can reduce sunlight, which interferes with its ability to feed itself through photosynthesis. If dust or debris is visible on a plant, or if you feel dust when you rub the leaves, it's probably time to clean up. Certain factors can cause excess dust to accumulate.

Ways to clean your plants

There are many ways to clean a plant. If you have wilted leaves or delicate flowers, you might want to use a softer duster tool. If the leaves are flat and wide, a sponge and soapy water may work. Or if you have a lot of plants, you can try taking them all into the shower with you for bath time.

Clean plants in the shower

A small plant can benefit from a quick rinse in the sink. But if you have a large potted plant, you can use the shower to clean it. Wash the plant with lukewarm water to get rid of insects and dust. Keep small houseplants in the sink; Wash large houseplants in a shower. Allow the plants to dry out before placing them in the sun. You can also clean small plants and their soil by supporting them with your fingers, turning them upside down, and swishing their leaves in lukewarm water. Allow houseplants to dry out in the sun.

Clean the plants by hand with a sponge and soapy water

Simply take a non-abrasive sponge (to prevent scratching the leaves) or even a soft microfiber cloth. Make a solution of one teaspoon dish soap per quart of lukewarm water , then dip your sponge in it until it's damp. Gently wipe the leaves until they appear clean, using the sponge from time to time to avoid spilling dirt on the leaves. In the process, be sure to use your other hand to support the leaves while wiping so they don't break.

Dust plant leaves with a microfiber cloth or duster

Lucky to have a giant plant that won't easily go into the shower? You can use dry Microfiber cloth or duster for wiping leaves of plants. It's easy to do: Simply wipe the leaves individually with a soft microfiber cloth, and for a larger plant, use a duster. In general practice, a duster can be trying on your plant whenever you dust other areas of your home.

Clean plants with paintbrush

Some plants can be benefited from the texture and precision of a paintbrush -- including fuzzy plants such as African violets or plants with small foliage, such as ferns and flowers. The smaller and more delicate the plant is, the smaller and softer the brush you should use. You can also clean the leaves of larger houseplants by wiping them with a damp cloth or damp cotton wool. Support the leaves with one hand so they don't hurt or crack.

Trim dead leaves from plants

When you clean your plants, you may notice dead leaves. Trimming these not only improves the appearance of the plant. This allows more nutrients to reach the living leaves. You can easily remove dead or dying leaves by hand if they are loose. Or, you can grab a pair of shears or pruning shears, cutting the leave as close to the stem as possible. Remove faded flowers to keep your houseplants healthy and encourage further blooms. Pick up any flowers that fall on the soil to protect them from mildew and disease. Remove all dead or yellowing leaves from your houseplants regularly.