Periodically cleaning the leaves of your houseplants enhances both the plant and your indoor environment.
Read on to learn how to clean plant leaves correctly.
The best way to determine if a plant needs cleaning is to rub your fingers on the leaves.
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Support the leaves or leaf stems gently with your hand as you spray.
Watering the soil beforehand will help prevent the soil from falling out when the pot is inverted.
You could also wrap plastic wrap around the base of the plant to contain the soil while cleaning.
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Use about 1/4 tablespoon dish soap per 1 quart of water.
Let it sit for a couple of minutes, and wipe it away.
If a leaf loosens easily, remove it by hand.
The Spruce / Anastasiia Tretiak
Otherwise, use clean sheers or scissors.
Never pull off a firmly attached, resistant leaf.
Prune away just the browned leaf tips from plants that were left too dry.
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Wash the pot with a diluted bleach solution of 1 part bleach to 10 parts water.
Scrub off the salt residue with a stiff brush, then rinse the pot very well beforerepottingyour plant.
To prevent future buildup on pots, periodically flush the soil with water and let it drain completely.
The Spruce / Anastasiia Tretiak
Wipe down leaves or spray them with water.
If possible, dunk the plant in water.
Plant leaves will have a natural sheen to them when they are clean.
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Dust regularly to maintain the shine.
A solution of dish soap diluted in water should be enough to disinfect leaves.
Managing insects on indoor plants.
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University of Minnesota Extension.
The Spruce / Anastasiia Tretiak
