Let’s be honest, plants are beautiful just as they are. We don’t need to make them look like plastic with leaf shine sprays. Instead, let’s focus on ways to help our plants look their best, without risking their health. Here are some safer tips to keep your plants happy and looking great!
At Eureka Farms we want to make one thing clear: never use leaf shine products on your houseplants. Yes, you have loads of products saying these would make plants appear glossy and flawless, but those products are poisonous to them. Plants "breathe" through the very tiny pores on their leaves called stomata, and most of the leaf shiners will block those pores using oil or wax. It is the same as when you have excess residue getting clogged up in your skin.
Plants cannot expel it like we can and suffocate them or even kill them. Plus, that shiny look is unnatural and makes it easy to forget your plant is a living thing, not a piece of plastic. On top of that, shiny products attract dust and make it harder to clean your plant, creating a cycle of endless polishing and frustration. Let your plants stay natural and healthy!
This classic method still works today. Hold each leaf gently from underneath with one hand, and use the other to wipe the leaves from the stem to the tip. Make sure to clean the undersides too, as that's where pests often hide. For delicate or small leaves, a soft brush can work even better!
For most plants, especially delicate ones that are tough to wipe down, a gentle shower is a great option. Make sure the water is lukewarm. Not too hot or cold. Hold the plant at different angles, allowing the water to reach both the tops and undersides of the leaves. This method works particularly well for ferns, orchids, and palms. Just be careful not to lose too much soil down the drain, and make sure your pipes stay clear!
For most plants, all you'll need is to mix water with a bit of liquid dish soap in order to clean them. You have two options in applying it: you could dip your soft cloth in the mixture. Then gently rub the leaves, or apply it yourself by lathering your hands. Also pay attention to both sides of the leaves while cleaning for this can eliminate spider mites and other pests too. Just remember to rinse well afterward to remove any soap residue.
Mix one teaspoon of vinegar with about a gallon of water, dip a cloth in the solution, and gently wipe your plants. The vinegar scent can even repel pests. To dissolve mineral deposits from hard water, squeeze about half a lemon into a pint of water. Lemon juice won't get rid of your pests, but it certainly will clean off those troublesome mineral spots!
A feather duster is a gentle way to clean larger plants with big leaves, like a Monstera or Bird of Paradise. Sweep through the leaves carefully, including the undersides. For smaller plants or more delicate ones, like ferns, try using a soft makeup brush or paintbrush instead. Just be gentle to avoid disturbing any spores, especially with ferns!
How often you clean your plants depends on where they're located and the type of plant you have. Generally, it is advisable to clean plants once a month. However, if your plant is in a dusty area or has large leaves that easily collect dirt, you may want to clean it more often. Delicate plants with smaller leaves, like ferns or succulents, could require a more delicate touch and possibly less cleaning.
If you want to keep your plants cleaner for longer, consider the following tips:
We are licensed for a full-scale nursery with an extensive inventory of landscaping trees, fruit trees, palm trees, and the largest houseplant collection. If you want to enhance your curb appeal or turn your porch into a class act, Eureka Farms can guide you on how to do it all, from topiary trees and hedges to everything in between. You can rest assured that we will handle the shipment with the utmost care across the country so that when your plants reach you, they will be as fresh as new. These indoor plants require less upkeep, improve home air cleanliness, brighten moods, and provide essential touches of the natural world to the work-from-home office. Happy Planting!
