One part of routine plant maintenance is keeping leaves clean. Photosynthesis requires light to touch the leaf. If there’s a layer of dust, not much light can get through. This is also a great time to check over leaves for pests. Time to get to wiping!
What Should I Use?
Water on a microfiber towel is really all you need! If, however, you have more stubborn dust like me (yay country life) insecticidal soap will cut the grime while also killing any possible pests that may have snuck in your home.
A shower during watering time, focusing on dusty areas, will wash dust and hair away. Make sure you don’t over saturate the soil.
There’s a few products marketed specifically for cleaning and “shining” your leaves. I’ve found they can sometimes clog the leaf pores and cause the leaf to die off. This hasn’t happened with every plant, just my more sensitive ones, so I avoid it altogether.
What NOT to Use
Don’t use anything that will leave a residue. Some people *swear* by mayonnaise or cooking oils. These will create an amazing shine on the leaf, but will also attract more dust! The leaf cannot “breathe” through the oil and if in direct sun may even burn.
