Ensuring the vitality and visual appeal of indoor plants goes beyond watering and sunlight. Experts emphasize the importance of maintaining shiny leaves for both aesthetics and plant health.
Dust accumulation on indoor plant leaves can hinder photosynthesis, according to Paris Lalicata, a community associate and plant education director at The Sill. Regular cleaning of leaves is crucial to keep plants healthy and visually appealing.
The frequency of leaf wiping depends on the dust levels in the home environment. Real Homes editor Punteha van Terheyden suggests wiping plants every 7-14 days during spring and summer, adjusting based on individual dust levels. Homemade solutions such as a mixture of distilled white vinegar or lemon juice diluted in warm water can effectively remove dust and mineral deposits, leaving leaves shiny.
For light dust, microfiber leaf cleaning gloves are recommended to enhance the natural shine of leaves. Additionally, horticulturist Lorin Nielsen of Epic Gardening suggests using leaf cleaning sessions as an opportunity to inspect plants for pests and diseases, as well as to prune dead leaves for aesthetic purposes.
Incorporating regular leaf cleaning into plant care routines, along with proper watering and occasional showering, contributes to the overall health and appearance of indoor plants.