Plant Leaves: Make Them Shine
Advice from a Horticulture Technician
Expert Advice for Plant Care
“How do you get the plant leaves so shiny?”
Working on plants all day, the Biome’s horticulture technicians receive lots of compliments —about our job, our nifty new uniforms, our hard-work ethics, but…mostly we get compliments about our plants. People we meet want to know our secrets for keeping our plants looking so glossy.
Most every plant owner strives to have gorgeous, shiny foliage. We swoon over Instagram photos full of polished, flourishing plants. There are easy ways to get plant leaves to really shine. But—it’s just as crucial to know what not to do.
Here’s a list of Do’s and Don'ts to maintain glossy leaves, while keeping your plant truly healthy:
Do’s:
Do clean the entire plant regularly, to remove dust build up.
Do use a high-quality feather duster on leaves and stems. Gently move the duster across the leaves, starting at the top of the plant, and working towards the bottom. If the plant’s stem or stalk is showing, use the same technique on it, using a soft touch.
Do inspect the plant for disease or pests. Remove damaged, yellowed, and declining leaves or branches. Plant borne pests prefer to stay hidden, so check at the axil of each leaf--where the leaf meets the stem--and the underside of leaves. Look for webs or cottony substances, in addition to crawling and flying insects.
Do use a clean cloth, dampened with water, to clean leaves and stems. Carefully wipe down each leaf individually, while supporting it underneath with your other hand. Wiping the leaf surface, start from the interior of plant and work outwards to the leaf tip.
Do use 2-3 drops of mild detergent, such as Ivory soap, in a spray bottle of water. Mild soap acts as a surfactant (a wetting agent) which will prevent water spots when drying. Use this formula, then wipe clean as instructed above, to get a lustrous finish without damaging the plant's delicate structure. Plants with smooth leaves do well with this mixture. If the plant has fuzzy leaves, use a dry, soft make-up brush to gently remove any dust.
Don’ts:
Don’t use any chemicals, detergents, disinfectants or cleaners on a plant, unless specifically recommended by a trained horticulturist. The leaf’s membrane can be irrevocably damaged. Furthermore, the leaves will absorb those excessive chemicals, causing a slow but eventual decline of the entire plant.
Don’t use any food products on plants, such as mayonnaise, oils, egg whites, milk, or other home-made cleaners. Although it may look glossy upon application, foods will clog the stomata (the leaf pores), preventing plant absorption of carbon dioxide as well as release of oxygen. Moreover, any type of food product will highly attract pests!
Don’t use a hair-blower, or compressed-air spray to remove dust build-up on leaves. Plants do not like sudden changes in their environment, including air currents, and will react by dropping leaves or an abrupt decline.
Don’t use leaf ‘shine’ products on plants. Although many products are marketed to clean plants, or to shine the leaves, they are unnecessary and may damage plants. Some growers, nurseries, and plant stores will spray their plants on display, thereby giving the illusion of a healthy plant. These products still have the potential to clog the plant’s stomata, harming the longevity of the plant.
Simple and Healthy
Keeping your houseplants clean and dust-free is easy if you follow these simple rules. Furthermore, having flourishing plants has positive mental health benefits, providing a calming effect that can reduce anxiety…a welcome relief from the stress of our everyday lives.
Cleaning your plants should be a regular part of your routine. If your plants are looking a bit dusty or weary, and you struggle to find time for regular plant care, consider a maintenance program with Biome experts. We can make your plants Instagram-worthy, and your plant care stress-free.
Biome 208-343-1787
by T.E. Bonstrom