We also have our liquid plant food. Many readers use this for indoor plants too with success. I typically prefer this for outdoor plants since it was designed for that. Vinegar is good for cutting through grease, so it’s easy to see how this would work in theory, but the acid can burn your plant’s leaves, especially if they are delicate. If your houseplants are struggling with thrips or other common houseplant pests, try diluting a drop of non-fragranced organic soap with water and adding this to the cloth. Alternatively, gently mist the plant with the solution before you start cleaning,' says Holly Crossley, houseplant expert and senior content editor for Homes & Gardens. 'This will help to keep the bugs at bay.'

You can also use this for any outdoor potted plant that is looking dull or has a powdery substance on it.A plant that's particularly susceptible is Oxalis triangularis (although growing it indoors rather than outdoors does reduce the chances of infection). Fuchsias and pelargoniums grown indoors are also at risk. Dust covering the surface of leaves hinders their ability to absorb the light energy from the sun and photosynthesis slows. When photosynthesis slows, plants don’t generate the sugar needed for energy to grow, flower, or ward off insects and diseases. Gas And Water Vapor Exchange First, mix up a ratio of milk to water. About 40% milk to 60% water. So, for my small little spray bottle I did ½ cup of milk with ¾ cup water. You can do as little or as much as you need. Next spray your plants leaves underneath and on top. Rub gently with a cloth, then wipe off with a clean dry cloth.

People often make the mistake of using these products to clean their plants, when they should be avoided. These commercial products contain ingredients that clog the leaf stoma, inhibiting gas and water exchange, and defeating the purpose of cleaning the leaves. Is Leaf Shine Good For Plants? Yes, lemon juice mixed in water (about half a lemon squeezed into a pint of water) can get residue and buildup off your leaves, but even heavily diluted, the acids in the lemon juice can still have negative effects. Dampen your cloth with clean water and carefully wipe the top and bottom of each individual leaf. Use your free hand to support the underside of each leaf as you wipe it down to prevent damage or snapping the leaf from the plant’s stem.Dilute the milk with about 60% water, spray it onto the plants, and buff the leaves with a soft cloth. Milk is often used to treat powdery mildew and it contains proteins that will help brighten the leaves. This one is risky. Yes, vinegar, when heavily diluted in water, can be effective in breaking up residue and mineral deposits on your leaves. But this method can also cause chemical burns and discoloration, especially to plants with thinner, softer, more delicate leaves.

Indoor plants are popular among homeowners for a wide variety of reasons. They add a touch of nature and greenery to our houses. But to keep them looking their best and to help them thrive, you should clean indoor plant leaves from time to time.Then add a teaspoon of detergent-free soap like Dr. Bronner’s pure organic castile soap to a half gallon of distilled water. Soak a microfiber cloth in the soap and water solution, then gently wipe down both sides of each leaf. Don’t scrub hard or use your nails to scratch or scrape the leaves; this can remove the top layer of the leaf, which can later cause the leaf to dry out.