Why Clean House Plants?
This topic we have addressed before - cleaning indoor plants. This time we will look at it from a little different perspective. Because… other then the fact of appearance, what benefits does a house plant receive from cleaning?
First let’s talk about - Light!
Anyone who has been visiting this site for any length of time has heard me talk about indoor plants and…
- Reduced light
- Less light
- Acclimating to lower light levels
There I said them again.
Plants as they move indoors are moving to lower light levels. These levels can be 10 times lower than what the plants were produced in.
As your plant slowly acclimates to its new environment, it will slowly begin to accumulate dust and dirt. This dust and dirt again reduces the light levels that the plant receives.
Because of the lower light levels the plants respond slowly. Growth is slowed and water uptake is slowed.
Plants in the nursery have a great advantage. Most of the watering is all done overhead. The pot, soil, leaves and everything else gets watered. It also gives the leaves a good natural cleaning.
Cleaning your plants, does not just give more light to the plant, it also permits the plants functions to work.
The best example that I can give you right off is…
Remember when you were a teenager and had all of the oily skin?
The skin pores got all clogged and well you get the idea. Your plant is the same way.
Plants also must breathe, through the pores - the stomates. Removing the dust and dirt provides better light to the leaves and allows your plants to breathe and perform the necessary functions to survive.
Removing The Pests
Another benefit to cleaning a house plant is the removal of plant bugs.
Pest such as mealy bugs, scale, and mites love to hang out on the underside of leaves. Periodic cleaning helps remove these pest in the process of cleaning the plant.
This isn’t to say that every week plants get a bath. But regular “scouting” is essential for good plant health. This “scouting” isn’t something that is left up to only the homeowner. Professionals must do the same thing but on a much larger scale.
Some people may think it is foolish for businesses to hire a professional plant maintenance company.
I mean all they do is water plants - right.
No way… Far from it!
Watering is the one thing we see or expect them to do. That may not be what the plant needs. But keeping the plant groomed, cleaned and attractive is the prime function, watering is just one part of the plant maintenance process.
Remember a couple of things when cleaning your plants
- Your plants will receive more light (more light - better growth)
- The plants will be healthier
- Pest can or will be removed
- Soap and water is the best cleaner
- Stay away from leaf shine
- Cleaning House Plants Make Them Happy and Work Better - After a period of time your indoor house plants (live ones and even silk houseplants) will accumulate dust and dirt. The leaf pores are like our skin. These pores can become clogged and make it difficult for the plant to breathe, make food and function. This also makes it harder for the plant to
- Natal Mahogany - House Plant for Overwaterers - The Natal Mahogany is a plant you can use in lots of different places. The Natal Mahogany has been around for a few years but used mainly by the professional plantscaper. Most people are familiar with the Umbrella tree or Schefflera. This plant has a similar look. The botanical name is - Trichila dregeana -
Check out the article on “Cleaning Your Plants” and get started with better plant care.
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