Plants become dirty or tangled without regular grooming. This will greatly reduce the attractiveness of your indoor gardens if you don’t watch out. Grooming and cleaning your houseplants is an important part of their care.
Cleaning away the dust from plants
It’s a necessary task since dust accumulates on leaves, making the entire plant look messy. Also, it blocks a substantial amount of light and clogs the breathing pores (stomata) of the leaves.
Plants with big and smooth leaves will benefit from regular wiping with a moist, soft cloth.
For water-loving, medium-size plants with numerous leaves, such as pothos and spider plants, you can use a lukewarm shower.
For cacti and succulents, it’s a good idea to use a cosmetic brush or a soft paintbrush to clear away the dust. This method is also suitable for some fuzzy, tender plants. Carefully stroke the leaves from the base to the tip to remove the dirt.
Removing Leaves and Stems
Light pruning can enhance the health and the aesthetic appeal of the plant, avoiding excess unnecessary nutrient consumption as well.
Dead or misshaped leaves can also ruin the look of a houseplant. You can cut out damaged leaves along with misplaced plant shoots. When overzealous stems ruin the plant’s shape, you can use sharp scissors to cut them back to just above a leave-point. All you have to do is cut out the dead leaves, but don’t leave small snags that will die back. If the dead leaves are located at the top of the shoot, you will best remove them by using sharp scissors and cutting the stem back to its base.
For woody plants, you will need quality pruning shears, and/or a garden saw. For tender, herbaceous plants, a pair of common household scissors will do the trick.
