Natural Cleaner For Tropical Plants?

Question:

I am looking for a natural cleaner for tropical plants.

jrhilary from NOTL, ON

Answer:

jrhilary,

The best natural cleaner for your tropical plants is water. After all, what tropical plant doesn't love a good rain shower? The extra moisture will also help temporarily increase the humidity of the air your plants. Not only does dust spoil the appearance of the foliage, but it also clogs leaf pores and prevents light from fully penetrating the leaves. The dust that settles onto leaves can also contain damaging chemicals. Small plants can be immersed in water and large ones sprayed off in the shower.

It's a good idea to wipe down leaves before washing or the dust may form a mud-like adhesive when it gets wet. Use a soft cloth, cotton swabs or sponges. Support the leaf with your hand and try not to apply too much pressure on the surface of the leaves when polishing. Some people use dilute solutions of milk, vinegar or beer, but these will not add any shine to the leaves.

Ellen

About The Author: Ellen Brown is our Green Living and Gardening Expert. Click here to ask Ellen a question! Ellen Brown is an environmental writer and photographer and the owner of Sustainable Media, an environmental media company that specializes in helping businesses and organizations promote eco-friendly products and services. Contact her on the web at http://www.sustainable-media.com

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Tina Brown

January 5, 20070 found this helpful

I have found that a good spray of water will do the trick. If it doesn't take care of it the first time, do it again. Like a rain storm in the tropics. Just as they are almost dry from the first good spray, start the second spray. If they are small enough, put them in the shower and give them a couple of showers in a single day. You may have to take a good old fashioned bath, but the plants will like the shower.

Hope this helps,
Tina

By (Guest Post)

January 5, 20070 found this helpful

If the plant has big leaves "polish" the leaves with a soft cloth, like terry cloth(towels) One hand on each side to support the other side while you polish the other.

Adding a couple(2-3) of drops of dish soap mixed into a sprayer bottle of plain water will help too. Spray the leaves until it runs off and let air dry. Will help deter some bugs too.

Good Growing,
Denise McCall
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Vi Johnson
Silver Post Medal for All Time! 288 Posts

January 7, 20070 found this helpful

From a former floral designer, use a SMALL amount of mayonnaise on a soft ( JOB SQUAD )paper towel or soft clean cloth rub over the leaves. Use another piece of PT or cloth to wipe over the leaves to pick up any extra mayo.

Shines them right up. Warning!!!! Do not use on hairy leaves like African Violets. Use a soft bristle paint brush to dust leaves that are not smooth. Great Granny Vi

Donna Carnall

January 11, 20070 found this helpful

I've always used a soft cloth dipped into milk to wipe the leaves of my plants. It works for me!
Donna

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