Should You Be Dusting Your Houseplants?

Like every living thing, your houseplants must have regular care and maintenance to stay healthy. But really, did you know that part of caring for your houseplants is to dust their leaves? Many people definitely get that dust inside a home is unappealing and should be cleaned up regularly. However, there may perhaps be bigger problems lurking if you leave dust to collect on your houseplants. Let’s dig deeper into why you should dust the houseplants in your Ocala home.

Dust Can Make You and Your Plants Sick

If dust accumulates, it can certainly become more than just a simple nuisance. Studies have shown that dust contains harmful particles that can cause or worsen a great number of health problems, from asthma to allergies and beyond. If dust is that harmful for you, just take time to imagine the effect it’s having on your houseplants. Leaves coated in dust can’t get enough light for photosynthesis, which is how plants make food for themselves. It will equally keep your houseplants from giving off as much oxygen as they could, causing less clean indoor air. Dusting your houseplants regularly can actually be helpful to keep both you and your greenery thriving.

Dust Can Hide Bigger Problems

Dusty plants, similar to dust on furniture, baseboards, and windowsills, can look like an absolute eyesore. It can make your house look soiled and shabby. But on top of that, dust can likewise hide bigger problems, like mold, and disease. Dusting your houseplants regularly typically affords you to check them carefully for developing issues. By swiftly nipping mildew or plant diseases in the bud, you can help ascertain that your plants stay as healthy as possible.

Dust Invites In Pests

One of the dirtiest secrets about neglected houseplants is that they typically attract bugs and other pests. If you haven’t dusted your plants for a while, you may learn that many unwanted pests have lived in and taken them over. Dusting your houseplants regularly can be really helpful to keep pests away, and it lets you look closely for signs of an infestation. Plants that are well-cared rarely develop serious pest problems.

Once you are aware that your houseplants need regular dusting, cleaning them is a really easy responsibility. Your first step is to use a dusting wand or microfiber cloth to gently wipe the dust off of each leaf for many plants. If you have a plant with small or delicate leaves, you could equally apply a small paintbrush to remove accumulated dust carefully.

Then, make use of tepid water and a soft cloth to wipe off your houseplant’s stems and leaves. If your plant is really big and sturdy, you could even spray the leaves clean in your kitchen sink. Just be very careful not to use water that is too hot or too cold: you could damage your houseplant that way. Then, when you’ve rinsed or wiped down each leaf and the pot, allow your plant to air dry completely before putting it back where it belongs.

Houseplant maintenance isn’t really that tedious, but it does have to be done habitually and regularly to be assured that your plants stay green and healthy. Would you like to learn more about this or other home maintenance tips? Real Property Management Diversified can, for sure, help! Contact us today online or call us at 352-854-2221.