Regular cleaning typically involves vacuuming, mopping floors, and cleaning the bathroom. But what about dusting off your houseplants?
It might not be something you often think about, but it can be crucial for both your plants' health and your own, as reported Nyheder24.dk.
Why you need to do it
Virginia Hayes, an Indoor Plant Pro at Westerlay Orchids, points out that dust on indoor plants can affect the plant's overall health and also contribute to the development of pests like aphids and mites. These pests can hide in the dust, and you might not notice them until they have overtaken your plant.
In addition to basic needs like water, sunlight, and soil, Justin Hancock, a gardener at Costa Farms in Florida, emphasizes that regular dusting is essential for plants as it ensures they receive sufficient light.
He explains that a layer of dust on the leaves' surface acts as a filter, reducing the amount of light that reaches the plant. By dusting your plants regularly, you can increase their photosynthetic activity and provide them with more fuel for growth.
Hancock advises dusting off when you can see dust either on the leaves or other surfaces. How often this is necessary depends on how dusty your home is.
To clean your houseplants, Hancock recommends using a damp, soft cloth. He also notes that plants with hairy leaves may require extra attention with a soft brush or a can of compressed air.
Dusting houseplants might seem like a small task, but it can have significant benefits for both your plants and your home environment. So, the next time you water your plants, it might be worth giving them a little extra love by removing the dust.
