Should You Be Dusting Your Houseplants?

Like all living things, houseplants need the care to stay healthy. But did you know that dusting their leaves is one way of caring for your houseplants? Dust inside a home is unsightly and should be cleaned up on a regular basis. However, there could be other hidden problems if you let dust collect on your houseplants. Here are a few reasons why you need to dust the houseplants in your Safety Harbor home.

Dust Can Make You and Your Plants Sick

Dust is more than just a nuisance. Studies have shown that harmful particles in dust can worsen many health problems, from asthma to allergies and beyond. If dust is that bad for you, imagine the effect it’s having on your houseplants. Dust-coated leaves cannot get enough light for photosynthesis, the method by which plants feed themselves. Your houseplants may also give off less oxygen than they could, affecting the quality of your indoor air. Dusting your houseplants regularly is good for both you and your greenery.

Dust Can Hide Bigger Problems

Dusty plants, furniture, baseboards, and windowsills can easily become an eyesore. It can make your house look dirty and unkempt. Dust can also mean bigger problems like mold and disease. Dusting your houseplants regularly lets you incorporate a regular “check-up” as well. Treating mildew or plant diseases at an early stage will help keep your plants stay healthy.

Dust Invites In Pests

Neglected houseplants attract bugs and pests. When you don’t dust your plants for a while, you may discover unwanted pests lurking within them. A regular dusting schedule lets you check your houseplants for signs of infestation, thus keeping pests away. Well-cared houseplants rarely develop serious pest problems.

Cleaning houseplants that need good dusting is an easy task. Your first step is to use a dusting wand or microfiber cloth to gently wipe the dust off of each leaf for most plants. Plants with small or delicate leaves can be gently dusted with a small paintbrush.

The next step is to clean your houseplant’s stems and leaves with tepid water and a soft cloth. The leaves of large, sturdy plants can be sprayed clean in your kitchen sink. Do not use water that is too hot or too cold as this can damage your houseplant. After each leaf and pot has been rinsed or wiped down, allow your plant to air dry completely before returning it.

Maintaining your houseplants might seem easy but it needs to be done regularly to keep your plants green and healthy. Would you like to learn more about this or other home maintenance tips? Real Property Management TradeWinds can help! Contact us today online or call us at 727-400-4722.