Should You Be Dusting Your Houseplants?

Houseplants need regular care to stay healthy. Part of taking care of your houseplants is to dust their leaves. Dust inside a home is unsightly and should be cleaned up on a regular basis. In addition, leaving dust to accumulate on your houseplants leads to bigger problems. Here are some reasons why you should dust houseplants in your Spring home.

Dust Can Make You and Your Plants Sick

Accumulated dust can become more than a nuisance. Studies have shown that dust contains harmful particles that cause many health problems such as asthma and allergies. 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. It also limits the amount of oxygen your houseplants give off, leading to dirtier 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. However, dust can even more 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

Another secret neglected houseplants hide is their attractiveness to bugs and other pests. Undusted plants may harbor unwanted pests. Dust your plants to help keep pests away and to check for any signs of infestation. Plants that are well-cared 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. A small paintbrush is helpful for dusting plants with small or delicate leaves.

The next step is to clean your houseplant’s stems and leaves with tepid water and a soft cloth. You can bring large and sturdy plants to your kitchen sink and spray their leaves clean in it. Use water that is not too hot nor too cold to avoid damaging your houseplant. After rinsing and wiping down each leaf and the pot, let your plant air dry completely before returning it to its place.

Keeping your houseplant green and healthy is not complicated but it needs to be done regularly to ensure your plants are well maintained. Would you like to learn more about this or other home maintenance tips? Real Property Management Republic can help! Contact us today online or call us at 281-362-5001.