Should You Be Dusting Your Houseplants?

Houseplants need regular care to stay healthy. One of the ways you can care for your houseplants is by dusting their leaves. Any dust inside a home should be cleaned up regularly. But there may be more problems lurking if you leave dust to stay on your houseplants. Let’s take a peek at why you must dust the houseplants in your Brookfield home.

Dust Can Make You and Your Plants Sick

Accumulated dust is much more than just a nuisance. Studies have shown the harmful particles in the dust may cause or worsen many health problems such as asthma and allergies. If dust is that bad for you, imagine the effect it’s having on your houseplants. Since plants need light to feed themselves through photosynthesis, allowing dust to coat their leaves affects how much light they take in. Likewise, it could prevent your houseplants from giving off the optimal amount of oxygen, leading to dirtier indoor air. Regular dusting keeps your houseplants and other greenery thriving.

Dust Can Hide Bigger Problems

Dust on plants, as well as on furniture, baseboards, and windowsills, can become a real eyesore. It can make your house look dirty and unkempt. Dust also hides much bigger problems like mold and disease. Make it a habit to check for possible issues each time you dust your houseplants. When you are able to nip mildew or plant diseases in the bud, you can help keep your plants healthy.

Dust Invites In Pests

Neglected houseplants are also favorite hiding places for bugs and other pests. Undusted plants may harbor unwanted pests. Aside from keeping pests away, dusting your houseplants on a regular basis lets you spot any infestation. Plants that are well-cared rarely develop serious pest problems.

Once you decide to give your houseplants a dusting, it is really easy to do. Your first step is to use a dusting wand or microfiber cloth to gently wipe the dust off of each leaf for most plants. Gently dust plants with small or delicate leaves using a small paintbrush.

The next step is to wipe your houseplant’s stems and leaves clean with a soft cloth and some tepid water. Large and sturdy plants can be cleaned by spraying the leaves clean in your kitchen sink. Just make sure you use water that is neither too hot nor too cold as this could damage your houseplant. Once the leaves and pot have been rinsed or wiped down, let your plant air dry completely before you put it back in 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 Greater Milwaukee can help! Contact us today online or call us at 262-309-6961.