Should You Be Dusting Your Houseplants?

Houseplants need regular care to stay healthy. One way of caring for your houseplants is to dust their leaves. It is always a good practice to regularly clean up dust inside a home. In addition, leaving dust to accumulate on your houseplants leads to bigger problems. Here’s a closer look at why you have to dust the houseplants in your Dover home.

Dust Can Make You and Your Plants Sick

Dust is more than just 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. Houseplants also cannot give off as much oxygen as they could which would help keep your indoor air cleaner. 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. When you are able to nip mildew or plant diseases in the bud, you can help keep your plants healthy.

Dust Invites In Pests

Neglect your houseplants and you invite bugs and other pests. You will notice that when you leave your plants undusted for a while, unwanted pests will move in and take over. 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.

Giving your houseplants good dusting is actually a simple 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. For plants with small or delicate leaves, you can use a small paintbrush to dust them carefully.

Next, dip a soft cloth in tepid water and use this to wipe off your houseplant’s stems and leaves. You can spray the leaves of your large plants in your kitchen sink. Keep in mind that houseplants can be damaged when you use water that is either too hot or too cold. After each leaf and pot has been rinsed or wiped down, allow your plant to air dry completely before returning it.

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 Seacoast New Hampshire can help! Contact us today online or call us at 603-343-2202.