Houseplants need care and maintenance to remain healthy. Part of taking care of your houseplants is to dust their leaves. Since dust makes a home unsightly, it should be cleaned up regularly. Bigger problems could arise if you allow dust to collect on your houseplants. Here are some reasons why you should dust houseplants in your Oxbow home.
Dust Can Make You and Your Plants Sick
Accumulated dust is much more than just a nuisance. Studies have shown that a number of health problems like asthma and allergies are worsened by the harmful particles in the dust. If dust is that bad for you, imagine the effect it’s having on your houseplants. Plants feed themselves through photosynthesis, and when their leaves are coated in dust, plants don’t get enough light to do this. It also limits the amount of oxygen your houseplants give off, leading to dirtier indoor air. Dusting your greenery will keep both you and your houseplants healthy.
Dust Can Hide Bigger Problems
Just like dusty furniture, baseboards, and windowsills, dusty plants can also become an eyesore.It can make your house look dirty and unkempt. Dust also hides bigger issues, such as mold and disease. Regularly dusting your plants give you the opportunity to check for any developing concerns. If you stop mildew or plant diseases just as they are starting to develop, you can keep your plants healthier.
Dust Invites In Pests
Neglected houseplants are like an invitation to bugs and other pests. Plants that have not been dusted for a while could become hiding places for unwanted pests. Dust your plants to help keep pests away and to check for any signs of infestation. Well-cared plants 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. A small paintbrush is helpful for dusting plants with small or delicate leaves.
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. Do not use water that is too hot or too cold as this can damage your houseplant. Rinse or wipe down each leaf and the pot and allow your plant to air dry completely. Afterward, you can put it back where it belongs.
Maintaining houseplants is not complicated, but it needs to be done on a regular basis to ensure green and healthy plants. Would you like to learn more about this or other home maintenance tips? Real Property Management Optimum can help! Contact us today online or call us at 320-289-4649.
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