March 2024

You know how sometimes you look at your furniture or accessories and notice a fine layer of dust? Well, that dust isn’t just building up on your decorative pieces, it’s building up on your plants. And while we hate to add to your dusting efforts, keeping it off your plants is actually more important than keeping if off pretty much anything else in your apartment or townhome.

Why Dusting Your Plants is a Big Deal

1. Photosynthesis, Baby! Plants need light to perform photosynthesis, the process where they convert light, water, and carbon dioxide into the energy they need to grow. When their leaves are coated in dust, they can’t absorb light as efficiently, which can stunt their growth and make them look a bit sad.
2. Breathing Easy. Just like us, plants ‘breathe’ in their own plant-y way, taking in carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. Dust clogs their pores, making it harder for them to exchange these gases, which can affect their overall health.
3. Pest Prevention. Dust can be a party invitation for pests. Spider mites and other critters love to set up camp in dusty plant foliage. Keeping your plants clean helps keep these uninvited guests at bay.
4. Spotting Troubles. Regularly dusting your plants gives you the chance to get up close and personal with them, which means you’re more likely to notice if something’s amiss, like signs of disease or pests.

How to Dust Your Plants Like a Pro

1. The Gentle Brush-Off. For plants with sturdy leaves, a soft brush or even a feather duster can work wonders. Gently brush away from the base of the leaf to the tip to whisk away that dust.
2. The Shower Technique. For plants that are a bit more robust, a lukewarm shower can be refreshing. Just make sure the water pressure isn’t too strong to avoid damaging the leaves. This method is great for washing away dust and giving your plants a thorough hydration boost.
3. The Microfiber Magic. A damp microfiber cloth is perfect for wiping down leaves, especially for plants with large leaves like your monstera or rubber plant. Support the leaf with one hand and gently wipe with the other. You’ll be amazed at how much brighter they look!
4. Water Spray and Wipe. For plants with lots of small or delicate leaves, spritz them lightly with water and then gently pat them down with a soft cloth or paper towel. It’s like giving them a mini spa treatment.
5. The No-Touch Cleanse. For your cacti or succulents, which might not appreciate being touched too much, a soft paintbrush or a can of compressed air (used gently) can blow the dust away without you needing to touch their prickly or delicate surfaces.

A Few Extra Tips

• Consistency is Key: Make dusting part of your regular plant care routine. Once every couple of weeks should keep your green buddies happy.
• Mind the Water: When using water to clean your plants, ensure it’s at room temperature. Cold water can shock them, and hot water is a no-no.
• Avoid Leaf Shine Products: They might seem like a quick fix for glossy leaves, but they can actually clog pores and do more harm than good. Stick to water and your gentle cleaning tools.
• Check the Undersides: Pests love to hide on the underside of leaves, so give those areas a check and a gentle wipe too.

We love it when our Erie Station Village residents have lots of houseplants. They clean and humidify the air, bring the outdoors inside, brighten your mood, and add to your décor. But even low maintenance plants still need occasional TLC. So, the next time you’re doing a bit of cleaning around your apartment or townhome, don’t forget to show your plant buddies some love too.