This is something that many of us don't do, but we really should! In fact, our plants health depends on it and if we don't do it, we can increase the risk of pests and plant health decline, relatively quickly.
It may surprise you, that plants need more than just sunlight and water to thrive, and this is often a vital aspect of plant care that is all too often, overlooked. By removing accumulated dust, you allow plants to breathe freely, maximize their photosynthetic potential, and prevent potential pest infestations. Who doesn't want that for their plants?!
Let's take a closer look at the photosynthesis process, something all plants naturally do in order to survive. Plants complete this process through their leaves. It's a process by which plants convert sunlight, water and carbon dioxide into glucose and oxygen. It is the primary means through which plants produce their own food and is essential for their survival.
During photosynthesis, plants utilise specialised structures called chloroplasts, primarily found in their leaves, to capture sunlight. Within these chloroplasts, a pigment called chlorophyll absorbs light energy, initiating a series of chemical reactions. The energy from sunlight is then used to convert carbon dioxide from the air and water from the soil into glucose. Overall, photosynthesis is a fundamental process for plants, as it enables them to generate energy, store carbohydrates, release oxygen, and help maintain the delicate balance of our planet's ecosystem. It is the driving force behind plant growth, allowing them to thrive and contribute to the overall health and well-being of our environment.
When there is a layer of dust sitting on your plant's leaves, you make photosynthesis really difficult and are therefore depriving your plant of a process that produces their own food. You are basically starving your plants if I can put it bluntly. Not to mention, having something that is supposed to bring beauty into your home, only to look deprived with a thick layer of dust, highlighting your neglect. You not only make photosynthesis really difficult, you also increase the likelihood of pests. Plants that are not well, invite pests and trust me, no one wants those!
So, let's look at ways in which you can keep your plants dust free:
🪴 Rain - when the weather is not too cold and the rain is not too heavy, you can place your plants outside for a natural shower. This will softly remove any residual dust and also give them a water at the same time.
🪴 Shower - if the weather is cold or the rain is too heavy, you can place your plants inside your shower and give them a light sprinkling. Just make sure you can control the pressure as they wont like being blasted. Keep the water to a tepid temperature. You can also leave them in the shower tray until water has drained and then place them back in their spots. A great way to remove dust and water a number of plants all at once.
🪴 Feather duster - you can use a feather duster on your plants, but only if you can do this regularly otherwise the dust build up may be too great for the feather duster to remove, only to have the dust move from one area of the plant to another.
🪴 Microfibre cloth - You can use a damp microfibre cloth to wipe down the plant's leaves, or even better, use Plant Runner Neem Oil to keep them shiny and pest free.
🪴 Misting - if you have plants that love to be misted, misting regularly can also remove dust from the leaves. Just make sure not to mist too much during the cooler months unless your home is kept really warm.
If you keep on top of it, it can be a relatively easy process. I know for certain that your plants will love you more when you do! I think you will also notice a difference in the health of your plants too. So, give it a go and start having plants in your home that not only look healthier, but that love you back. Make dusting a regular part of your plant care routine and witness the remarkable benefits it brings to your indoor garden. Your plants will thank you with their beauty and improved vitality and you might just enjoy the process too.
