Like other living things, houseplants need care and maintenance to remain healthy. One way of taking care of houseplants is by dusting their leaves. Most of us know that dust inside the home should be cleaned up regularly. But there may be more problems lurking if you leave dust to stay on your houseplants. Here’s a closer look at why you have to dust the houseplants in your California, MD home.
Dust Can Make You and Your Plants Sick
Dust build-up becomes 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. Photosynthesis, which is how plants make their own food, is affected when dust-coated leaves cannot get enough light. Your houseplants may also give off less oxygen than they could, affecting the quality of your indoor air. It helps to dust your houseplants regularly to keep both you and your 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 can also mean bigger problems like mold and disease. By dusting your houseplants regularly, you can check for any concerns. Nipping mildew or plant diseases in the bud keeps your plants healthy.
Dust Invites In Pests
Neglect your houseplants and you invite bugs and other pests. Plants that have not been dusted for a while could become hiding places for 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.
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, wipe your houseplant’s stems and leaves with a soft cloth dipped in tepid water. You can spray the leaves of your large plants in your kitchen sink. Remember to use water that is not too hot or too cold so you don’t damage your houseplant. Once you are done rinsing and wiping down each leaf and the pot, let your plant air dry thoroughly before putting it back in place.
Houseplant maintenance is easy, but it needs to be done periodically if you want your plants to stay green and healthy. Would you like to learn more about this or other home maintenance tips? Real Property Management Gold can help! Contact us today online or call us at 301-392-2172.
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