When you buy a houseplant, you can occasionally notice that its plant leaves shine appear. While some plants, such the schleffera (Schefflera actinophylla), zz plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia), and mirror plant (Coprosma repens), monstera leaves may have this trait naturally, it is frequently the result of a leaf shine (also known as leaf polish) treatment. Particularly florists enjoy enhancing the look of the foliage in their flower arrangements and frequently use leaf shine on the leaves. They frequently apply it to the plants they sell as well. Leaf shine products are simple to purchase in stores or online for use on your own plants.
Before anything else, let me make it clear that using leaf-shining products on your houseplants is not advisable. Although there are various commercial plant shine products available in the market, and many retailers utilize them to enhance the appearance of their plants, it’s important to note that leaf shine products can potentially cause more harm than good to your plants.
Plants have small pores known as stomata, which are essential for their proper functioning. Stomata play a crucial role in plant respiration by allowing oxygen to pass through. Similarly, during the process of photosynthesis, they enable carbon dioxide to enter the plant. Moreover, during transpiration, stomata facilitate the escape of water vapor. However, using leaf shine products can clog these tiny openings with oil or wax, which can impede the essential gas exchanges that stomata facilitate.
Even though a leaf shine spray and product states that it won’t cause clogging, its residue may nevertheless draw in more dust and dirt. As a result, your plant might not turn out to be as sparkling as you had planned. Moreover, the plant’s foliage can get harder to clean, trapping you in a never-ending cycle of cleaning and reapplying the solution.
Naturally, we think that plants are already beautiful in their natural form. There are simpler ways to improve their foliage, nevertheless, without endangering the wellbeing of the plants.
Use a damp cloth to clean leaves on plants.
Start by wetting a towel or cloth and draining out any extra water before cleaning the leaves of your plants. With one hand supporting the leaf from underneath, use the other hand to gently wipe across the top of the leaf while moving away from of the stem. The bottom of the leaf should then be cleaned because this is where most common houseplant pests like to hide. Use a soft brush if the leaves are smaller or more delicate.
Take care of your houseplants by showering them.
A moderate, mild water spray is a great way to clean your plants, especially for those with lots of foliage. Using care, carefully wet the foliage with your hands, making sure to thoroughly clean the undersides of the leaves. This method works particularly well for plants like ferns, orchids, and palm trees that benefit from a little more moisture. To avoid overwatering your plant, just water it in pots with drainage holes and gently shake off the extra water from the foliage after you’ve given it a shower.
Soapy water can be used to clean plant leaves.
If water by itself is ineffective, you might try combining water with all-natural washing up liquid. Use a delicate cloth to gently wipe the leaves with the soap and water mixture, or lather your hands in the mixture before applying it to the plant. Although pests frequently lurk on the underside, make sure to clean the leaves on both sides. After that, properly rinse the plant to get rid of any soap scum, and then shake thoroughly off any extra water.
Is Leaf Shine spray and products Really Necessary?
Using Shine Spray on Artificial Plants
Several plant leaf shine products state on their labels that they can give plastic and silk houseplants a “healthy sheen” and remove dirt and dust from them. As a gardener, I don’t really care what happens to fake plants, even if it’s unlikely that these products will harm them.
In the end It’s simple to keep indoor plants looking lively and healthy. The trick is to regularly clean the foliage to get rid of the dust and grime that can make the leaves look lifeless. Some plants only require a light rinse or shower outside in the summer. If the dirt doesn’t go away, wash the leaves with soapy water after wiping them off. Use a cloth dipped in a solution of 1 spoonful of white vinegar and 1 quart (1 litre) of water to gently rub the affected area to remove lime deposits, which can be difficult to remove and appear as a stiff, white, sticky build.
