How to Clean New Houseplants Before You Display Them
Improve their health and appearance with this step
Beautiful gardens aren't just for the outdoors. You can have a lush garden inside your home, as well, by adding the right houseplants.
Houseplants are great ways to bring a sense of tranquil nature indoors. Whether you have just one plant or many, it is important to take care of them properly.
The right soil, the perfect amount of water and the correct lighting and temperature will vary depending on the type of plant. But there is one task you can perform for any houseplant you bring home: clean it.
Give your new houseplant a gentle rinse with plain, lukewarm water. Large plants can be stood under the shower head for this task, while smaller plants might fit in the sink, where it's helpful to have a faucet sprayer. After rinsing, wipe broad leaves with a soft cloth or paper towel.
This treatment will remove any dust or residue from hard water, fertilizers or pesticides that may have been used by the previous grower or nursery. It may also knock off any hidden pests that you would not want spreading to your existing collection. (Regardless, it's a good idea to isolate any new plants for a week or two to see if any pest issues pop up.)
Plants you already own can benefit from an occasional shower, too, or at least a wipe down with a damp cloth. Keeping leaves free from dust promotes plant health, because it allows light and air through to the leaf surface.
