Plants have several functions in nature, from purifying the air to serving as food. In this sense, they require frequent care to maintain their health. With that in mind, here are some tips for how to properly clean plants, because cultivation goes beyond watering and fertilizing.
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How to clean plants correctly?
Keeping plants clean is important for different reasons: first, because a dirty plant is not pretty, and second, because dirt can disrupt the photosynthesis process by hindering the penetration of sunlight and weakening the plant.
Ideal interval to sanitize the plants
If you keep your plants near windows or outdoors, they will certainly gather dust faster. Watch the leaves while watering for visible dust or dirt. If so, it's time to clean it up.
important precautions
Remove any accumulated dust from both sides of the sheets. In the case of large leaves, such as Saint George's sword, you should wash them with cold water. Also, use a soft sponge or damp cloth to help with the process.
If the plant is in a smaller pot that you can carry, take it out into the backyard or into a spacious area where you can use a hose to do the scrubbing. The bathroom shower can also be useful for this activity.
Plants with sticky, fuzzy leaves
Some species, like Saintpaulia, have leaves that are more difficult to clean, so it's no use just passing a cloth or sponge. So opt for a soft brush or brush to remove dust.
Don't be afraid to cut the leaves if necessary.
If you notice that there are withered, yellowish or brown leaves, the ideal is to cut them. It is worth noting that the reasons for this go beyond appearance: when you remove damaged parts, the healthy parts receive more nutrients.
So, cut the dead leaves as close to the stem as possible, with pruning shears or with your bare hands (but be careful in this case). Finally, put a little cinnamon powder on the cut site to help it "heal".
Banana peel for polishing leaves
Use the inside of the banana peel to clean the plants. However, do this very gently to ensure that the leaves are not damaged. With this, you will notice a differentiated glow in your plants, which will also be able to nourish themselves with the substances present in the banana peel.
