Remember to use lukewarm water.

Wash plants often in lukewarm water to rid them of dust and insects. Don't use cold water; it may spot leaves. Place small plants in a sink, large plants in a shower. Let plants drip-dry before placing them in the sun.

 

Be gentle when wiping the leaves.

Clean the leaves of large plants by wiping them with a moist cloth or damp cotton. Support the leaves with one hand to avoid bruising or cracking them. Do not use oils or polishes to make leaves shine; they can block pores.

 

Either brush the leaves or
swish them to remove dust.

Remove dust from African violets and other fuzzy-leaved plants with a soft-bristle paintbrush. Or use a soft toothbrush, pipe cleaner, or discarded fuzzy leaf. Stroke from the base of the leaf to the tip.

 

Do not use cold water when
you swish your plants.

One simple way to clean small plants (especially those with fuzzy leaves) is to support them and their soil with your fingers, turn them upside down, and swish their leaves in tepid water. Let the plants drip-dry out of the sun.

 

If you remove blossoms, more
buds are likely to appear.

Remove withered blossoms to keep your plants healthy and encourage further blooming. Pick up any flowers that fall on the soil to prevent disease.

Remove all dead or yellowing leaves regularly. Pick up ones that fall on the soil. For ferns, reach under the green fronds and cut the brown leaf stalks at the soil line. Shorten or remove any leafless, stringlike stems, too.