Today in our cities, and even in the suburbs, the dust and grime from the chimneys of industrial plants and automobile exhausts has become one of the first dangers to maintaining a healthy indoor garden. All plants “breathe” through their leaves, and if they are allowed to become covered with dust and dirt, it is not only unsightly but injurious to the plants. Special care should be taken, therefore, to see that the foliage of your plants is kept clean and free of clogging soot.
The best way to clean leaves of plants with shiny smooth leaves, such as Rubber Plant, Philodendron, Sansevieria, etc., is to give them a sponge bath with luke-warm water dosed with a small amount of soap or detergent. Sponge the solution gently on the leaves and then rinse with clear water to make sure that no soapy residue is left, as soap can be kept clean by giving them an occasional brushing
When the leaves are clean, the best way to keep them looking their best is to treat them with one of the commercially available plant polishes such as our own New Era Plant Polish. Far from being harmful, the polish contains an insecticide that protects the plants from invading insects, and will keep the leaves looking their glossiest and best all the time.
Plants with hairy leaves, such as the African Violet, can be kept clean by giving them an occasional brushing with a fine soft brush. Be sure to be gentle with them as rough usage will harm the foliage.