They may live indoors, but greenery can become just dusty and dirty as their outside counterparts. Which is why you’ll need to show them a little TLC to keep them looking lush.
Clean the leaves
The best way to keep your greenery looking green is by wiping the leaves with a moist cloth or sponge, supporting the leaves with one hand to avoid bruising or cracking them as you do this. Use lukewarm water as cold water may leave spots. For smaller indoor plants you can do this task in the sink, larger houseplants can be given a spruce up in the shower. Let plants drip-dry before placing them in the sun. Don’t use oils or polishes to make houseplant leaves shine; they can block pores, which can interfere with a plant’s ability to breathe.
Remove dust
Remove dust from African violets and other fuzzy-leafed 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 to dislodge dust and other debris.
Rinse
One simple way to clean small houseplants (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 houseplants plants drip-dry out of the sun.
Trim and remove dead blossoms
Remove withered blossoms to keep your houseplants healthy and encourage further blooming.
Remove all dead or yellowing leaves regularly from your houseplants. Pick up all fallen leaves 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, string-like stems, too.
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This article originally appeared on BHG.com.
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