Cleaning leaves from indoor plants - Our tips for shiny leaves

Blätter von Zimmerpflanzen reinigen - Unsere Tipps für glänzende Blätter - FARBIO® - Nachhaltige Bio-Flüssigdünger aus Hamburg

In order for your green plants to reach their full potential indoors, it is important to take care of them, including cleaning their leaves. In this article, we're going to look at houseplant foliage care, methods of cleaning, and using foliar care products and fertilizers to keep your houseplant foliage lustrous.

Foliage care for indoor plants

Foliar care is an important part of houseplant care as the leaves are the main organ that plants use to absorb light and carry out photosynthesis. These tips should You definitely note:

  • Dust and dirt can collect on the leaves and affect their ability to absorb light. It is advisable to wipe the surfaces regularly and thoroughly with a soft, damp cloth.
  • When spraying your plants, it's important that the water isn't particularly hard and chalky. Otherwise water stains may appear on the leaves.
  • Check regularly to see if the plant is showing signs of a pest such as spider mites, aphids, or whiteflies. In case of infestation should Biological control should be used as soon as possible so that the foliage does not suffer any unsightly damage.

With our FARBIO® organic micro-complex special fertilizer, the focus is on the natural protection of your plants. By supplying them with essential trace elements, you ensure that plants become more vital and resistant! The vegan foliar fertilizer with nanoparticle technology promotes rapid absorption of complex micronutrients and strengthens the self-protection mechanism of your plants. The effects of severe pest and disease infestations are thus reduced.

Clean leaves of indoor plants: dust & spray

dedusting

Dust and dirt can accumulate on the leaf surface over time. This can clog pores and affect the ability to absorb light. To dust the leaves, you need a soft, damp duster or sponge. Gently wipe the top and bottom if dust builds up on them. Make sure you use gentle movements to avoid damage. Alternatively, you can shower your plant regularly. At least every 2 weeks is usually a good guideline.

shower off the leaf

spray

Foliar spraying is another effective way to prevent dust and dirt build-up while increasing humidity levels around the plant. Fill a spray bottle with water—stale water, rainwater, or filtered water is best to prevent limescale stains on the leaves. Spray from a distance of about 30 cm.

Are glossy leaves of green plants natural?

Some plants naturally have glossy leaves that depend on a genetic predisposition. These plants produce natural oils or waxes on their leaves to protect them from moisture loss and damage from outside influences. An example of this is the leaves of succulents, which often have a natural sheen.

It is important to note, however, that most indoor houseplants do not naturally have glossy leaves, but only acquire them through foliar care. For example, by cleaning the leaves, showering the plant, using leaf shine products or rubbing the plant leaves with home remedies.

Glossy leaves are not necessarily a sign of a houseplant's health. It is much more important that the plant receives sufficient light, appropriate watering, an adequate supply of nutrients and optimal room temperature. The FARBIO® NPK organic liquid fertilizer for green plants is very well suited to providing your plants with the essential main nutrients and thus helping them to grow healthily in the long term.

Leaf shine - make the foliage shine

Use of Leaf Gloss Products:

Leaf gloss products often contain special ingredients such as oils, polymers or silicones that form a thin film on the leaves and protect them from dust and dirt while creating an attractive, glossy appearance.

Application of home remedies:

There are several home remedies that can be used to make plant leaves shine and give them a glossy look.

Milk alternatives: Mix some milk alternative with water in a ratio of 1:2 and use this as a foliar conditioner. Dip a soft cloth in the liquid and wipe the leaves with it.

Banana peels: Use the inside of a banana peel and gently rub the leaves with it.

Foliar fertilizer application

What are foliar fertilizers?

Unlike traditional fertilizers, which are added directly to the soil, foliar fertilizers are sprayed onto the leaves as a solution. The nutrients are then absorbed by the plant through the leaves and used in the metabolic processes.

Foliar fertilizers often contain a balanced formula of nutrients essential for plant growth and development, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, iron, magnesium, and others. They may also contain other additives that support plant growth and health, such as amino acids.

It is important to follow the foliar fertilizer package directions carefully, and to use the correct concentration and frequency of application to avoid staining the foliage. It is advisable to remove dust from the leaves, for example by showering, before applying foliar fertilizer to ensure better absorption of nutrients.

The FARBIO® Nitrogen Bio-Boost supports your plants with nitrogen, which is not only essential for healthy growth, but also lets your plants shine with intense green leaves!