Many people now keep indoor plants to brighten their homes. Whether it is a money plant, snake plant, peace lily or jade plant, most people think regular watering is enough. In reality a healthy indoor plant needs some other daily care as well, and the most important is keeping the leaves clean.

Even indoors, dust settles on leaves just as it does on furniture. Plants breathe and exchange gases through tiny pores on the leaves called stomata. When dust partly or fully blocks these pores, photosynthesis is disrupted. The plant cannot make enough food, its growth slows and it gradually weakens. Cleaning the leaves regularly keeps the plant healthy and preserves their natural shine.

Each day, when you water, glance at the leaves to see whether a layer of dust has formed, and wipe it off gently if it has. How often depends on the setting: plants kept near a window, by a balcony or in a dusty spot get dirty faster, and dust can also build up more when a heater is used in winter or the air is dry. In such conditions it is better to clean more often.

It is best not to use a stiff cloth or a rough brush. A soft dry cloth, sponge, microfibre cloth or small soft brush carries less risk of damaging the leaves.

If needed, mist the leaves lightly with a spray bottle and wipe gently with a damp cloth. Support each leaf from below with one hand while wiping to reduce the risk of tearing.

Small indoor plants can be rinsed under a gentle shower once a week. This removes dust and refreshes the leaves, but make sure excess water does not collect in the pot.

Take a few minutes each day to check the colour of the leaves, new buds, dried leaves and any pest attack. Problems caught early are easier to deal with quickly. Timely watering alone is not enough to keep an indoor plant healthy and green; clean leaves, dust removal and a brief daily inspection go a long way towards keeping it fresh and attractive for a long time.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.