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Houseplant Cleaning and Care

Add houseplants to your list of cleaning chores this month. 

Cleaning dust from the leaves of houseplants not only makes them look good but allows more light to reach the leaves and that means healthier plants.

Use a damp sponge or cloth to wipe dust off smooth leaves.  Use a cosmetic or other soft brush to remove dust from fuzzy leaved plants like African violets.  Or use a blow dryer set on cool and the very lowest power setting.

Remove any dying, discolored or dead leaves.   Move plants to a sunnier spot and adjust watering as needed to eliminate future problems.  Not only will the groomed plant look better but you will be better able to monitor its health.

Trim brown tips off the edges of spider plants, dracaenas, and Ti plants for a tidier appearance.  Use sharp scissors to create a new green tip that mimics its natural appearance.

And turn plants regularly so all sides have equal exposure to the light, encouraging even growth on all sides.

A bit more information:  Add an artificial light to plants with stunted or poor growth.  The combination of natural and a cool fluorescent light will provide the wide spectrum of light African violets and other flowering houseplants need to bloom.  Check out all the new spot and clip-on light fixtures that are now available.  They’re easy to use and they look good.  And best of all your plants will grow fuller with full- size leaves. 

Upcoming Webinars & Appearances


March 25, 2023
OCMGA Annual Garden Conference
Appleton, Wisconsin

March 26, 2023
REALTORS Home & Garden Show
West Allis, Wisconsin

March 29, 2023
FREE WEBINAR: 
Gardening Basics to Boost Your Success
Register now

April 1, 2023

REALTORS Home & Garden Show
West Allis, Wisconsin

April 5, 2023
FREE WEBINAR: 
What's New - Discover
New & Unique Plants!
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April 11, 2023

Southwestern Indiana Master Gardener Association's 2023 Speaker Series
Darmstadt, Indiana
 

April 18, 2023
FREE WEBINAR: 
Growing a Bountiful Harvest even when Time, Space & Budget are Limited

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April 20, 2023
SC Johnson Golden Rondelle Theater Speaker Series
Racine, WI
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April 22, 2023
Pasquesi Home & Gardens
Lake Bluff, IL

April 25, 2023
Frederik Meijer Gardens
Grand Rapids, MI

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