Cleaning & Dusting
For health and appearance, plants under service should have naturally clean and shiny leaves. There are many kinds of residue and build-up on foliage indoors. Construction dust and kitchen grease are two of the worst residues. Minerals and spray residue from nurseries (on plants just in from Florida) are also difficult to remove. The light dust that accumulates in offices can be removed with a feather duster, brush over the leaves dry. Keeping up on the dust may prevent a buildup which Is harder to remove. Be careful that you do not dust an insect-infested plant. as the eggs and babies are easily transported to the next plant by dusters arid equipment. For more stubborn residue, on Dracaenas and other plants with long, large leaves, wipe the leaf from the stem outwards with a sponge or damp rag. A diluted soap mixture will remove most buildup, but pressure needs to be applied. Arboricola, Ficus, and other complex leafed plants require more work, and have many more leaves. Select leaf shine carefully, as some brands are waxy and clog the stomates and reduce transpiration. Also heavy, sticky shines can attract dust and make your job harder in the future.
Things you can use to clean
- Spray bottle with soap and alcohol
- Damp double sponge
- Feather duster
- Paper towels
- Coffee filters
- Baby diapers
- Clean first, then Pokon leaf shine
- Pump sprayer or hose (outside in warm weather)
Minimize water mess
- Place in empty flats
- Put cardboard under
- Heavy plastic drop cloths
- Towel or fabric drop cloths
- Place in used soil bags (split partially open)