How to Spring Clean Your Houseplants and Revive Their Glow

"Just like us, plants need a little spring cleaning—because a bit of care and a touch of sunlight is all they need to bloom with new life." – The Economic Botanist

Spring has arrived, and if you’re like us, it’s the perfect time to throw open the windows, dust off the shelves, and give your houseplants a little TLC. But did you know that your houseplants can benefit from a spring cleaning just like the rest of your home? A good clean-up doesn’t just make them look better—it helps them thrive!

In this blog post, we’ll explore the importance of spring cleaning for your plants, how to clean them properly, and how to revive their glow with some simple yet effective care tips. By the time you’re done, your plants will be looking fresh, healthy, and ready to soak up the spring sunshine. Let’s dive in!

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On this page

1. Why Spring Cleaning Your Houseplants is Essential

2. The Benefits of Clean Leaves and Healthy Plants

3.How to Clean Your Houseplants: Step-by-Step

4. Reviving Your Plants' Glow: Additional Care Tips

5. Common Houseplant Spring Problems and How to Solve Them

6. Tips for Maintaining Your Houseplants Year-Round

7. The Bottom Line

1. Why Spring Cleaning Your Houseplants is Essential

We all know how much houseplants can add to the beauty of our home, but did you know they also do a lot of work in the background? Plants purify the air, increase humidity, and boost your mood. But to keep them doing their best work, they need a little attention from time to time—especially during the spring.

Here’s why spring cleaning your plants is so important:

• Dust Can Block Sunlight: Over time, dust and dirt can build up on the leaves of your plants. This can block sunlight from reaching the plant and affect its ability to photosynthesize. Photosynthesis is how your plant turns sunlight into energy—so it’s kind of a big deal!

• Pests Love Spring, Too: Spring means new growth, and pests like aphids, spider mites, and mealybugs love to make their home on your plants during this season. Cleaning up your plants helps prevent infestations before they start.

• Soil Refresh: Plants use the nutrients in their soil to grow. Over time, the soil can become compacted, and your plant may not get the nutrients it needs. A spring clean is a perfect time to refresh the soil and give your plant a nutrient boost.

2. The Benefits of Clean Leaves and Healthy Plants

You might not always notice it, but your houseplants’ leaves can get pretty dirty. Clean leaves not only look better, but they also contribute to healthier plants. Here’s how:

• Improved Photosynthesis: Clean leaves absorb sunlight more efficiently, which means your plant can photosynthesize better. This leads to healthier growth and more vibrant foliage.

• Shiny, Healthy Leaves: Spring cleaning your plants helps them shine! And let’s be honest, there’s nothing like the glossy, rich green of healthy plant leaves to brighten up your space. Clean leaves are a sign of good care, and your plants will look radiant once they’re spruced up.

•  Stronger Plants: By removing dust, pests, and dead leaves, you’re encouraging new growth and helping your plant thrive through the upcoming warmer months. It’s like hitting the reset button on your plant’s health!

Boost Your Brain: Books Curated for you

Plantopedia: The Definitive Guide to Houseplants Hardcover by Lauren Camilleri & Sophia Kaplan: This book presents the definitive guide to keeping happy, healthy houseplants in any space featuring over 130 plant profiles with detailed care information. Buy on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3EOX6M9

Houseplant Care for Beginners: The Complete Guide to Selecting, Growing, and Nurturing Indoor Plants by Emma W Greene: This book is a practical, step-by-step resource designed to make plant care easy and enjoyable. Buy on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3S0MpJo

The Complete Houseplant Survival Manual: Essential Gardening Know-how for Keeping (Not Killing!) More Than 160 Indoor Plants by Barbara Pleasant: This book is a comprehensive guide on how to care for your houseplants. Buy on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3ZaPEla

3. How to Clean Your Houseplants: Step-by-Step

Cleaning your houseplants doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, with the right approach, it can be a quick and easy process. Let’s break it down:

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

Before you start cleaning, you’ll need a few tools. Here's a simple list of what you’ll need:

• A soft cloth or microfiber towel: This will help you gently wipe the leaves without damaging them.

  
  

• A bowl of lukewarm water: To clean the leaves and pots.

  
  

• Mild soap (optional): If your plants have stubborn dirt, a gentle dish soap diluted in water can help.

  
  

• Spray bottle: You can use this to mist the plants or add a natural leaf shine solution.

Step 2: Dusting and Wiping Leaves

Dusting your plants is the first step in cleaning. Over time, dust can settle on the leaves, making them look dull. Here's how to clean them properly:

1. Use a soft cloth to gently wipe both sides of each leaf. Be careful not to press too hard to avoid damaging the plant.

   
   

2. For larger plants, you can also use a soft brush to dust off the surface of the leaves, or gently shake the plant outside to dislodge the dust.

   
   

3. If you have plants with fuzzy leaves (like African violets), avoid wiping them altogether. Instead, use a soft brush to remove dust.

This step is key for removing dust from plants, and it can make a huge difference in how they look and feel!

Step 3: Washing Larger Plants (For Big Leaves)

For plants with large, smooth leaves (like monstera or rubber plants), it’s often best to give them a gentle rinse. Here’s how:

1. Place the plant in a bathtub or use a shower to gently wash the leaves under lukewarm water. Make sure the water isn’t too hot or cold.

   
   

2. Gently wipe the leaves with a soft cloth to remove any lingering dirt or dust.

This is especially helpful for cleaning foliage plants that have accumulated a lot of dirt or have bigger leaves where dust can cling. Don’t forget to dry the leaves afterward to prevent water spots.

Step 4: Cleaning Plant Pots and Surfaces

While you’re at it, don’t forget to clean the plant pots and the surfaces they sit on. Here’s what to do:

• Wipe the pot with a damp cloth to remove any dirt, mold, or algae buildup.

  
  

• If the pot has saucers or decorative covers, clean those too to ensure no dust or dirt is left behind.

  
  

• You can even give the surface where the plant sits (shelves, tables, etc.) a quick wipe-down to keep things neat and clean.

This little extra step helps with overall plant hygiene and keeps your space looking tidy.

4. Reviving Your Plants' Glow: Additional Care Tips

Now that your plants are dust-free and shining, it’s time to give them a little extra care. Here are some simple tips to help you revive houseplants and give them a healthy boost:

Fertilizing: A Boost for Growth

Spring is the perfect time to fertilize your plants. As the growing season begins, your plant will need a little extra food to fuel new growth. Here’s how:

• Choose a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer: Look for a fertilizer that is balanced, meaning it contains equal parts nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). This will promote healthy root and leaf growth.

  
  

• Follow the instructions: Over-fertilizing can harm your plants, so be sure to follow the recommended amounts and schedule.

A good fertilizer will help your plant stay healthy and green throughout the growing season.

Repotting: Refreshing the Soil

Spring cleaning is also a great time to refresh your plant's soil. Over time, soil can become compacted or depleted of nutrients. Here's how to know if it’s time to repot:

• If your plant’s roots are growing out of the drainage holes, it’s time for a bigger pot.

  
  

• If the soil is hard or doesn’t drain well, your plant could benefit from fresh soil.

When repotting, make sure to choose a pot that’s only 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current one. Too large of a pot can drown the roots in excess moisture.

Pruning and Trimming Dead Leaves

Pruning your plants helps encourage new growth. Here's how:

• Trim yellow or dead leaves: Use clean, sharp scissors to remove any damaged leaves or stems.

  
  

• Cut back leggy growth: If your plant has long, spindly stems, cutting them back encourages bushier, healthier growth.

By trimming dead leaves, you’re giving your plant a fresh start for the new season!

5. Common Houseplant Spring Problems and How to Solve Them

Even with the best care, you might run into some problems as your plants adjust to spring. Here are a couple of common issues and how to handle them:

Pests: Identifying and Dealing with Spring Pests

Springtime is prime time for pests, so be sure to keep an eye out for unwanted visitors. Look for signs like webbing, small white specks, or sticky residue on the leaves. Here’s how to handle pests:

• Inspect regularly: Check your plants for pests during each cleaning session.

  
  

• Use natural pest control: For light infestations, try spraying a mixture of water and mild dish soap. For more severe infestations, neem oil or insecticidal soap can be effective.

Yellowing Leaves: What Does It Mean?

If you notice yellowing leaves, it could be a sign of overwatering, nutrient deficiencies, or pests. Here's what to do:

• Check your watering habits: Make sure the soil has good drainage and that you’re not overwatering.

  
  

• Prune yellow leaves: Remove them to help the plant focus on healthy growth.

6. Tips for Maintaining Your Houseplants Year-Round

While spring cleaning is important, your plants need care year-round to keep them healthy. Here are some tips to ensure they stay happy and glowing through the seasons:

• Regular dusting: Make dusting a monthly habit to keep leaves clean and healthy.

  
  

• Proper watering: Make sure you’re watering your plants according to their specific needs, avoiding over or underwatering.

  
  

• Seasonal adjustments: As the seasons change, adjust your plant care routine accordingly. During winter, for example, reduce watering since plants are growing slower.

7. The Bottom Line

Spring cleaning your houseplants is more than just a way to tidy up—it’s an essential part of keeping your plants healthy and vibrant. By following these simple steps, you can revitalize your houseplants and give them the care they need to thrive through the warmer months. Your plants will thank you with shiny leaves, healthier growth, and a fresh glow that brightens up your space.

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Now that you know how to clean and care for your plants this spring, it’s time to get started! Share your own plant care tips with us in the comments below—let’s keep our indoor jungles healthy and beautiful together!

Science Reading:

Removal of formaldehyde from indoor air by potted Sansevieria trifasciata plants: dynamic influence of physiological traits on the process: A study examining how the physiological traits of snake plant affect its ability to remove formaldehyde from indoor air, highlighting the dynamic nature of this process. Learn here

Promoting adult health: the neurophysiological benefits of watering plants and engaging in mental tasks within designed environments: This research investigates the calming effects of watering indoor plants, comparing physiological and psychological responses to this activity versus mental tasks, and its implications for mental health. Explore this research here