You can use milk, vinegar, or similar natural ingredients from your home to shine up the leaves of your rubber plant. Take a microfiber or cheesecloth and some cleaning agent. This method works well on plants with pubescent hairs such as African Violets. Some plants with fuzzy leaves experience damage from water standing on the leaves for too long. Gently wipe both sides of all of the leaves to remove any dust and grime. Use a sponge or a soft cloth to wipe each leaf gently -- on top and underneath -- to remove any dried dirt. Take your rubber plant to the sink or shower and gently put them in. If you are struggling with these issues, then go with the wiping method we discussed earlier. If the older leaves (usually the largest ones, at the bottom) are becoming yellow or … It helps excrete excess water, exchange gases, and absorb sunlight. link to Does ZZ Plant Like To Be Root Bound? But that’s it. Although there were a lot of good recommendations, there were a few bad ones as well. Baker also has a culinary arts degree from Johnson & Wales University and has his own catering business. If your rubber tree plant seems to be losing lots of leaves for no apparent reason, you need to investigate and address potential issues with light, temperature, moisture, pests and fertilizer. A study has found that these products can block the small pores on the leaf’s surface. Gently hold the leaves from the bottom and clean the top part with the cloth. Simplifyplants.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, Etsy, and other affiliate programs. They also grow well outside in temperate climates. You can also wipe the water if you want to do so. Based in Virginia Beach, Mark S. Baker has been working in editorial for more than 20 years. They accumulate dust just like everything else in our home, but spending a little time every couple of months doing a spot of cleaning will really help keep your plants healthy and looking fantastic. The leaves of the rubber plant play a similar role to the skin for our body. While wiping down might consume hours of your time, showering them is just going to take a few minutes. (Watering Requirements+Tips). For instance, a rubber plant will stand far more water pressure than will a begonia. Does ZZ Plant Like To Be Root Bound? 3. To help with photosynthesis you must clean your houseplant leaves regularly. (Signs+When To Repot). Add 1 teaspoon of liquid dish soap to a quart of water into a bowl. Usually, there are two ways to clean your rubber plant leaves. The mayonnaise residue will require more frequent cleanings, however, due to the sticky nature of the mixture. Microfiber cloths or cheesecloths work well for cleaning plants. Place this hand under the leaf of the rubber tree plant. Add a tablespoon of mayonnaise mixed with a pint of water in a bowl and applied with a sponge or soft cloth to give your rubber tree plant leaves a natural shine. The fine hairs attract dust and dirt but they can be damaged if water gets on the leaves. Press together. You can buy leaf shine for cheese and rubber plants it makes the leaves all nice and shiny and they tend not to look dusty so soon. Everything about Rubber Plants! Houseplant leaves tend to get dusty, and if they are in the kitchen they get greasy. With its glossy, leathery leaves and upright form, it’s a striking addition to almost any room in your house. Too cold or too hot water can harm the leaves of your rubber plant and shock the plant. It mimics what rain does in nature. I usually prefer any of these natural mixes that are available to me. But indoors, a rubber … Wiping the rubber plant leaves with a soft cloth or napkin, spray cleaning them, or showering your rubber plant briefly is one of the best ways to clean your rubber plant leaves. This method is a good way to clean rubber plant leaves or any big leaf plant. Part 1 of 2: Maintaining Plant Health. 5. Water is an essential element for any living being, including plants. Advertisement. Clean plant leaves with milk or beer. These tiny pores are used for transpiration and photosynthesis. So, blocking these will affect the overall photosynthesis process of the plant. That’s how I actually bought this plant. Steps. However, if you find those big leaves starting to get a bit dirty looking, you can easily dampen a soft cloth and wipe them off. The rubber tree plant has broad leaves that, similar to other flat surfaces in your home, can get dirty or dusty. Severe infestations may cause leaves to drop. 100% AUTOMATED DRIP IRRIGATION KIT: Combine pump and (30) day timer in 1 automatic... SCIENTIFIC WATER-SAVING DESIGN: Use 70% less water than traditional spray & drip... DIGITAL TIMER DISPLAY: Featuring an extra-large LCD screen with bright, easy-to-read... 【Full set of gardening tools】GIGALUMI gardening tool set consist of 11 tools. These plants will grow tall and produce beautiful leaves if you give them proper care. Learn how to care for, clean, and propagate a Rubber Plant as well as troubleshooting why your Rubber Plant is struggling! Allow the plants to drip dry. Why are my rubber plant leaves turning brown? Thus, you need to clean the leaves of your rubber plant regularly. Welcome to SimplifyPlants.com. These include: Both ways work well. Add a teaspoon of fresh-squeezed lemon juice -- or 1/2 teaspoon of reconstituted lemon juice -- to a pint of water in a bowl or other container and mix well. I can understand it can be daunting for a new hobbyist to clean their rubber plant. In its native jungle habitat in India and Malaysia, the plant can grow up to 100 feet tall. What can I use to clean the leaves of my rubber plant? Please note: Simplify Plants is reader-supported. After cleaning, you can use a clean microfibre cloth and rub each leaf to buff the surface and get that extra shine. Now that you’ve learned how to clean houseplants, you can put these suggestions to work. Mar 27, 2018 - This video will explain and show you how to correctly clean the leaves of your Rubber Plant, (Ficus elastica). Wash the leaves underneath and on top. Gently wash the leaves starting from the top. A member of the Ficus family, rubber tree plants can grow up to 50 feet tall but are typically grown to 6-to-9 feet indoors. Why you should clean rubber plant leaves? Some links in the post are affiliate links and I get a commission from purchases made through links in the post. However, if you think you can give your plant a quick shower, then go ahead and give this a try. Quiet Operation for Large Room Use: Ultrasonic humidifiers are incredibly silent,... 4L Tank Capacity & Mist Adjustable: Over 1.06 gallon of water lasts for 12-50 hour... 95mm Water Inlet: Allows you to refill and clean the machine with ease and... 3-IN-1 FUNCTION -- can be used to test soil moisture, pH value and sunlight level,... Double-Probe Detection -- quick and easy to insert into the soil and get you more... No Battery Required -- plug and play, save you from changing the battery. Here are some steps you need to follow to shower your rubber plants: That might have sounded really easy to you, but there are a few hazards you need to be aware of. Mayonnaise (optional) Tip. Also read: Why are my rubber plant leaves turning brown? As the layer of dust or grime buildup on the leaves’ surface, the plant starts to struggle while exchanging gases and absorbing sunlight. If you find some leaves are really dirty, then you might have to scrub them gently. High-pressure water should be avoided as it can damage the leaves of the plant. Small plants that can’t handle the force of a spray can be cleaned by holding the base of the plant at soil level, inverting it into a bucket of water, and swishing the leaves about. He has served as a writer and editor for publications such as the "Houston Post," "Boca Raton News" and "Interactive Week," among others. Wiping the rubber plant leaves with a soft cloth or napkin, spray cleaning them, or showering your rubber plant briefly is one of the best ways to clean your rubber plant leaves. You can use milk, vinegar, or similar natural ingredients from your home to shine up the leaves of your rubber plant. If your plant is really big in size, then taking them to a shower or sink for a quick rinse might not be possible. This may appear first on the underside of the leaves. These include: I reached out to the community to get more insight on cleaning products that we can use on our plants. The rubber plant leaves develop white scars from feeding and there will be tiny black flecks of fecal matter left behind. So one Sunday morning at 7am I started cleaning my plants. Watering the soil beforehand will help prevent the soil from falling out when the pot is inverted. Rubber plants typically do not need much in the way of pruning. If you want to get a natural shine on your rubber plant leaves without much chemical, then home-based natural products are the way to go. Thus, wiping them is all you can do. Many times with regular misting your Rubber Plant’s leaves will remain clean, as the water washes off any dirt or dust. Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Cleaning the leaves of your rubber plant is as important as cleaning our skin. I've got some umbrella and rubber plants in my house and they look great and don't need too much looking after. Use a clean damp cloth to remove any remaining soap residue. Although there are other harsh chemical products available but these are some popular picks. The water you use to shower the plant must be lukewarm. Rubber plant is a hardy species that tolerates dry soil quite well, so prefer staying on the under-watering side. However, the final choice of which route to choose will depend upon the plant size, space, and resources you have, and finally, your choices. Clean your plant by dusting the leaves thoroughly with a feather duster, clean cloth or soft brush to remove loose gunk. During the dormant season, your plant may only need water once or twice a month. A number of homemade cleaning treatments, starting with water, can be used to clean and even add shine to your rubber tree plant's leaves. I said nope he’s good, he just needs a good clean up! When it comes to a plant like a rubber plant with large foliage, we need to clean them frequently. Thus, in this article, we shall learn all about cleaning the leaves of your rubber plant the right way. Source: OHIO state university, Wageningen Research. So, avoid using them in the first place. Have you noticed dust on your house plants? Or if you want your rubber plant leaves to shine really well, you can go with commercial products as well. You can use home remedies, or household products to shine the leaves of your houseplants. Here are the steps you can follow to wipe your rubber plant leaves: You might use any cleaning agent, whether natural or chemical, as discussed in the earlier part of the article. This will clean both leaf sides simultaneously. Lay the second damp rag on top of the same leaf. However, you need to be aware of the right method, hazards, and use the correct cleaning agent to bring that lustrous shine on the leaves. Once a year, put your plants in the shower and spray them all over with lukewarm water to remove any grime that’s been building up. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases made by our readers with no extra cost added to you all! (Watering Requirements+Tips). If the leaves on your plant are very small, swish them around in a bucket of lukewarm water to clean them quickly. Have you ever noticed how every single plant at the florist seems to have particularly luminous leaves? Plants also need water to survive, whether less or more. The sugar is then used as a source of energy, and oxygen is released into the atmosphere. Always make sure you are extra careful while working with young leaves as those are delicate and can be harmed easily. The running water should take away most of the dust buildup. Besides making your rubber plant look better, it will also make it healthier by cleaning the pores of the leaves, which it needs to "breathe." The rubber tree or plant (Ficus elastica decora) is a favorite houseplant with large, thick, glossy green leaves. Also, there are some harsh chemical products available in the market that are economical and does the job well. Take the showerhead and run the water at really low pressure. Leave the plant in the sink or shower for the water to dry. Rubber trees will grow well in most homes with just a little care, but they can get fairly large if you don't prune them. Before you start pruning, consider if you’d like your rubber plant to have a slim, vertical look or a lower, bushier appearance. By creating an account you agree to the Hunker, Colorado State University Extension: Planttalk Colorado: Rubber Plant. Lemon juice. Also read: 7 signs your rubber plant is dying. 1. (Brown Tips+Brown Spots), Why Is My Spider Plant Not Growing? (Signs+When To Repot), link to How Often Do You Water Spider Plants? Add a tablespoon of mayonnaise mixed with a pint of water in a bowl and applied with a sponge or soft cloth to give your rubber tree plant leaves a natural shine. How to Clean Plants With Banana Peels. Watch for droopy leaves, which indicate a need for more water. Dunk your cloth in water and then squeeze out any excess liquid. With some general rubber tree plant know-how and a few common garden materials, you can help prevent further leaf loss and reclaim the health of your plant. Rubber plants are commonly seen in their dark green variety, but also come in more colorful varieties. Place your second hand on top of the second rag. For those who don’t have a green thumb, plastic and silk plants or flowers can soften a room’s look and add a colorful touch. As the plant won’t be able to take in required carbon dioxide and light, the production of food goes down, and as a result, the plant will start storing the energy for survival rather than focusing on the growth of new foliage. Thus, if you want to have a thriving rubber plant, provide them with proper care and regularly clean their leaves. For plants with smaller, multiple leaves, wrap the top of the soil with aluminum foil, flip the potted plant over and swish them in a bucket of warm water with a little mild soap, then rinse with clean water. This is the best way to clean large plants, such as rubber plants, that are difficult to move. My name is Richa and I am here to simplify all your houseplants problems and get you a healthy and thriving plant that adds to the beauty of your home. Showering your rubber plant can be a quick and easy way to clean your rubber plant leaves. Always make sure your rubber plant pot has a sound drainage system. Mix well until the water is sudsy. Like any other surface in your home, plants are also a dust magnet that needs frequent cleaning. I then leave the plant outside the decorative pot for a couple of hours before I put it back. Cover the palm of one hand with one rag. Additionally, while keeping houseplants clean, examine them for signs of small bugs or damage from disease. Apply the lemon-water mixture to rubber tree leaves that have dirt that cannot be removed with plain or soapy water. So, should you repot your ZZ plant or leave them in a... How Often Do You Water Spider Plants? A nice clean leaf is shiny and attractive as it is - no additives needed! Gently pull the rags across the rubber tree plant leaf from the base of the leaf to the tip. Use a sponge and soapy water to gently wipe leaves for a healthier shine; you can also try using olive oil. The rubber plant’s leaves also have a shiny and rubbery appearance. You could also wrap plastic wrap around the base of the plant to contain the soil while cleaning. 4. It would help if you were careful while cleaning the leaves of your rubber plant. Houseplants need to be cleaned occasionally. Whereas if you have a large plant, then moving them into a shower is not a possibility. Believe it or not, you don’t have to be a professional florist to have plants with shiny leaves. Use a damp cloth on the top and underside of each rubber tree leaf to remove dust and light coatings of dirt and grime. When dry, take them back into the house. Knowing how to clean fake plants helps preserve the beauty of these decorative touches. Using this process, rubber plants take in carbon dioxide and sunlight from their leaves to produce sugar and oxygen. Much like your television, vases and shelving, if left unattended, your houseplant's leaves will become covered with dust, dirt or stray pet hair. However, these chemicals are bad for the plant as well as a human being. As unbelievable as it might seem, milk is the perfect product to get a healthy-looking plant. But if you want to go with any commercial product that you can simply spray and wipe, then Miracle-Gro Leaf Shine and Schultz Plant Shine Leaf Polish would be an ideal choice. Otherwise just use a damp cloth or spray with water and wipe off gently. Use a clean, damp cloth to remove any lemon-water residue, which could cause the leaves to burn if placed in direct sunlight. That can result in stunted growth. Drain Smart 6” 5-Pack Drainage Discs - Perfect for Indoor/Outdoor Potted... Govee Temperature Humidity Monitor, Bluetooth Room Humidity Sensor with APP... Why Is My Spider Plant Turning Yellow? You must have a lot of questions in your mind. Also, another common problem is the lack of space in your home. In either way, you will have options to choose from. Although mineral oil is a popular choice for cleaning other glossy houseplants, never use mineral oil to clean your rubber plant's leaves. So, with that out of the way, let us look at some natural leaf cleaning agents. With my experience of keeping plants for several years, I have learned a lot about them and how to keep them alive and thriving and so here I am to pen down my experience for all of you. These include: While wax and mayonnaise works like a charm in cleaning and bringing that lustrous shine on the leaves, it might be terrible for your rubber plant in the long run. I wouldn't use Windex, and although there are products that are supposed to make the leaves shine, I would avoid those, because they can clog up the leaves' pores. Wash the cloth after cleaning a few leaves and repeat the process. Rubber plants’ water needs vary according to season: In the growing season (summer), the plant should be kept moist. However, there are two crucial factors here. It’s not because they’re healthier or better taken care of than your house plants – it’s just because they have a little bit of extra help when it comes to keeping the dust and grime away! So, let’s get started. If you are not careful with the water temperature, the amount of water you use, or the process of cleaning, then you might end up damaging the beautiful foliage of your rubber plant. Hello, My name is Richa, and this is where I share my passion for indoor plants. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases made by our readers with no extra cost added to you all! Clean your plant leaves every three months to keep them healthy. But what does this have to do with cleaning the leaves of your rubber plant? However, at first, you need to pick whether you want to go with a natural or chemical way. Method 2 of 2: Cleaning Large Leaf Plants. Now use the cloth and gently wipe the lower part of the leaves. Be sure to remove dead and dying leaves, and prune your rubber plant so it grows into the shape you’d like it to have. Plants with smooth leaves are easy to shine. In this case, use a soft brush such as a small craft paintbrush, a soft-bristled toothbrush or something like a mushroom brush to clean plant leaves. Whereas if you have a thriving rubber plant cloths or cheesecloths work well cleaning! Often do you water Spider plants, at first, you need to your... 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