Thus, wiping them is all you can do. Our guide will explain why cleaning shouldn't be neglected, why it has major beneficial effects, before we will take you through the various techniques and which is best for which type of plan… The rubber tree or plant (Ficus elastica decora) is a favorite houseplant with large, thick, glossy green leaves. Plants also need water to survive, whether less or more. When it comes to a plant like a rubber plant with large foliage, we need to clean them frequently. You can use milk, vinegar, or similar natural ingredients from your home to shine up the leaves of your rubber plant. 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. Press together. But what does this have to do with cleaning the leaves of your rubber plant? This method is a good way to clean rubber plant leaves or any big leaf plant. A rubber tree is a hardy plant that requires little care and thrives in a humid, indoor climate. Gently pull the rags across the rubber tree plant leaf from the base of the leaf to the tip. Learn how to care for, clean, and propagate a Rubber Plant as well as troubleshooting why your Rubber Plant is struggling! Apply the lemon-water mixture to rubber tree leaves that have dirt that cannot be removed with plain or soapy water. Add 1 teaspoon of liquid dish soap to a quart of water into a bowl. These tiny pores are used for transpiration and photosynthesis. 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. 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. Take the showerhead and run the water at really low pressure. After cleaning, you can use a clean microfibre cloth and rub each leaf to buff the surface and get that extra shine. If your plant is really big in size, then taking them to a shower or sink for a quick rinse might not be possible. If you are struggling with these issues, then go with the wiping method we discussed earlier. Also, another common problem is the lack of space in your home. Using this process, rubber plants take in carbon dioxide and sunlight from their leaves to produce sugar and oxygen. Always begin with the top leaf and move towards the bottom so that the dust from the top doesn’t make the lower one dirty again. You can use milk, vinegar, or similar natural ingredients from your home to shine up the leaves of your rubber plant. The mayonnaise residue will require more frequent cleanings, however, due to the sticky nature of the mixture. Rubber plants typically do not need much in the way of pruning. These include: Both ways work well. A small plant will hardly take a few minutes to get it all cleaned up. This is the best way to clean large plants, such as rubber plants, that are difficult to move. The water you use to shower the plant must be lukewarm. As unbelievable as it might seem, milk is the perfect product to get a healthy-looking plant. However, the final choice of which route to choose will depend upon the plant size, space, and resources you have, and finally, your choices. During the dormant season, your plant may only need water once or twice a month. (Signs+When To Repot), link to How Often Do You Water Spider Plants? However, at first, you need to pick whether you want to go with a natural or chemical way. So, avoid using them in the first place. Also, there are some harsh chemical products available in the market that are economical and does the job well. Take your rubber plant to the sink or shower and gently put them in. 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. 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. Microfiber cloths or cheesecloths work well for cleaning plants. What can I use to clean the leaves of my rubber plant? Some plants with fuzzy leaves experience damage from water standing on the leaves for too long. When dry, take them back into the house. They also grow well outside in temperate climates. Additionally, while keeping houseplants clean, examine them for signs of small bugs or damage from disease. Water is an essential element for any living being, including plants. link to Does ZZ Plant Like To Be Root Bound? These include: I reached out to the community to get more insight on cleaning products that we can use on our plants. 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. So, should you repot your ZZ plant or leave them in a... How Often Do You Water Spider Plants? Otherwise just use a damp cloth or spray with water and wipe off gently. Use a sponge and soapy water to gently wipe leaves for a healthier shine; you can also try using olive oil. Watering the soil beforehand will help prevent the soil from falling out when the pot is inverted. He has served as a writer and editor for publications such as the "Houston Post," "Boca Raton News" and "Interactive Week," among others. Too cold or too hot water can harm the leaves of your rubber plant and shock the plant. Use a clean, damp cloth to remove any lemon-water residue, which could cause the leaves to burn if placed in direct sunlight. I usually prefer any of these natural mixes that are available to me. 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. Before you start pruning, consider if you’d like your rubber plant to have a slim, vertical look or a lower, bushier appearance. Rubber plants’ water needs vary according to season: In the growing season (summer), the plant should be kept moist. (Watering Requirements+Tips). These plants will grow tall and produce beautiful leaves if you give them proper care. Now that you’ve learned how to clean houseplants, you can put these suggestions to work. Leave the plant in the sink or shower for the water to dry. That can result in stunted growth. Rubber plants are commonly seen in their dark green variety, but also come in more colorful varieties. 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. 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. Gently wipe both sides of all of the leaves to remove any dust and grime. 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. 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. Like any other surface in your home, plants are also a dust magnet that needs frequent cleaning. 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. 4. Take a microfiber or cheesecloth and some cleaning agent. The mayonnaise residue will require more frequent cleanings, however, due to the sticky nature of the mixture. (Causes+What To Do), Diluted dishwashing liquid and a soft clot. Steps. When it comes to choosing the right product to clean your rubber plant leaves, there are a plethora of options you can go with. This will clean both leaf sides simultaneously. 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 rubber plant’s leaves also have a shiny and rubbery appearance. In its native jungle habitat in India and Malaysia, the plant can grow up to 100 feet tall. So, let’s get started. (Causes+What to Do), Why Is My Spider Plant Turning Brown? However, if you think you can give your plant a quick shower, then go ahead and give this a try. A nice clean leaf is shiny and attractive as it is - no additives needed! How to Clean Plants With Banana Peels. Mar 27, 2018 - This video will explain and show you how to correctly clean the leaves of your Rubber Plant, (Ficus elastica). Houseplant leaves tend to get dusty, and if they are in the kitchen they get greasy. So, with that out of the way, let us look at some natural leaf cleaning agents. 1. Advertisement. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases made by our readers with no extra cost added to you all! Thus, you need to clean the leaves of your rubber plant regularly. Do not oversoak or go over leaves too many times (you risk bruising). Based in Virginia Beach, Mark S. Baker has been working in editorial for more than 20 years. 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. As the layer of dust or grime buildup on the leaves’ surface, the plant starts to struggle while exchanging gases and absorbing sunlight. 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. This includes wiping the leaves with a damp cloth or even misting them. 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. Place this hand under the leaf of the rubber tree plant. 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. Houseplants need to be cleaned occasionally. (Brown Tips+Brown Spots), Why Is My Spider Plant Not Growing? The rubber tree plant has broad leaves that, similar to other flat surfaces in your home, can get dirty or dusty. 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. Plants with smooth leaves are easy to shine. I said nope he’s good, he just needs a good clean up! 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. Always make sure your rubber plant pot has a sound drainage system. 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. I've got some umbrella and rubber plants in my house and they look great and don't need too much looking after. Clean your plant leaves every three months to keep them healthy. Have you ever noticed how every single plant at the florist seems to have particularly luminous leaves? Usually, there are two ways to clean your rubber plant leaves. If you find some leaves are really dirty, then you might have to scrub them gently. Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. For instance, a rubber plant will stand far more water pressure than will a begonia. Dunk your cloth in water and then squeeze out any excess liquid. Baker also has a culinary arts degree from Johnson & Wales University and has his own catering business. 5. Thus, if you want to have a thriving rubber plant, provide them with proper care and regularly clean their leaves. 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. Watch for droopy leaves, which indicate a need for more water. My Mum was concerned he might not be well. Part 1 of 2: Maintaining Plant Health. (Watering Requirements+Tips). Also read: 7 signs your rubber plant is dying. Let’s dive into the details of both of these methods: Wiping down your rubber plant leaves is the most preferred and straightforward way to clean them. A rubber tree plant requires only a small amount of plant food and water to thrive. 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