Spring is around the corner and most of us get the cleaning jibbers. We defrost the freezer, clean the kitchen cabinets, and other neglected areas in our home now get our full attention. And as happy as we are the sun is shining more often, it also makes sure we clearly see all the dirty  windows. Were all those fingerprints there all this time? Yikes!

But did you know it is even more important to clean your plants? 

Plants are dust collectors

One of the reasons you need to clean the leaves of your plants, is a very apparent one: plants are real dust-collectors. After some time they don't look as fresh and shiny as they did when you just bought them, so a good rinse will make them look healthy and happy in no time. If the plants aren't too big you can place them in the shower (make sure the plant has a drainage pot), or you can even put them outside when it is raining! Easy does it. But if you have a huuuuge strelitzia or other big plant in a heavy pot looking all dusty, you need to get to work yourself. Use a wet cloth (with just water) and wipe the leaves one by one. And yes, that sounds like a boring chore, but the looks aren't the most important reason to dust off those leaves. Let me explain.

You probably already know about the importance of photosynthesis, but let me give you a quick little refresher. Photosynthesis is the process plants use to grow. With the help of chlorophyll (the green pigment in leaves), plants use sunlight to turn water they absorbed fwith their roots and carbon dioxide they absorbed through the leaves into sugar for energy - and they release oxygen as a bonus. What a miracle! But you can imagine what happens when the plants are dusty and dull looking.

A MILLION LITTLE MOUTHS

When leaves are covered in dirt or dust, less sunlight can reach them. That means less energy, slower growth, and weaker plants. And not only does the dust block the sunlight, they also prevent the carbon dioxide from being absorbed properly. I always love a visualization with things like this, for moral support (because I grasp every reason not to clean my plants, or anything for that matter.. I am the queen of procrastination). If that sounds like you too, just picture the leaf with a million little mouths trying to breathe. Those little mouths are now suffocating under a layer of dust. And that's when you come in as the hero with the wet cloth! Save those cute little stuffy mouths and help your plant breathe again :)