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A dull houseplant is usually a dusty one. Indoor air carries dust, kitchen grease and the fine mineral film left when tap water dries on a leaf, and a plant that sits in the same spot for months collects all three. The leaves go grey and matt, and the plant looks tired even when it is growing well.
A neem leaf wash is the quickest way we know to bring the colour back. It is a weak mix of neem oil in water, misted or wiped over the leaves, and it lifts the film off and leaves a soft, natural sheen behind. The recipe is on our leaf-shine spray page.
What to expect
- Smooth, broad leaves, the sort found on a rubber plant, a monstera or a peace lily, show the change clearly. Wipe them with a soft cloth after misting and the sheen appears as the leaf dries.
- Small-leaved plants are easier to mist and leave to dry than to wipe one leaf at a time.
- A plant that has never been washed may need two goes a week apart before the film is fully off.
- Fine, fuzzy or very thin leaves are better wiped with a barely damp cloth than sprayed; keep the wash off open flowers.
Once the leaves are clean, a wash once a fortnight keeps on top of ordinary household dust. Work in the morning or evening and let the leaves dry before the plant goes back into full light.