Posted by Some leaves go dull with ordinary dust; others pick up a grey or tacky film that a plain water mist does not shift. A neem leaf wash deals with both, but the method changes with the leaf. These are the suggestions we give again and again.
Dust
Mist the leaf wash lightly over the top and underside of the leaves and leave to dry out of strong light, or wipe with a soft cloth while damp for a quicker sheen. Once a fortnight keeps it down.
Hard-water film
The chalky spotting left when tap water dries on a leaf needs a wipe, not just a mist. Spray, wait a minute for the wash to soften the film, then wipe with a cloth. Use cooled boiled water or rainwater in the mix from then on and the spots come back more slowly.
Greasy film
Kitchen plants and anything near a road pick up a tacky film that traps dust. Wash the leaves with plain warm water and a drop of Ourons liquid soap first, rinse, and then apply the neem wash for the sheen. Two stages, because the neem wash on its own sits on top of grease rather than lifting it.
Fine or fuzzy leaves
African violets, begonias, ferns and anything felted do not like being wetted. Brush the dust off with a soft paintbrush and keep the wash for the glossy plants.
General
- Morning or evening, never in midday sun; let the leaves dry before the plant goes back into full light.
- New plant: one leaf first, look at it the next day.
- Keep the wash off open flowers.
- Mix fresh each time.
Recipe and rates: how to make a neem leaf-shine spray.