Plant Tip Tuesday: How To Steer Clear Of Pests And Keep Your Plants Looking Their Best

When it comes to plants and taking care of them, there are loads of different tips, how-to videos, and articles surrounding the best ways to make your plants look shiny and healthy all the time. We’ve all had that one plant that thrips and spider mites love to attack, the ones that always seem to drop leaves even if they live in the perfect conditions, but for this edition of From The Potting Shed, we’ll be discussing some of the ways we at TZS keep our plants pest free and as healthy as can be. Let’s jump in:)

When cleaning your plants, there are a couple things you want to make sure to keep in mind. Identify the plant and its different textures (peace lilies having smooth leaves and ferns being more frond-like) and sizes (a 10” fiddle leaf fig v. a 4” pothos) before deciding how to clean them. For smaller plants (especially the ones at our shops) we group them together in plastic trays and wipe them down, mist with a spray bottle, and water if needed. Try this method for your plants by washing them down in the kitchen or bathroom sink. For our bigger plants we like to either leave them where they are or sit them on the DIY Terrarium Bar and wipe them down before going outside to hose them down. For the big plants you have at home, taking them to the shower to get a thorough cleaning is the best way to avoid any messes. 

Now, there are many techniques and tools used when it comes to cleaning plants, but not every one of those is a good thing. For those of you that are looking to stock up on plant care essentials, we recommend getting soft-bristled tooth or paint brushes, microfiber cleaning cloths, and pipe cleaners if you can find them. Like our skin, leaves can be sensitive and gentle, so it’s best to use these tools instead of regular paper towels that can be abrasive and harm your plant's leaves. Using a microfiber cleaning cloth will ensure the leaves get a full wipedown without being too abrasive and causing harm to your plant, while using a toothbrush or paint brush will make sure you get dust and other debris off of fuzzier plants such as an African Violet (those pipe cleaners can really get in those wrinkly crevices of fuzzier plants making them a breeze to clean. Be gentle though. The goal is to keep the plant in good health across the board.) 

Remember to support your plants when dunking them into a bucket of water. Using your fingers to hold onto the soil and leaves will allow you to turn the pot upside down and get the whole plant submerged. It’s also good to note that removing dead leaves before a cleaning will help you manage pest control as they attract pests and any other unwanted problems. This means those dead leaves that are sitting on top of the soil and blooms that have died need to go, too. Nobody enjoys having fungus gnats or mold call their plants home. Giving your plants a routine cleaning along with waterings and repotting when needed will not only keep your plants looking and feeling amazing, but will add a lush indoor landscape to any home.