It's not just us humans that need regular washing, but indoor plants too. Leaves need wiping down from time to time, since the dust that gathers on them blocks out light and impedes photosynthesis.
Outdoors, any dust is quickly removed by wind and rain, but not so for indoor plants. That's why experts like those at the Plants & Flowers Foundation Holland will recommend wiping dust off the leaves about once a month.
For large-leaved plants, use a soft damp cloth and support each leaf with your free hand to be as gentle as possible. An alternative is to place less sensitive plants in the shower or bath and carefully rinse the leaves with lukewarm water.
In darker times of year when sunlight is less abundant, it also makes sense to place pot plants as close to the window as possible. If your plant is struggling in the winter, supplementary LED lighting can help prevent it from losing leaves due to a lack of light.
There are exceptions that tolerate darkness well, such as the cast-iron plant, spider plant and devil’s vine. They are said to thrive even in winter at some distance from the window – by Jessica Kliem/dpa
