Restore the original luster and shine of house plants with plain old mayonnaise.Commercial leaf shine products can be expensive and washing houseplants with warm soapy water just doesn’t return them to their original shine. Mayonnaise will work just as well as commercial leaf shine products at a fraction of the cost.
Nothing detracts from your houseplants like a dull layer of dirt and dust. It prevents the natural beauty of houseplants from shining through and gives the appearance of sickly plants.
With a little effort and care, you can restore houseplants to their original luster and shine.
Armed with some mild dish detergent, a jar of mayonnaise and a roll of paper towels you are on your way to lush green houseplants that exude the natural appearance of healthy growth.
Gather your houseplants and water them thoroughly being careful not to get water on the leaves. Spread an old newspaper on the table so you will have plenty of room to work.
Daub a ½ teaspoon on mayonnaise on a piece of paper towel. Grasp a leaf from your plant and wipe a thin coat of mayonnaise on the top of the leaf.
Gently polish the leaf to a shine with a clean, dry paper towel.
Repeat the process with each individual leaf. Although it may seem like a monumental task, it really is quick and easy to do, and the benefits are worth the effort. Trust me, you will be glad you took the time once you see the results.
Avoid the underside of the leaf. The underside contains pores that the plant needs to breath. If you block these pores, the leaves will die.
Waxy and broad leaf plants love this treatment and will reward you with shiny leaves that will have your neighbors checking to see if they are actually real.
Hairy leaves are a bit more of a challenge. Instead of using mayonnaise, simply wash these plants in lukewarm water with a little mild dish detergent.
Be sure to rinse the leaves to remove all traces of detergent. Not only will this clean the leaves, it also kills any insect pests you may have.
Complete the process with a dose of liquid plant fertilizer and return your plants to a sunny location.
With regular watering, fertilizing, and cleaning with mayonnaise your houseplants will flourish. Your friends and neighbors will wonder how you got such a green thumb.
