As this last week before Christmas day is winding down, it occurs to me that I need some “plant therapy”. I know that sounds weird, but this month is crazy busy and it can be easy to become overwhelmed. Plus, with this being the shortest day of the year, the dwindling light hasn’t helped my mood any.  I find working with my plants is calming and restful. Cleaning and dusting the leaves, washing them, watering, and turning them to allow light to fall on all sides. These things make me feel calm, but imagine how good the plant feels after being cleaned and preened?

This haworthia needs dusting

Dusty Plants

Often our plants can become dirty and dusty. Kitchen plants can certainly get grimy. The heaters here in the frozen north have been working overtime this month and the dust they kick up loves to settle on our plants.

This crown of thorns needs serious grooming

Blocking photosynthesis

The dust and grime can cover the leaves, and even a thin layer can block the rays of the sun from getting to our plants, which can hinder their food production. Remember the only way plants can get food is to make it themselves. Add the days we’ve been having without sun at all, and our plants can suffer.

Dead leaves on the bottom of this plant need to be removed

Dead leaves that need to be removed

Clean your plants

Wipe down the leaves or give them a nice shower, either in the sink or bathtub. Dead leaves need to be removed so disease and pests have no place to take up residence. Only a few basic supplies are needed. A sponge to wipe the leaves, a small paintbrush for fuzzy leaves, tweezers to get leaves out of cacti, and some snips to trim leaves.

A tray of useful grooming tools

Pet hair is real

I have two kitties and believe me when I say, cat hair is everywhere. It especially loves to settle on my cacti. This is when tweezers come in handy.

Cat hair is easily caught on cacti spikes

Kitty fur caught on my begonia

Give you plants some love

On this the shortest day of the year, we need to help not just ourselves, but also our green friends who may also be suffering during this hectic month with limited hours of light, added dust, and neglect.

A sink shower cleans this fern and waters it, too

After today though, the days start getting longer and before we know it, spring will be here! Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and Happy New Year!