In this viewer inspired video, find out how to safely clean fuzzy-leaved plants like African violets. The best way to clean such plants is not by rinsing them but with a soft-haired brush such as an art brush or makeup brush. See the method with a demonstration of cleaning this African violet.
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Today, we have another viewer-inspired video from Brittany Edwards, who asked, “How would you recommend cleaning an African violet or another such plant with fuzzy leaves that aren’t supposed to get wet?”
Great question! That’s true: fuzzy-leaf plants like African violets and some other similar plants aren’t supposed to get wet. With African violets, if you wet the foliage too much, various foliar diseases can develop, which can eventually kill the plant.
I’m going to show you how to clean fuzzy-leaf plants without water, or with a very small amount of water if necessary. Here’s an African violet I chose specifically because it doesn’t have a lot of blooms, so we can clearly see the foliage we’ll be cleaning. Generally, you won’t need to clean the flowers themselves since they don’t last as long as the leaves, which are our focus today.
What I suggest using are paintbrushes. We have various sizes of paintbrushes here, as you can see. Choose brushes with a little bit of firmness at the tip, but not too firm. You want some give to the bristles because you need to be gentle with the leaves while cleaning them. I do have another video on how to clean leaves in general, so feel free to check that out as well.
To clean, simply experiment with the various brush sizes. Smaller brushes work well for tight areas. Gently dust the foliage using the brush. You can also use makeup brushes, though some of them are too soft and may not effectively remove dust. Over time, dust and particles will collect on your African violet leaves, so it’s good to give them a gentle clean every so often.
Sometimes, I like to use a white napkin to see what’s coming off the leaves. I can see a bit of buildup on the napkin – not a lot, but enough to show it’s cleaning effectively. Make sure to clean the undersides of the leaves as well, as plants have stomata (their breathing pores) there. Keeping stomata clear allows plants to breathe and emit moisture into the air, which helps keep them healthy.
You may need to try various brush sizes depending on your plant. Many African violets require a smaller brush for intricate areas. You may see some dirt or dust buildup on your cleaning napkin as you go along, which means the plant is getting a good clean.
If needed, you can use a very fine mist of water. Lightly spray the mist onto the brush, but just a little, so it doesn’t dampen the leaves too much. Then use the slightly moistened brush to dust the leaves. The tiny amount of water will evaporate quickly, so it won’t wet the foliage.
Use art brushes, paintbrushes, or makeup brushes with soft to medium bristles – avoid hard brushes like toothbrushes, as they can scratch the leaves and damage the tender foliage.
When clean, plants not only look better, but if you like shiny leaves, brushing them gently can bring out some shine as well.
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How to Clean African Violets and Other Fuzzy-Leafed Plants
Why shouldn’t African violets and other fuzzy-leaf plants get wet?
Fuzzy-leaf plants, like African violets, should avoid getting wet as moisture on the leaves can lead to foliar diseases, which may harm or even kill the plant over time.
What tools do I need to clean fuzzy-leaf plants without water?
Using paintbrushes or makeup brushes with soft to medium bristles is effective. Brushes should have a bit of firmness without being too hard. This helps remove dust without damaging the leaves.
How do I clean African violet leaves with a paintbrush?
Gently dust the foliage with the brush, focusing on areas that collect dust over time. Smaller brushes are useful for getting into tight areas, while larger ones can cover broader sections of the plant.
Is it necessary to clean the undersides of the leaves?
Yes, it is important to clean the undersides because plants have breathing pores (stomata) there. Clear stomata allow plants to breathe and release moisture, which promotes their overall health.
Can I use a little water while cleaning if the plant is very dusty?
If needed, apply a very fine mist of water onto the brush before dusting. This small amount of water evaporates quickly and won’t dampen the leaves, reducing the risk of disease.
What types of brushes should I avoid?
Avoid using hard brushes, like toothbrushes, as they may scratch the leaves and damage the delicate foliage. Stick to softer art or makeup brushes for safe cleaning.
Does cleaning African violets improve their appearance?
Yes, regular cleaning not only keeps plants healthy by allowing them to breathe but also enhances their appearance. A gentle brushing brings out the natural shine of the leaves.
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