Although many people want the leaves of their houseplants to shine, leaf shine products for houseplants aren’t a good idea. This video tells you why leaf shine products can be harmful to houseplants, and how they can even be bad for you. Houseplants that are treated with leaf shine products are unable to breathe. This affects their health negatively. This also means that the houseplants aren’t able to clean your indoor air for you. There are some plants that have shinier leaves than others, and newer leaves tend to be shinier.
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Welcome to HealthyHouseplants.com, where we teach you all about indoor gardening. Today’s video covers the use of leaf shine products on houseplants.
Many people use leaf shine products because they make leaves look shiny and attractive. However, these products are not beneficial for plants or for indoor air quality. When leaf shine products are sprayed on plants, they block the leaves’ stomata—the small openings through which plants breathe. Stomata allow the plant to take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen, which helps it stay healthy and supports indoor air purification.
Blocking the stomata prevents the plant from cleaning the air effectively, which is one of the primary benefits of having houseplants indoors. Indoor air can be more polluted than outdoor air, especially if a home is well-insulated, trapping in chemicals from furniture and carpeting. Therefore, it’s best to avoid leaf shine products and instead embrace the natural sheen of the plant.
Certain plants, like this Arrowhead plant, naturally have a glossy appearance. If you prefer shiny leaves, choose plants that already have a natural sheen. Additionally, keeping leaves clean will help them look their best. Regularly dust leaves with a microfiber cloth or gently rinse them in the sink or bathtub, using a soft water flow to avoid damaging the leaves.
Avoid using substances like mayonnaise to add shine. Though some people recommend it, mayonnaise can clog the leaves’ stomata and attract dirt, leading to poor plant health.
New leaves are often shinier than older ones, so maintaining a well-fertilized and properly watered plant in the right light will encourage fresh, shiny growth.
Thank you for watching. Please comment on any indoor gardening tutorials you’d like to see, and remember to like, comment, and share this video.
Leaf Shine and Plant Care FAQs
Is it safe to use leaf shine products on houseplants?
No, leaf shine products can block the stomata, preventing the plant from breathing properly and cleaning the air.
How can I keep my plant leaves shiny without leaf shine products?
Clean the leaves regularly with a microfiber cloth or rinse them with a gentle water flow to remove dust without blocking the stomata.
Why is it important for houseplants to have clean leaves?
Clean leaves allow plants to breathe better, improving their ability to filter indoor air and promoting overall health.
What happens if I use mayonnaise or other substances on plant leaves?
Using substances like mayonnaise can clog the stomata and attract dirt, which may harm the plant.
Do new leaves naturally have a shinier appearance?
Yes, new leaves tend to be shinier than mature leaves. With proper care, plants will produce fresh, shiny growth.
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