I think tap water only hurts the leaves of some of the more delicate plants, especially those with furry leaves. Chlorophytum is a tough plant and most plants actually will do better with the occasional shower. Not only does it help clean off any dust, it also keeps aphids in check and can be an important part of eliminating spider mites if you're unlucky enough to get them.

My spider's get showers all the time to keep the leaves clean without any problem at all.
It's soil that's either too wet, dry for too long, over feeding, or salt build up that can cause the ends to brown.

Even furry leaves can be cleaned with water, I use the kitchen sprayer all the time on my Avs, as long as they dry away from any direct sunlight and the water isn't cold.

Billy Rae

Billy Rae brought up a good point, as long as the water is warm enough, plants will tolerate a lot more. I also think that since water in circulation dissapates clorine a lot quicker, that a plant gets much less from a shower than from the tap.

OK, well I guess I'm the only dork out here that took these instructions to heart. I'm just so glad I took the chance, it seems like these really collect dust!

Yes, I've been watering all of my plants w/ luke warm water, I figure it won't hurt & if it helps, that's just all the better!

Thanks for your replies!

Shannon

Lol spider plant.

It was my first plant. Had it since I was in....elementary school? It was a seedling then.....and I'm in grad school now. It's been divided three times ... at least. It once even took over my room - wrapping a tendril around a deskchair from across the room.

{{gwi:76012}}

But .... it seems not to collect too much dust.

You should see what rubber trees look like when dusty. The following pic is a picture of my ficus elastica *after* cleaning.

It's still dusty.

{{gwi:76013}}

My spouse came home with a Shark brand "steam cleaner". It spews warm fog, "steam" is definitely an gross exaggeration.

The wand attachment spews fog at about skin temperature at about 10-14 inches. It is the finest think for washing dust off houseplant leaves that I have found.

Erict~ I used to have a Rubber tree plant, but set it in a drafty area not knowing it would hurt it & it eventually died. :( They can start looking pretty bad!

Albert~ I actually have one of those! I might have to give that a try. Thanks!

Shannon

It's nice that you did bring it up, my mom had told me that I should occasionally give my plants a shower and I thought she was crazy. Now I feel a little sheepish. *blushes*

Shannon, I can't wait until my ficus gets as big as yours, those leaves are so pretty.

Albert, where can I find info on the steam cleaner? What's its main purpose?

McHudd...Plants dote on showers/sprays. I normally tote small-mid-size to the kitchen sink..large plants in the shower..afterwards, I close the shower curtain so plants can soak up humidity.
BTW, weekly showering/spraying applies to tropicals and subs.
Cactus and Succulents only get washed (mainly rain) when outdoors in summer, and a good soaking before bringing indoors. Toni

Butterfly~ That is actually erict's ficus... Mine died some time ago. Just giving credit where credit is due.

:)

hopefulauthor, I've no idea where to find the steam cleaner or what the purpose of the thing might be. I came out one day and it was in the middle of the kitchen floor, spouse had gone to work and I started playing with the thing. That is how I determined that, so far, washing plants was it's only useful function. VBG etc.

I had a steam cleaner, it worked wonders at getting soap scum off of the shower walls. It also kills any mildew. You can get one from a Black & Decker store, or probably online.
Never thought to clean plants with it, I'd be afraid of burning leaves.

Albert, lolol..too funny. What does your spouse do with the steamer? lol..

Mentha, is the steam hot? I don't understand how Albert cleaned leaves using this machine? Am I looking at an expensive item? Also, if there's any chance of burn, I'll pass..lol..but it wouldn't hurt to have one for the bathrooms. Especially during summer when humidity is high.
Thanks though..I'll check B&D..and Walmart, too. Toni

Toni, The steam is hot when it come out of the cleaner, but as it hits the air it cools rapidly, so I guess 10-14 inches would be far enough away to use on plants, but it seems like a waste of distilled water. You're looking at about $40-50 for a hand held one. It is worth it if you consider all the chemicals you'd be saving money on. I used to use it on my toilet I hate scrubbing toilets.

Albert, you are using distilled water aren't you? DW will probably have a fit if you don't.