How to Clean Monstera Leaves for Optimum Health and Shine

Do you…

struggle to get that glossy leaf shine on your monstera? Find out how to clean monstera leaves here!

If you own a Monstera plant, you will know that cleaning Monstera leaves is one of the key routines for maintaining a healthy plant. This is vital for maintaining a thriving, full tropical plant. Over time, dust and webs can build up on plant leaves, blocking photosynthesis. This leads to stunted growth and a sad-looking monstera. Removing dust from Monstera leaves prevents pest buildup on the foliage and will keep your plant happy and beautiful. We are here to help you clean Monstera leaves the right way with optimal success!

Here you will find the best methods to clean Monstera plant leaves to promote new growth, and keep your indoor jungle looking its best!

How to Clean Monstera Leaves Essential Tools For Optimal Care

Cleaning your monstera leaves is not a hard task plus the materials needed you already have!

• Soft cloth or microfibre cloth or duster
• Spray bottle filled with lukewarm water or bowl of water
• Mild soap for soap water, 1 part soap to 3 parts water (optional but not necessary)
• Soft bristle brush for more textured monstera leaves (optional but not necessary)
• Neem oil for shine (optional but not necessary)
• Banana peel for shine (optional but not necessary)

These are the only items you will need and a few are optional but not necessary to achieve a glossy, clean-looking monstera!

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Clean Monstera Leaves

Knowing how to clean monstera leaves the right way will leave your plant singing your praises! Not to mention the health benefits and glossy, healthy appearance it will give your monstera!

Dusting

If you look at your monstera leaves you will most likely see dust. Before you go in with water take a dry, soft cloth or microfiber duster to gently dust off the leaves. This will make the cleaning process way easier. When dusting make sure you put one hand on the back of the leaf for support so you don’t cause any leaf breakage.

Spray

Now grab your spray bottle filled with water or a damp cloth and gently wipe over your plant leaves. Mist the leaves gently with lukewarm water but try not to over mist them as this can lead to water marks later.

Wipe

Once you have sprayed your leaves support your leaf with one hand on the back as you wipe in a downward motion on your leaf starting from base to tip. Wipe them down a few times each. This will ensure that no dust or pests are left behind and will help reduce any water or streak marks when it dries. If you have a more textured monstera you can use a bit of a gentle bristle on the leaves.

Dry Naturally

When letting your monstera leaves dry it’s best to let them air dry naturally. This will help avoid any water marks or streaks later on and is healthier for the plant. If you want you can wipe down the leaves with a dry cloth after cleaning them with the water but try to avoid wiping them completely dry.

Extra Tip For Shine

If you’re looking to get that shine on your Monstera plant leaves try using banana peel after the leaves have dried. Take the inner side of a banana peel and gently rub it on your monstera leaves. The natural oils found in the peel will not only add shine to your newly cleaned monsters plant but also add some nutrients like potassium which benefits plants when absorbed. You will however want to wipe off any leftover residue with a clean soft cloth so your monstera leaves don’t end up sticky!

That’s it there’s nothing to it! Regularly wiping down your plant leaves will help with new growth and a healthier plant.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Monstera Leaves to Prevent Damage

When learning how to clean monstera leaves there are a few things that you don’t want to get into the habit of. This will make sure your Monstera has a healthy and damage-free cleaning experience. Common mistakes when cleaning Monstera leaves:

Avoid Cold Water

You want to use lukewarm water to avoid stressing out your monstera. Using cold water can put your plant into shock and cause stunted growth especially if you’re cleaning in colder months.

Leaf Shiners

Using commercially bought leaf shiners might make your plant look almost plastic from the amount of chemicals found in them. This is not only unhealthy for your tropical plant but can also cause health issues to develop. Instead, opt for natural plant shiners like neem oil or banana peels. These are not only safe to use but will also benefit your monstera with extra nutrients.

Over Misting

When misting your leaves, a lot of people overmist. This is a common mistake. Over-misting will lead to awful-looking streaks, watermarks, or the potential for mold to grow after you’re done and will make your plant look worse than when you started! Just a light mist to get the leaves slightly moist will do the trick when cleaning! We are not going for dripping wet here!

Harsh Chemicals

Harsh chemicals are more often than not found in commercial plant cleaners. Alcohol, vinegar, and even bleach are advertised as “safe” cleaners. However using these chemicals on your plant will strip the leaves of their natural oils leaving them looking dull, lifeless and causing appearance issues such as dark or brown leaf spots and leaf decay. Using alternatives like a light soap water mixture or just lukewarm water will not only save your plant, but it will also save vital leaf nutrients and make it look healthy.

Avoid Scrubbing

Gently wiping downwards on your plant from the base to the tip is what we are going for here! Don’t let me find you scrubbing the living daylights out of your leaves! Monstera plants are soft plants meaning that they can bruise easily, especially on their foliage. If you rub or scrub too hard it can cause leaf discoloration or leaf tearing which I’m assuming is not your end goal! So remember when cleaning that even a gentle wipe will go a long way.

Sunlight

Your monstera should not be in direct sunlight even when not cleaning but especially when cleaning it. Monsteras prefer bright indirect light for growing and that’s no different when you clean them. Cleaning your monstera in direct sunlight can lead to burning. The little water droplets on the leaves can heat up from the sun and cause burning on the leaves. Always clean your leaves in a shaded area away from direct sunlight.

Best Natural Alternatives for Shining Monstera Leaves Without Chemicals

You might be wondering “How to keep Monstera leaves shiny”? This is the place for you! These natural ways to clean Monstera leaves not only keep your plant away from harsh chemical use but odds are you already have these in your kitchen!

Milk Solution-You can use a homemade milk solution to get those shiny leaves! Mix equal parts of milk and water. The fats found in the milk will give your leaves a nice shine and help restore the natural oils. Pretty cool!

Banana Peel– Take the inner side of a banana peel and gently rub it on your monstera leaves. The natural oils found in the peel will not only add shine to your newly cleaned monsters plant but also add some nutrients like potassium which benefits plants when absorbed.

Aloe Vera Gel– Aloe vera is a great natural alternative for many things from health to beauty secrets! This includes your plant! The gel found in aloe vera helps bring shine to your Monstera leaves while at the same time providing moisture. Put a small amount on a soft cloth and wipe down your leaves.

A Little Elbow Grease!– Taking a soft cloth and gently wiping your monstera leaves in a circular motion is also a great way to bring out leaf shine. The circular motion helps bring out the plant’s natural leaf oils which help coat it bringing out a shiny appearance.

The Importance of Regularly Cleaning Monstera Leaves for Optimal Health and Growth

By regularly wiping down your plants and learning how to clean monstera leaves you will be benefiting your plant more than you know! Having a cleaning schedule for your plants will boost photosynthesis which will improve new growth, fuller foliage, and a healthier stronger plant. It will also improve your air quality. Removing dust on leaves helps your plant absorb more toxins from the air leaving you with better air in your home! Win-Win!

Other benefits include:

• Prevents Pest Infestations
• Adds a Natural Shine
• Reduces the Risk of Fungal Growth
• Longevity
• Easier Monitoring for Health Issues
• Boosts Aesthetic Appeal
• Promotes Better Growth

Learning how to clean monstera leaves not only benefits your plant but also benefits you! Your indoor jungle will be looking fresh and shiny letting you show off your plant knowledge!

Troubleshooting Common Issues with Monstera Leaves: Solutions for Healthy Foliage

Even if you have the best monstera care routine and cleaning schedule you can still come across common issues. These are never fun to see on your tropical plant but there are ways to help.

Leaf Issues

This includes brown spots on leaves, yellowing or discoloration, wilting, and brown tips, or edges. These issues are usually due to 3 common mistakes. Waterlogged soil, low humidity, or watering schedule. To learn more on Monstera leaf issues click here.

Leggy Growth

Long stems with little leaves are what is known as leggy growth. This happens when your monstera is not getting the right lighting conditions for optimal growth. You want to find a spot that provides 6-8 hours daily of bright indirect light. Substituting with a grow light is a great way to bring in lighting if your house does not have a good spot. Avoid direct sunlight as this can cause burning. To learn more on how to fix a leggy monstera click here.

Droopy Monstera

A droopy monstera indicates stress. Something as easy as repotting your plant can cause it stress and droopiness. This one is a little trickier as there are little things that can cause stress to a plant. These include, under or overwatering, soil moisture is not correct, humidity needs are not being met or lighting conditions are not optimal for growth. For help with fixing a droopy monstera click here.

By learning how to clean monstera leaves it is easier for your plant to show you something is wrong. Fixing health issues as soon as possible is best to maintain the health of your plant. Don’t worry you learn more as you experience new things and down the road signs from your monstera won’t stress you out as much once you’re more familiar with what to do!

FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About How to Clean Monstera Leaves

How Often Should You Clean Your Monstera Leaves?

Developing a cleaning schedule for your monstera depends on a few factors.

• Your environment
• If you have major events frequently
• Higher pest infestations

If you are new to cleaning Monstera leaves a good rule to follow as a guideline is to clean your Monstera leaves at least once a month. This monthly task will make sure dust does not build up and will keep the leaves healthy with new growth.

How to Keep Monstera Leaves Shiny and Healthy Longer

If you’re looking for shine and gloss on top of just a regular leaf cleaning then it will require a more frequent cleaning routine as well as attention to detail. But those big glossy leaves are so worth it!

• Regular Dusting
• Prune Regularly
• Gentle Cleaning Routine
• Avoid Direct Sunlight
• Natural Leaf Shine Alternatives
• Watering Practices
• Use a Humidifier
• Nutrient-Rich Fertilizer

Can you use olive oil to clean plant leaves?

Although olive oils, coconut oils, and other natural oils are healthier alternatives to many things plants are not one of them. These oils can clog your leaves’ pores, which will lead to other health issues like respiration and photosynthesis issues. These side effects can easily kill off your plant!

Can you clean Monstera leaves with vinegar?

If your monstera leaves have a bit of buildup you can use things like vinegar or lemon juice if you dilute it. Spraying this onto your plant without diluting it with water will be too harsh. You can dilute one part vinegar or lemon juice to three parts water to clean off your leaves.

What are some tried and true ways you have found to clean monstera leaves? Share in the comments!