Does Dust Build Up Affect The Health Of Your Houseplants?

Dust is a normal occurrence in any household, no matter how clean. However, dust buildup doesn't just affect your lungs; it also affects your houseplants' health. These tiny particles, made of substances like dead skin cells, dirt, and pet dander, can hinder important plant functions. Plants rely on their leaves to produce energy from sunlight, a process called photosynthesis. When their leaves are blocked by dust, dirt, and debris, their access to sunlight is reduced. When they are unable to make enough energy, they will suffer stunted growth and overall poor health.

Dust buildup also impacts a plant's ability to process carbon dioxide. Plants are covered with microscopic openings called stomata that take in carbon dioxide and convert it to oxygen. When stomata are blocked with dust, it inhibits a plant's normal gas and water exchange, which also stunts growth. Cleaning your dusty houseplants should be a regular part of your houseplant care routine, and there are several easy ways to do it.

Light but frequent dusting with a feather duster or similar tool is a good way to prevent heavy buildup. To obliterate dust, though, use a cloth dampened with lukewarm water and gently wipe the top and underside of each of your plants' leaves. Using a damp cloth helps pick up dust instead of brushing it back into the air. Plants with numerous small leaves can be rinsed with lukewarm water in a sink or tub to avoid an otherwise tedious task. You can then use a cloth to remove excess water.

While not completely necessary for your houseplants' health, you can use an air purifier to take care of dust in the air. However, when selecting air purifiers for your home, you should know that only certain types of air purifiers are safe for houseplants. Air purifiers with a true HEPA filter or an activated carbon filter are effective in removing pathogens from the air and are perfectly safe for houseplants. But ozone generators and some ionizers release ozone into the air, a gas that can burn plant tissue and cause permanent damage.