A Gardeners Forum Forums Gardening Reference Gardening in 2005 cleaning african violets?

hola, i was wondering if anyone had some suggestions for cleaning african violet foliage. mine have become quite dusty and i'm unsure what to do. i tried lightly spraying them with warm water(it's the cold that makes them spot, no?), but that just left them sort of muddy. any ideas?

Hello, Amy!

I dust my African Violets using a feather duster. I don't think that getting the foliage wet is a good idea. It will not only cause them to have spots, but they will mildew and rot, too!

Dianna

I clean mine with a soft brush. I've also been known to spray them with warm soapy water but you have to be careful. Let them dry in a warm spot in your house away from the sun. Daylight (even from a north window) on wet African Violet leaves can cause burning and spotting.

toothbrush works really well, I'm sure your husband won't mind if you use his!

LOL, lizheaemma, i'm on it!!!