--- title: "Hi, Anyone know and successfully use an organic leaf cleaner that…" description: "Hi, Anyone know and successfully use an organic leaf cleaner that also provides a bit of shine? My P. Princesses have dull mature leaves, while the newer ones…" url: "https://getplanta.com/community/6WjlL_2rTSS00GnYx8UA_g/9GN5j5dPTYeheK-gEI7pmQ" community: "Philodendron Parents" author: "Shirley🪴you jest" published: "2024-07-17T19:16:08.673024Z" language: "en" image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/UXWbN3kFcbJ4RE9QlwEUBV0D54aab3W65xgQ8zaAuiM/xoWNJrWOQ5uVqmoVwLunhQ.webp?size=large" --- [Community](https://getplanta.com/community.md) / [Philodendron Parents](https://getplanta.com/community/6WjlL_2rTSS00GnYx8UA_g.md) # Hi, Anyone know and successfully use an organic leaf cleaner that… _Posted by Shirley🪴you jest on 2024-07-17_ Hi, Anyone know and successfully use an organic leaf cleaner that also provides a bit of shine? My P. Princesses have dull mature leaves, while the newer ones have that healthy sheen. We do have a very dry climate, but I run humidifiers to help with that, but I monitor carefully as a couple have had powdery mildew. I use Arber concentrated products. Is there something else I could be doing to help them keep that healthy glow? Thank you in advance 🪴 ![Attachment 1 of 2](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/UXWbN3kFcbJ4RE9QlwEUBV0D54aab3W65xgQ8zaAuiM/xoWNJrWOQ5uVqmoVwLunhQ.webp?size=large) ![Attachment 2 of 2](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/UXWbN3kFcbJ4RE9QlwEUBV0D54aab3W65xgQ8zaAuiM/-_9ZHJZQQJevK15V3AlyAw.webp?size=large) ## 7 comments ### Josie commented on 2024-07-17 I know I’ve used neem oil in the past but it smells so freaking horrific I stopped. Plus it can cause leaf burning if not careful. Curious of other options as well because my ppp is the same way #### Shirley🪴you jest replied on 2024-07-17 Thank you for your feedback. While I am sorry your plant is doing the same, it is somewhat reassuring for me. I hope someone will have a great product to share! 🪴 ### Mullein commented on 2024-07-18 I was going to say need oil but Josie has good points 😅 But if you’re just shining leaves and not treating pests, a very low ratio mixture with neem does work. It might make more sense to buy a premade one, but if you want to DIY: I would put a few drops of neem in a spray bottle, a drop of castile soap, and a couple drops of an essential oil to cover the neem smell. That’s a nice low dose, but I would spray after sundown just to be safe about burning. The only annoying part about leaf shine is that if you use too much oil and don’t keep up with leaf cleaning, the leaves can get a tad gummy and collect dust and hairs #### Shirley🪴you jest replied on 2024-07-18 Do you know of a great quality, premade, non-toxic, and safe one for plants? I’ve read that some leaf shine products can be harmful to plants. I don’t have pets or children who might chew. Thank you 🪴 #### Mullein replied on 2024-07-18 Yeah, I haven’t bought a premade one since my collection is so large that it’s cost effective for me to buy bulk ingredients. Hmmm 🤔 Maybe a website like Etsy would have hobbyists who sell small portions of their own brew. Or, I’ve hear people talk about We the Wild’s “Protect” spray and The Plant Bar Co.’s “LeafWellness” spray, but I can’t personally vouch for them ### Destinie Merwin commented on 2024-07-18 I don’t have an organic leaf cleaner but I used a spray bottle with a tiny bit of dawn and cleaned my leaves the other day. I just sprayed it on and then wiped them clean with a microfiber cloth. It was recommended to me by someone else. So far I’ve seen no damage to my leaves because of it and they’re still super shiny! I used a soft clean makeup brush for some of the smaller leaves or harder to reach spots to ensure I got them good clean and then wiped them off. I just got my pink princess so I haven’t tried it on that yet. I did use it on my ZZ, monstera deliciosas, and my croton though. #### Shirley🪴you jest replied on 2024-07-18 Thank you. I appreciate you sharing. I’ll give it a try. I haven’t tried anything other than a weak solution of fertilizer and insecticide that doesn’t provide any amount of shine. I’m inclined to keep looking for a premix that leaves a natural shine and is also healthy for the plant. In the meantime I found a DIY recipe for anyone interested. 🪴 ![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/UXWbN3kFcbJ4RE9QlwEUBV0D54aab3W65xgQ8zaAuiM/WwEdzWU0QiqPcz4QB1PepQ.webp?size=large) --- _Source: the Planta community (https://getplanta.com). Reading is open to everyone. To post, comment and like, get the Planta app: https://getplanta.com/download_