How to Deal With Dust on Fiddle Leaf Figs (Essential Guide)

Itโ€™s hard to deny the beauty of fiddle leaf figs. Their large, ovular leaves make an impressive statement, no matter the plantโ€™s height. However, these leaves sometimes seem to be dust magnets! If youโ€™re thinking about grabbing some furniture polish and spraying down your plantโ€™s leaves, stop right now. This guide will cover appropriate ways to remove dust from fiddle leaf figs and help the plantโ€™s leaves shine.

How to Deal With Dust on Fiddle Leaf Figs (Essential Guide)

Dusting Fiddle Leaf Figs โ€“ The Essentials 

Excessive dust build-up on fiddle leaf fig leaves can limit light absorption and energy production, leading to the plant being unable to photosynthesize. For optimal plant care, you should remove dust every 3 to 4 weeks from a fiddle leaf figโ€™s leaves by wiping them with a cloth, spraying them with a hose, or placing your plant in the shower.

The Impact of Dust on a Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant

The Impact of Dust on a Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant

As your plantโ€™s leaves become covered with dust, they will experience decreased ability to absorb sunlight. A few specks of dust probably wonโ€™t cause issues, but a heavy layer may cause noticeable problems such as a drooping fiddle leaf fig, brown spots, leaf drop, yellowing leaves, and slow growth.

So why do plants even need sunlight?

When plants canโ€™t absorb enough sunlight, they will not be able to photosynthesize properly. Photosynthesis is the process plants use to convert energy from the sun, carbon dioxide, and water into oxygen, sugars, and water. Plants then use these sugars to complete essential plant processes.

Even if your fiddle leaf fig is in a bright area, dust on leaves can limit light the amount of light reaching the leaves interiors. This means decreased photosynthesis and decreased sugar production.

A lack of light wonโ€™t cause immediate changes. However, as time goes on, you may notice your fiddle leaf fig become stunted, discolored, or weak. All of these are signs of a lack of light.

Along with causing issues with plant health, dusty leaves are unsightly! For more, see our essential guide to Fiddle Leaf Fig light requirements


The Best Techniques to Remove Dust on Your Fiddle Leaf Fig

The Best Techniques to Remove Dust on Your Fiddle Leaf Fig

Now that itโ€™s clear you should remove dust from your fiddle leaf fig, itโ€™s time to determine the best way to do so. While there are various methods you can use, some are better than others.

When youโ€™re figuring out how to remove dust, think about the size of your plant and the severity of the dust. You can also try out multiple methods and see which one works best.

Wipe the Leaves with a Cloth

One way to remove dust from your plant is by wiping the leaves with a rag or duster. This method is beneficial if your plant is too large to move. However, it can take some time and attention to dust each leaf.

This process is similar to that of dusting furniture. Just take your duster of choice and gently wipe the plantโ€™s leaves.

If you find that the dust is sticking to the leaves, you can dip a cloth in water before dusting. However, never dust your plant with cleaning solutions designed for furniture!

Itโ€™s also best to stay away from leaf-shining products and oils. These products can clog leaf pores called stomata and therefore limit gas exchange.

Spray with a Hose or Spray Bottle

Spray with a Hose or Spray Bottle

You can also spray the dust off with a hose, provided that your fiddle leaf fig is small enough to pick up and move outside. Once your plant is outside, gently spray the leaves with the shower setting of a hose.

Note that water will run down the plant and into the pot. Therefore, you should account for the weight of wet soil before you choose to move your plant outside.

Another factor to consider is the weather. Avoid spraying your plant outside if the temperature is below 60ยบF.

Place the Plant in the Shower

If you donโ€™t have a hose or donโ€™t want to move your plant outside, you can still rinse the dust off in the shower.

Place your plant in the shower, and turn on the water, so it hits the plantโ€™s leaves. If you have a shower head with different settings, itโ€™s best to use a rain shower setting rather than a jet setting.

Aim for a warm water temperature, between 60-80ยบF.

Note that the soil will become saturated, and some soil may wash out of the potโ€™s drainage holes. Therefore, you may need to spend a few minutes cleaning up afterward.

Gently Shake the Plant

If the leaves are just a little bit dusty, you may be able to shake off the dust. To try this, grab the plantโ€™s stem and gently shake it.

Note that this method is unlikely to remove heavy layers of dust.


How Do I Keep Fiddle Leaf Fig Leaves Shiny?

How Do I Keep Fiddle Leaf Fig Leaves Shiny?

One of the keys to keeping your plantโ€™s leaves shiny is to keep them free of dust! After you deal with the dust, you can take other steps to increase leaf shine.

Before we cover the steps to keep your leaves shiny,  itโ€™s important to note that you should be careful of what products you use on your plantโ€™s leaves. Using the wrong productsโ€”even if theyโ€™re labeled for plant useโ€”can clog leaf pores. This can limit gas exchange and cause issues.

You should also realize that many products will cause shiny leaves but will also cause long-term problems. This applies to oils and oil-based products. 

You should also recognize that only healthy plants will produce leaves that shine. That means youโ€™ll need to keep your plant in a proper environment and provide the right care.

Once youโ€™ve checked in on your fiddle leaf figโ€™s environment, follow these steps to keep the leaves shiny.

  1. Remove the dust using either a rag or water. Make sure to remove the dust from both the tops and undersides of the leaves.
  2. Mix one tablespoon of castile soap into one gallon of water.
  3. Dip a rag in the soapy water and use it to gently wipe all sides of the plantโ€™s leaves.
  4. As the rag collects dust, rinse it off in soapy water.

Cleaning Fiddle Leaf Fig Leaves FAQs: 

Can I Use Olive or Vegetable Oils to Shine Fiddle Leaf Fig Leaves?

These oils will make leaves shiny. However, theyโ€™re not recommended. The oils can clog leaf pores which can limit gas exchange and photosynthesis.

Are Egg Whites Good for Fiddle Leaf Fig Leaves?

You should not apply egg whites to fiddle leaf fig leaves.

Can You Use Milk to Clean Fiddle Leaf Fig Leaves?

The fats in milk can help increase the shine of fiddle leaf fig leaves. However, since the same fats can also cause issues, you should avoid using milk to clean plant leaves.

How Often Should You Clean Fiddle Leaf Fig Leaves?

This depends on how dusty the environment is. A good rule of thumb is to clean your leaves once every month or two.


The Final Word

No matter how dusty your fiddle leaf figโ€™s leaves are, you can restore your plantโ€™s shine. Remember to choose dusting and shining products carefully and be gentle as you clean.

For more, see our in-depth guide to the meaning and symbolism of fig trees.


Spread the love