How to Clean Orchid Leaves

Reviewed by Ben Barkan

Last Updated: February 27, 2024 References

Orchids are a unique type of tropical flowering plant that have beautiful leaves which help retain water and absorb sunlight to nourish the plant. Cleaning your orchid’s leaves is an essential part of caring for your orchid. Wipe off the leaves to get rid of dust, dirt, mineral deposits, and insects to keep the leaves looking bright and healthy. Not only does regular leaf cleaning improve the appearance of orchids, but it also allows the leaves to breathe and soak up moisture better and helps keep pests away.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Choosing the Right Cleaning Solution

Download Article

1
Mix 1 drop of dish detergent with 1 c (240 mL) of water to clean dust off leaves. Squeeze 1 drop of a mild liquid dish detergent into 1 c (240 mL) of water. Stir or shake the mixture to mix the soap and water.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- This solution works well when your main goal is to clean dust, dirt, or grime off your orchid’s leaves.
- If you have a hard water supply, using a water-based cleaning solution can leave mineral deposits behind on the leaves. If this is the case, try a different method to clean the leaves or make this solution using distilled water instead of tap water.
- Examine your orchid’s leaves at least once a week for dust, mineral deposits, and signs of pests. Removing dust, mineral deposits, and other grime from the leaves lets them breathe and absorb moisture better, so your orchid will be healthier and happier with regular leaf cleanings.
2
Use a solution of 1 part lemon juice to 1 part water to remove mineral deposits. Combine tap water and lemon juice in a 50/50 ratio. Mix the juice and water up well to combine the liquids.
- You can use lime juice instead of lemon juice to make this solution.
- The acidity in a citrus-based cleaning solution works to clean off mineral deposits left behind by hard water from cleaning or watering with tap water.
- Citrus also acts as a natural insect repellent.
Advertisement
3
Use rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide to combat pests. Apply 70% isopropyl rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide directly to orchid leaves without diluting it. This will kill pests like mites, aphids, and mealybugs.^{[2]
X
Research source}
- Don’t ever pour rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide into your orchid’s soil or you can damage the root system. Only use it to clean your orchid’s leaves.
Tip: Bugs especially like to live on the undersides of orchid leaves. Make sure you look closely around the edges, veins, and ribs on the bottom sides of the leaves when you’re inspecting them for pests.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Applying the Cleaning Solution

Download Article

1
Wipe a cleaning solution onto leaves when there is dust or mineral deposits. Soak a cotton round in the cleaning solution. Wipe the solution onto both the top and bottom sides of the leaves to clean them off and make them shiny again.
- Make sure you get the cleaning solution into all the nooks and crannies on the undersides of the leaves.
2
Spray a cleaning solution onto your orchid’s leaves when they have pests. Fill a spray bottle with your chosen cleaning solution. Spray the solution all over the leaves using the bottle’s mist setting to kill pests and keep the problem from getting worse.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- If there are bugs clinging to the leaves and misting the leaves doesn’t wash them away, use the bottle’s single stream setting to try and dislodge them.
3
Wipe off the cleaning solution with a clean, dry paper towel or cotton round. Carefully and gently wipe away all the liquid from the tops and bottoms of the leaves. This will get rid of any remaining dust, mineral deposits, and insects and ensure that the cleaning solution doesn’t leave behind any residue on the leaves.
- If you are cleaning multiple orchids, use a fresh paper towel or cotton round for each orchid to avoid transferring substances you cleaned off of one orchid onto the leaves of another.
4
Clean your orchid’s leaves every 7-10 days to keep them healthy. Reapply a cleaning solution of your choice at least every 10 days. Clean the leaves more often if you notice dust, mineral deposits, or insects on the leaves.^{[4]
X
Research source}
- This will keep the leaves looking shiny and beautiful as well as improve photosynthesis to encourage the healthy growth of your orchid. It will also help repel insects to prevent infestations by pests like mites, aphids, and mealybugs.
Tip: If you’re dealing with a pest infestation that keeps coming back on your orchid’s leaves, try using multiple cleaning solutions to get rid of them. For instance, you can kill the bugs with rubbing alcohol then apply a lemon juice and water solution to try and keep them from coming back.

Common Questions: Cleaning and Caring for Orchid Leaves

Can you clean orchid leaves with rubbing alcohol?

Yes, just soak a cotton ball with 70% isopropyl alcohol, spray the foliage, and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. For a spot treatment, dip a soft toothbrush in the alcohol and gently brush the affected areas.^{[5]
X
Research source}

How do I keep my orchid leaves green?

Place your orchid on a north or west-facing windowsill so it receives indirect sunlight. If the leaves are yellow or white, it means your orchid is receiving too much light.^{[6]
X
Research source} Remove the yellow leaves with pruning shears and put it further away from the window.

How do florists make plant leaves shiny?

The secret to making plant leaves shiny is to clean them regularly and add a light layer of oil. Dust your plant when you go to water it and wipe each leaf with a soft, damp cloth. Spray diluted neem oil directly over the leaves to leave them glistening.^{[7]
X
Research source}

How do you clean orchid leaves with phalaenopsis?

To remove water spots from your orchid, wipe the leaves with a soft, damp cloth. Use purified water to prevent more mineral deposits on the leaves.^{[8]
X
Research source} If you have stubborn spots, dilute 1 part distilled white vinegar into 4 parts water, wipe the leaves with this solution, and rinse with clean water.