Care For Silk Plants

Like any other object in your home, your silk foliage will collect dust over a period of time. Broad leaf plants and trees tend to show dust much quicker than others.

Under normal conditions, dry dust accumulation can be removed rather easily with a feather duster, static duster or even your own hair dryer (remember to set on low cool setting).

For the tougher dust, a wide variety of pump-spray and aerosol plant cleaners have arrived on the market. These products also do a fine job of cleaning light dry dust and stubborn "long-term" dirt. Leaf surfaces easily collect dirt and may accumulate over a period of time. The bottled plant cleaners tend to work best for these applications.

If you wish to purchase any of these types of cleaner, check your local hardware stores, homeware outlets, or even the corner drugstores. We also can provide you with several types of quality cleaners that will not harm your plants.

Product	Size	Price
Silk Brite (pump)	16 oz.	$8
AFK Kleaner (ozone friendly aerosol)	14.5 oz.	$8
Guard & Shine (pump) *recommended for stubborn, excessive build up of dust	16 oz.	$10

In some cases where artificial plant maintenance has been neglected for long periods of time, or where there is exposure to other types of dust and grease such as restaurants or partial exterior exposures, more aggressive cleaning may be required. Hand wiping with a damp cloth to individual leaves, or light spraying with water (with or without a weak soap solution added) is recommended. When heavy cleaning with spray cleaner or water, the plants should be moved to an area where dripping won't be a problem, or plastic trapping can be placed under the plant.

Frequent cleaning is important, as this will eliminate accumulations that can become a more difficult cleaning job. Cleaning every three to six months is recommended for most normal environments. More frequent cleanings are recommended for the more problematic environments.

Liquids and sprays are not recommended for silk flowers, as colors can run or fade with these treatments. Also, flowering silks should be kept away from direct sunlight, as they will fade in time.

This minor care program will ensure the long-lasting realistic appearance of your otherwise maintenance free silk plants: a minor consideration versus the on-going cleaning, feeding, watering, trimming, eliminating pests and parasites, and changing out of live alternatives.

While no one will dispute the beauty of live plants and trees, there are situations with poor lighting, climate and moisture control, the desire for freedom of maintenance, and budget constraints where artificial plantscapes are the solution!