Removing Leaf Shine! - Orchid Board

InspirChid1712 · #1 03-04-2008, 05:22 PM

I rescued a Potinara from a local grocery store lately, and it has really been declining steadily. I am suspecting that they sprayed it with leaf shine in the floral department to make it more appealing, without knowing that this is very unhealthy for any plant! I have kept it well-watered because the mix dries out VERY rapidly, but it is still shriveling, as if unable to take in moisture from the air. Does anybody know how to remove the shine with some sort of soap or solution? I really want to save this plant, because it is still early enough that I think it will survive, plus, the flowers are a lovely solid yellow! Thanks!

PS- Pot. Free Spirit 'Miami Sun'... it doesn't get any more yellow than this! Indeed it is a delightful and cheerful plant! Supposedly vigorous and easy... if I could just get that shiny s*** off of the leaves!!!

caseydoll · #2 03-04-2008, 06:13 PM

Hi Elliot! I'm sorry about your plant! I don't know if leaf shine would be the culprit but it sure makes sense. The only suggestion I have is to use pure lemon juice to wipe off the leaves. I have just cut the lemon into wedges in the past and used that to wipe off the leaves. But you could squeeze some on a paper towel too. I would think the acid would break down some of those oils and make it easier to remove. Just wipe off after with a damp paper towel. Like I said, i have no idea if it will work on leaf shine but it sure works great on everything else like water spots and such.

Ray · #3 03-04-2008, 06:18 PM

Orchids don't do much transpiration from the upper side of their leaves, so that may not be the most serious issue. Are you sure the roots are OK?

snow · #4 03-04-2008, 08:00 PM

i was just going to suggest the same
i,ll bet the roots are in bad shape

Lagoon · #5 03-04-2008, 08:11 PM

I agree, check on those roots.
You can use a teaspoon of mild dish soap to 1 liter of water and spray it down - it may take a few sprays to rid of the film.

InspirChid1712 · #6 03-05-2008, 04:30 PM

It is very strange... the roots are extremely healthy! I repotted the plant and was astounded to see how healthy the roots appeared to be. I didn't have to snip anything... very uncommon for a neglected grocery store plant! Other than that, everything looks A-ok... I'm not sure what the problem could be!

Royal · #7 03-05-2008, 04:35 PM

If they used a wax or polymer based "leaf-shine" you might want to consider rubbing alcohol on a paper towel. Alcohol works well removing old label adhesives as well as bugs and algae.