Cleaning orchid leaves

[Darknessdancer]

Hmm.. I´ve always used a paper tissue and water, that does a nice job although some spots are die-hard, interestingly, a friend of mine says she uses avocado to clean the leaves and make them shine, any thoughts?
Respect
D.

[Djarum Black]

That's pretty cool! lots of different methods! I will have to try a few of them

[CodiMN]

I have been wondering this same question myself! Thanks DJ for posting this thread!

[Ray]

The funny thing about Rise and Shine is that I was trying to come up with a home-brew pesticide formulation and ended up with a leaf shine product. That's actually good too, as one cannot sell insecticides without being EPA registered!

Some "before" and "after" shots posted by others:

Rise & Shine

[Lagoon]

I have used milk and do like it the shine you get afterwards. I also use tea with a baby's face cloth.

RO water workd very well. I still say nothing cleans ur plants like a good rain. I never need to wipe them down after that

For weekly dust I use a small dry paint brush. You'd be surprised how dirty these orchid can get, Jeeez!

[Djarum Black]

Originally Posted by Lagoon

For weekly dust I use a small dry paint brush. You'd be surprised how dirty these orchid can get, Jeeez!

I'll second that one! I dono if it is because I am running the fans constantly or what but my leaves are always getting dusty. They are not really dirty as in filthy.. they just don't shine. Still with all this great info here my leaves will be glowing in no time

[Phalguy]

Originally Posted by cb977

Hi DJ...

before I forget to mention it, if anybody plans on showing a plant in an AOS show...do NOT use store-bought Leaf Shine, it's a no-no!

I use mayonnaise for mine. I've used lemon juice too but I like the mayo better. I keep a little container of it just for the 'chids. Use a soft paper towel, dab just a tiny bit of mayo on and buff it off. The leaves are gorgeous after it's done. I liked the way it looked so much after preparing a few plants for a show that I spent a week doing almost every plant!

Hello Sue!

thank you very much for that tip! I just tried mayo on my phal and the result is sensational ! They looks so healthy !

It`s better that lemon juice !

Phalguy

[mojomick]

I have used both mayo and lemon juice. Most of the time I spray neem oil to get any bugs and it shines the leaves. If I am putting one in competition, I like the mayo. mojomick

[cb977]

Originally Posted by Oscarman

I have heard of the mayo trick before and used it on my Blt. Wholewheat 'Togo' and it was really good!

OK, serious Sue........are you talking about regular real mayonnise, not miracle whip. What brand do you use?

Dave, I missed this post earlier!
Nothing but Hellmann's...for me and the 'chids

I do want to press one point on this...
use a TINY bit and BUFF IT OFF! There should be no oily feel to the leaves when you're done.

[Charles]

Yeah! Leaving too much on will cause problems.