Cleaning orchid leaves
 

Hi folks!

I noticed many people post pictures of their orchids with such nice looking shiny leaves! I was wondering if before some of you take the photos you clean them up/ or shine up your leaves. If so what do you use?
Is there anything specifically made for making orchid leaves glossy?

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!

wow mayo! I'd never have thought that!

Some people in our club swear by milk. Dang, I can't remember if they use whole milk or non fat. I will have to find out.

I use plain water. Of course, this doesn't get all the spots off, but my theory is that these are jungle plants that like to be rained on, so I might as well give it to them. and I figure a few spots here and there won't kill them either.

Many people I know use milk (any kind ;) ), 7-Up or Mountain Dew!

I like the mayo best :D

Wow that re-defines 'pass the mayo' .. :coverlaugh:
I tried fresh squeezed lemon juice but I diluted it in water ..
It had gotten some spots off but not all of them .. :hmm
Can I go full concentration without leaf damage? :scratchhead:

Susanne, how can the judges tell the difference between mayo and Leaf Shine, and why would one be OK and not the other? Can you tell I've never shown an orchid before?:blushing:

Ray from Welcome to First Rays Orchids carries a product called Rise & Shine that I really like! You should look into it as he mentions others have seen other benefits from it as well when using it!