How I Clean My Plants | Treating Your Houseplants to Prevent Pests and Keep Them Squeaky Clean!

About once a month, I mix up a special mixture of Neem Oil, Dr. Bronner's Peppermint Soap and water in a spray bottle, and spritz down the leaves of my plants. It not only helps to dust the leaves, leaving them fresh and clean so they aesthetically look shiny and gorgeous -- BUT it also helps to treat and prevent pests like mealybugs, spidermites and thrips.
My Monstera Deliciosa got mealybugs earlier this summer, so I've been trying to clean her more than ever, because once you get those pesky bugs its really tough to get rid of them. I'll show you exactly how I mix up the combo and will show you how I clean my Monstera leaves with the spray and a soft cloth (and my favorite cleaning gloves).
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PRODUCTS I USED:
Cotton Cleaning Gloves:
www.amazon.com/dp/B085RKJH7H/...
Neem Oil: www.amazon.com/Bonide-024-Con...
Dr. Bronner's Peppermint Soap: www.amazon.com/Dr-Bronner-Pep...
Spray Bottle: www.amazon.com/Refillable-Con...

[@octoberslibra]

Beautiful Plant!

[@cwozzzz]

im glad you made a youtube bc your ig is always super cute and entertaining but also educational!! thank u!

[@TheJungleUpstairs]

Aww, thank you!!

[@greatmindsthinkalike1378]

this is a great video, thank you!

[@tiadrumgold4702]

Let me get to cleaning and pucing up. Thanks for sharing.

[@TheJungleUpstairs]

Awesome, let us know how it goes! 🙌🏻

[@junepark1003]

Thank you for this

[@escamadaii550]

What do you use for fertilizer on your monsteras?

[@PG-wz7by]

Are you from California? You remind me of my niece who is a lovely, wonderful person. Thanks for the info! I'm off to make some spray.

[@turogers13]

Thanks! 😁

[@alecfreeman4148]

Your pothos is so beautiful and full !! Howwwwww

[@iammeyouareyou5146]

Wht size is the pot? I hve 2 of those plants, I’m going to have to repot them in June. So just curious to know the size of that pot.

[@emilluminateart8934]

Can you use this on all house plants?

[@annamateo6590]

Can I use the lavender scent?

[@susiladevirajasundram4376]

How often do i hve to spray?

[@kimberlys719]

For that amount of water 1tbsp is too much, I’d say 1/2tsp instead. I have the Bliss neem oil and it says to use 1 1/2tsp for a quart of water. You also have to store the clear bottle in a dark place as the neem oil will loose its benefits if it stays out in a bright area. I’ll have to check that soap, I use the regular blue Dawn.

[@saraitomblin9246]

If i clean my monstera and zz plant with just water and dish soap is that ok?

[@TheJungleUpstairs]

I think that should be fine, just make sure not to use too much!

[@TheJungleUpstairs]

Great tip about the Neem!! So smart

[@andreatremaine4109]

Do u have to wipe it off with water after?

[@janamayorga8553]

Question: after the been formula mixture application. Can the second wipe down be replaced with just a quick hosing???

[@TheJungleUpstairs]

Yes!! I wish I had a hose in the house 😂

[@angie_getsfit22]

Such a great video, with measurements and very detailed. Thanks.

[@paulinal4662]

Hi! This is the best idea I’ve found, my only question is, I saw that you can wash the leave with the water and soap, then rinse, then use the neem oil. Is it okay to leave the soap like that? Or is it because of the type of soap? I hope you can respond to my message 😊 thank you!

[@lorenalorena7078]

Can I clean my plants like this everyday?

[@igotchu1788]

What size pot is your monstera in? It's not root-bound? Also, how do you keep it from getting root rot being indoors?

[@muCephei_]

root rot happens from overwatering but you probably know that now

[@laureneddy1255]

Hi! Do you reuse your cotton gloves or dispose after cleaning the leafs?

[@TheJungleUpstairs]

I wash them and reuse!!

[@naturallysally540]

Thank you for sharing!!! I’m going to be trying neem oil to clean up all of my citrus plants. Do you known how long can the mixture last if I store in a dark place?

[@MikeLeady]

I wouldn't recommend storing.

[@rosalinaramirez129]

Hi! Just curious, how big was your monstera when you bought it? How old is she?

[@TheJungleUpstairs]

He was 4 years old at the time!

[@elizabethkim3227]

Does wiping it off with water after applying your mixture remove the neem?

[@miaalmanza5344]

Neem oil is hydrophobic so probably not, but it might dilute it or ruin the effect by wiping it out?

[@juliesantos5839]

Is it really safe to use the neem oil for prevention incase? got a monstera and a neem oil. But im too scares that my plant will be dead?

[@TheJungleUpstairs]

Yes, it’s totally safe! Just don’t overdo it 🥴

[@2lemonades]

Can I used Bronners lavender soap?

[@TheJungleUpstairs]

Yes!!

[@jenniwhitney5735]

Could you use this spray on plants that have "fuzzy" leaves?

[@minka.trnkvst]

I wouldn't use neem oil or anything that makes the leaves shiny for velvet-y, matte leaves if that's what you mean? I personally just wipe mine with a damp microfiber cloth, but i've heard diluting white vinegar with water works. I havent tried it myself though! Test it on a small part of a leaf first and wait a day or so before doing the whole plant, just to see if your plant reacts badly to it.

[@TheJungleUpstairs]

Yes, exactly!!

[@jenniwhitney5735]

@@minka.trnkvst Thank you!

[@josyshen2535]

Hello, just curious can I use a plastic spray bottle or does it have to be a glass one. Thanks for the video, helped me loads :).

[@TheJungleUpstairs]

Yes, i have a plastic one that i like too!

[@justincondinanzo2045]

How did you get you deliciosa so big and tall?

[@TheJungleUpstairs]

Many years of bright east facing sunlight!!

[@jessicabaggett3832]

Can i also use this mixture on my snake plants?

[@TheJungleUpstairs]

Yes!

[@sunset9323]

didn’t neem oil could burn your plants if it got direct sun?

[@TheJungleUpstairs]

I’ve heard that, yes!

[@Kozette88]

Oh gratitude! I have 2 of those plants, one with spider mites. 😞

[@Specogecko]

Thrips are the worst, mealy bugs are are lest easy to keep in check by just squishing them.

[@nrcake2157]

Hi you beautiful girls. Nice to know you 😊✔️🤭

[@nrcake2157]

Do you have Instagram ?

[@TheJungleUpstairs]

Yes, it’s @thejungleupstairs !

[@Specogecko]

Neem oil burns quite a few of my plants

[@irairod5160]

That product has than 1% Neem Oil. 😞 That's why it doesn't stink.

[@2lemonades]

I use sock🤣

[@fluffytuffy3269]

Neem oil smells like onion butt!

[@autumn5852]

What’s onion butt?