Cosmetics for plants is not something you hear much about, but it can make a huge difference in how plants look. We all know how good grooming and cosmetics can greatly enhance the appearance of people, but we often fail to make that connection to our plants.
What does that mean? Cosmetic plant work includes, trimming and removing dead and discolored leaves; pruning back overgrown and leggy stems; repositioning or straightening main stems and trunks; rotating plants to prevent uneven growth; removing unnecessary and unsightly stakes, string and other support devices; dusting and/or shining leaves; and keeping pots and potting soil looking neat and clean.
On many occasions, I have been called upon to rejuvenate plants with the owners expecting repotting and fertilizer. However, after about 10 or 15 minutes of cosmetic work, the plant owner has been surprised at how much better that plant looks as a result of some cosmetic work.
Because PRUNING is the most neglected of all plant care tasks, that is often the single most important cosmetic technique. Older plants that have never been pruned are often tall, leggy and leaning. Sometimes they are held in place by various artificial devices such as stakes, broom handles, string, wire, and colorful ribbons. All of these help support the plant but also make it look unsightly. The simpler and more elegant solution is pruning back overgrown stems. Pruning will eliminate the leaning and allow for the removal of the support devices.
Some LEANING STEMS don't need pruning or propping; they simply need to be repositioned in their pots. In some instances that means pushing the leaning stem to a vertical position and tamping the soil around its base to hold it in place. In other cases, the main stem or trunk resists this so that repositioning the entire rootball is necessary. This, too, is quite simple. Just pull the entire rootball up a few inches from the pot, then tilt the rootball slightly so that the main stem is vertical and push the rootball back into the pot. The surface of the soil will now be at a slight angle and that can be remedied by adding a small amount of potting mix to the surface to level it out.
ROTATE your plants in place regularly so they grow evenly. Most plants tend to grow toward the window or other light source. Over time they will lean precariously or become lopsided.
The most obvious and easiest cosmetic technique that most folks do already is the removal of dead and DISCOLORED LEAVES. This can be done with your fingers or with sharp scissors. Discolored leaves never regain their color so remove them as soon as they discolor.
BROWN LEAF TIPS can be trimmed off with scissors. When trimming a single leaf, make the cuts so that the original contour of the leaf is maintained. A blunt cut may be easier, but it will be obvious what you have done. Trim leaf tips and edges as you would fingernails and no one will be the wiser!
Heavy DUST can block out sunlight for the leaves. Light dust is unsightly. In either case, the plant's appearance will improve if you remove dust accumulation as soon as it is noticeable. A feather duster, Swiffer, sponge or damp cloth are effective dust removers. Some plants may have a white film residue of insecticide or fertilizer applied in the nursery. You may need a little dish soap or vinegar to remove this residue. Finally, there are leaf shine products available to give a nice shine to hard-leafed plants. Some folks like shiny leaves while others prefer the more natural look. If you want to use LEAF SHINE, try to avoid those that leave the leaf surface oily as that will then attract dust. Try some mineral oil diluted with lots of water. Never use vegetable oils, milk or animal fats as these food substances may attract pests.
Finally, remove all dead plant tissue from the soil surface. Outside, this leaf debris may break down and provide compost, but that does not happen with your indoor plants, so discard it so it doesn't attract pests. You can spread a light TOP DRESSING over the soil surface if you prefer. Spanish moss is light and airy and easy to pull apart and spread over the surface without interfering with air penetrating into the root zone. It also maintains its natural silvery gray color. Green moss locks great initially, but soon turns brown and has to be replaced regularly. Stones and pebbles can be used, but they make it harder to use your finger to determine soil moisture. Never use fine-grained sand or pebbles as they prevent the soil from drying out properly. Bark chips are sometimes used, but they will gradually decay over time and may become a source for fungus gnats. There are commercial products such as ground cork and coir that can also be used.
Finally, CLEAN POTS can greatly enhance the overall appearance of your plants. Terracotta pots often develop white crusts on their outside rims and sides. These are mineral deposits that have leached out of the soil and through the porous terra cotta. These deposits are harmless but unsightly. A solution of vinegar and water and a little elbow grease will remove these deposits. Plastic and metal pots can be cleaned up with soap and water or any household cleaner. Just be sure not to get these solutions in the soil itself. If your plant is potted in an unattractive plastic pot, you can cover it up by placing it inside of a more attractive planter of your choice. Spread some Spanish moss over the surface to disguise the hidden pot inside. The French call this CACHEPOT or hidden pot.
It can be said that cosmetics is the art of deception. But if it enhances the appearance of your plants and makes them more pleasurable to see, then, by all means, go ahead and practice these cosmetic techniques. You may be surprised to see how much better and healthier your plants can look without doing anything else!
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