Artificial plants can accumulate dirt and dust over time, especially in areas with high traffic or near roads. Here’s a revised version of your content for clarity:
How Dirty Will Artificial Plants Get, and How Do We Clean Them?
This is a common concern for users of artificial shrubbery, including commercial users who are often good gardeners but may pay little attention to the maintenance of artificial plants once installed.
In environments such as service stations and areas close to traffic, a layer of dirt composed mostly of soil dust, rubber dust from tire treads, and oily scum can settle on the plants. Regular and frequent washings can keep the plants looking fresh and clean.
An important feature that helps prevent dirt build-up on our plants is the leaf structure. The leaves have a smooth and waxy surface, making it difficult for dirt to stick. In normal climates, natural rainfall will keep the plants reasonably clean.
Oil scum can be easily removed from Polyblend leaves using a water hose with a metering jar of liquid detergent attached. One of the inexpensive jars sold for applying insecticides will work well.
To care for your topiary:
- Placement: Place the topiary in a shaded area with a steady daytime temperature of 60 to 75 degrees.
- Watering: Hydrate the topiary when the top 1 inch of soil dries out. Pour water directly into the soil at the plant’s base, keeping the soil moist but not overly wet.
- Misting: Mist the leaves once or twice a week with lukewarm water from a spray bottle to raise humidity levels. Spray the leaves until water starts dripping off. Do this in the morning to allow time for evaporation, which helps prevent fungal diseases.
- Fertilizing: Use a 10-10-10 water-soluble fertilizer every other month. Mix 0.5 teaspoon per 1 gallon of water and apply in place of watering.
- Pruning: Cut back vigorous stems emerging from the top and bottom of the topiary. Snip stems with pruning shears one-quarter inch above the leaf nearest the form. Remove weak, broken, dying, or diseased stems at their bases.
- Pest Control: Check for signs of spider mites, such as webbing or tiny spots on the leaves. Clean the affected leaves with warm water and use insecticide to get rid of spider mites.
- Repotting: Transfer the topiary to a larger pot once it has outgrown its current container. Fill the new pot one-third full of potting soil, gently spread the roots outward, and place the plant in the center. Fill the pot with soil, patting it down around the roots, and hydrate thoroughly.
By following these steps, you can keep your artificial plants looking vibrant and clean.
