The problem
Dust isn’t just unsightly; it also blocks light from reaching your plant’s leaves, slowing growth and leaving them looking dull. Plant forums are full of DIY polishing tips. One of the most popular? Banana peel.
The hack
Rub the inside of a banana peel on to your plant’s leaves to clean them and leave a glossy sheen. Some swear by it as a natural – and free – alternative to chemical leaf-shine sprays.
The theory
Banana skins contain potassium and natural oils. In theory, these lift away dust while polishing, making the leaves look healthier. It’s also completely free, since it repurposes something you’d usually throw away.
The test
Curious, I tried it on a rubber plant. The shine was immediate; the leaves looked cleaner and brighter. But the peel left behind some stickiness. Within a few days, more dust clung to them than before. On textured leaves such as calatheas, it was messy, with bits of banana fibre catching in the ridges.
The verdict
Banana-peel polishing is fun to try once, and briefly makes your plant look fantastic. But as a long-term strategy, it’s a no from me. A soft, damp cloth (or microfibre duster) will keep plants healthy and dust-free without any sticky side effects.