Wiping a Plant's Leaves

Safety

The plant is checked against a poison control center's list of non-toxic plants; several common large-leaf houseplants (for example peace lily, pothos, philodendron, and dieffenbachia) contain crystals that irritate the mouth and are not used.
The water bowl holds about 2 cm of water and the adult stays with the child.

1
Carry the tray to the plant. Touch the top of a leaf and show the dust on your finger.
2
Dip the cloth in the water and squeeze it until it stops dripping.
3
Place your open hand under one leaf. Wipe the top of the leaf slowly from the stem to the tip. The clean, shiny leaf next to a dusty one is the point of interest.
4
Hand the child the cloth. Guide their other hand under a leaf if needed, then let go and watch.
5
Wipe drips with a dry cloth. Carry the tray back and empty the bowl in the sink together.

Wipe the underside of the leaf as well
Wipe the leaves of a second plant
Remove a dry brown leaf by pinching it off at the stem and putting it in the compost

Dust left on a leaf is visible next to clean leaves; a leaf that bends or tears shows it was held or pressed too hard.