Is leaf shine spray harmful? Why leaf shine?

Foliar shine spray not only ensures beautiful, shiny leaves on plants and protects against pests, but also prevents dust deposits and limescale stains - at least that's what the manufacturers of advertise Foliar Shine Spray. But is that even true or is the spray more harmful than useful?

Who does not know this: The plants in the apartment quickly gather dust and become unsightly. In winter, when the heating is on, pests such as spider mites or scale insects attack the beloved rubber tree. Foliar shine spray is supposed to work against all these problems. Sprayed quickly - and the leaves shine like never before. In addition, leaf shine spray should strengthen the plant, remove water stains and protect it from dust again.

The task of the leaves

Leaves are one of the most important organs of any plant. Photosynthesis takes place in them, i.e. the conversion of carbon dioxide to oxygen. They are the place responsible for the energy production of the plants. Most of the water is converted or evaporated in the leaves. The top of leaves is often covered with a layer of wax. This layer protects the leaf from dirt and excessive evaporation, rainwater rolls off. The cold caused by the evaporation of water (evaporative cooling) also protects the leaves from overheating. Important tasks of the leaves:

• photosynthesis
• intensive gas exchange
• transpiration (evaporation of water)
• cooling

Effect of leaf shine spray

Leaf shine spray consists of various oily substances that are sprayed into the finest droplets (aerosol) by means of a propellant. This fine film of oil settles on the leaves of plants and provides an intense shine there. The oils have a water-repellent effect, so that when the plant is sprayed, the water does not remain on the leaves but drips off. This avoids lime stains that occur when tap water dries. Before treatment, heavily dusty leaves must be cleaned with lukewarm water, otherwise the oil will combine with the dust to form a greasy film.

Which plants are suitable for?

Leaf shine spray is only suitable for stubborn ornamental plants. So that no important pores on the underside of the leaf are blocked, the agent may only be sprayed sparingly from a distance of at least 30 centimeters onto the upper side of the leaf. Foliar shine spray is not harmful for hard-leaved plants that naturally have a layer of wax on the upper side of the leaves. These include:

• rubber tree
• window leaf (Monstera)
• tree friend
• Aralia
• different ficus species

Which plants may not be treated?

Only a very limited number of plants are suitable for treatment with foliar spray. Most plants react to spraying with yellowed leaves. Foliar shine spray is harmful to:

• young leaves
• hairy or dull leaves
• flowers and stems
• leaf undersides

stomata in the leaf

Plants generate energy in their leaves. This requires sunlight as well as the gases carbon dioxide and oxygen. The gases enter the leaves through stomata, which are present in large numbers, especially on the underside of the leaves. But there is also a cell layer with many such stomata on the upper side of the leaf. These openings are very important as they regulate the inflow and outflow of gases as well as evaporation. When it gets very hot, the stomata close. Gas exchange decreases and the evaporation of water is also greatly restricted. With this, the plants prevent the leaves from drying out and dying. Therefore, under no circumstances should "care measures" be taken that clog these stomata.

wax layer

Some plants have a waxy coating on the upper side of their leaves that reduces water loss. This waxy coating consists mostly of cutin, which are natural polymers that have a water-repellent effect. These waxes are solids. For convenience, foliar shine spray does not contain this natural polymer (wax) as a solid would be very difficult to apply to the foliage. The leaf shine spray therefore contains liquid, oily components that have a similar effect.

protection against diseases

The wax layer also serves to defend the plant against bacteria, viruses and fungal spores, as these can easily be washed off in the rain. An artificial layer of oil through the leaf shine spray increases this water-repellent effect However, microorganisms in the home are not washed away by the rain, so the protection ultimately does not effect. Regularly rinsing off the leaves in the shower is more effective. Water works without any chemical additives, removing dirt and dust as well as harmful microorganisms from the leaves.

Do plants need foliar spray?

Hard-leaved plants such as the window leaf or a rubber tree naturally have a thin layer of wax on the upper side of their leaves. You don't need any additional oils to maintain this natural protective mechanism. The vitality of the plant is not improved by leaf shine spray, only optimal site conditions and species-appropriate care can help here. In the case of many plants whose leaves are soft or naturally dull, the use of foliar spray is even harmful. Leaf shine spray optically enhances the coloring of the leaves and ensures an intense shine. This only gives the impression that the plant is fresh and healthy.

dust and dirt

A thick layer of dirt or dust on the leaves of plants is not only unsightly, but also limits their full functionality. Sunlight can only hit the upper side of the leaf in a reduced amount, so that less photosynthesis can be carried out. The plant therefore gets less energy. Outdoors, wind and rain prevent the leaves from becoming dirty. In the apartment, these phenomena do not exist, so there is often a thick layer of dirt on the leaves. This is where the idea of ​​leaf shine spray comes in. It provides a smooth, water-repellent layer that makes it difficult for dirt to settle on the sheet. However, too much of the oily substances clog the stomata and attract dust even better.

Danger for humans and animals?

The fumes released when spraying foliar shine spray can cause drowsiness and dizziness in humans and animals if inhaled. Some ingredients are irritating to eyes and skin. If the drug is accidentally swallowed, it causes lung damage. Therefore, manufacturers recommend wearing:

• safety goggles
• breathing mask
• gloves
• suitable protective clothing

Leaf shine spray may only be used in very well ventilated rooms, preferably outdoors. If large amounts of the aerosol are inhaled, irregular breathing and respiratory arrest may occur.

Extremely flammable vapours

Foliar Shine Spray contains propellants to spray the active liquid ingredients. Most manufacturers use a mixture of propane and butane. These are two gases that are also used in lighters or camping gas bottles. The use of foliar spray produces flammable gases and vapors which, without adequate ventilation, can form explosive mixtures. Therefore, both the container and the aerosols must be kept away from ignition sources and smoking is not permitted during use.

Dangerous for the environment

Some ingredients in the leaf shine spray are also toxic to aquatic organisms. They can have long-term harmful effects in bodies of water (and also in flower pots). For this reason, spray cans of leaf gloss spray must not simply be thrown in the household waste, but must be handed in at the collection point for household chemicals after they have been completely emptied become.

Conclusion

Although leaf shine spray provides an intense shine on the leaves, leaf shine spray is not necessary or beneficial for the plants. Leaf shine spray is only suitable for stubborn plants, for all other plants the oil that settles on the leaves is rather harmful. Since the sprays contain both highly flammable and (for humans and animals) harmful substances and later have to be disposed of as hazardous waste, their use is not recommended. A special combination of plant-friendly oils gives leaves of medium- and hard-leaved plants a long-lasting, healthy, silky shine. This makes the plants look bright and fresh.

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