How often should indoor houseplants be watered in winter?

Most tropical houseplants reduce their transpiration and growth rate significantly during late autumn and winter due to lower light levels. The general rule is to reduce watering frequency by 40-50% compared to spring and summer. Always perform the 2-inch finger moisture test: insert your finger 2 inches into the compost and only water if the substrate feels completely dry.

When and how should I prune Wisteria in the UK?

Wisteria requires a two-stage pruning regimen to flower prolifically: (1) Summer Prune in July or August: cut back the whippy green current-season shoots to five or six leaves (approx. 15-20cm); (2) Winter Prune in January or February: cut back those same shoots further to two or three dormant buds (approx. 5-8cm) while the plant is fully dormant.

Why do houseplant leaves turn yellow with brown crispy tips?

Brown crispy tips paired with yellow margins are usually caused by a combination of low ambient humidity (common in centrally heated rooms) and uneven watering, or tap water mineral accumulation (chlorine and fluoride). Increasing humidity with pebble trays and allowing compost to dry slightly between thorough soakings will resolve the issue.

What are the three RHS pruning groups for Clematis?

Clematis are divided into three RHS pruning groups: Group 1 (early spring flowering like Clematis montana) requires minimal pruning immediately after flowering in late spring. Group 2 (large-flowered cultivars blooming in May-June and again in late summer) requires light shaping in late February. Group 3 (late-flowering like Clematis viticella) requires hard cutting back to strong pairs of buds about 30cm (1ft) above ground level in February.

Which popular indoor houseplants are safe for cats and dogs?

Pet-safe indoor houseplants include Calathea (Prayer Plants), Boston Ferns (Nephrolepis exaltata), Spider Plants (Chlorophytum comosum), Peperomia varieties, Parlor Palms (Chamaedorea elegans), and Phalaenopsis Orchids. Plants containing insoluble calcium oxalates (such as Monstera, Philodendron, and Peace Lilies) should be kept out of pets' reach.

How I finally cured Fungus Gnats permanently without harsh chemicals

By Maya Lin - 1 week ago - Care Tips

Plant: Houseplants Care

How I finally cured Fungus Gnats permanently without harsh chemicals

If you have indoor plants, you know the frustration of fungus gnats dancing around your morning coffee. Here is the protocol that completely eradicated them in my conservatory in 2 weeks: 1. Mosquito bits / BTI (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis) tea: soak 2 tbsp in warm water for 30 mins, strain, and water every plant. 2. Yellow sticky traps at soil level to catch the flying adults. 3. Top dress pots with 1/2 inch of coarse Horticultural Sand or pumice so the adults can't reach damp organic matter to lay eggs. No gnats for 6 months now!

Comments (1)

Liam Davies: The sand barrier trick is genius! Doing this to all my aroid pots tonight.

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