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.

Apple Tree (Espalier & Cordon Fruit)

Malus domestica

Pruning Window: Winter (Nov-Feb) for standard trees; Summer (August) for Espaliers/Trained forms

Pruning Group: Spur-bearing Fruit Tree & Formative Training

Summer pruning restricts excessive leafy vigor and directs the tree's energy into ripening fruit and forming fertile fruiting spurs for next year.

Step by Step

Summer pruning (mid-August): Shorten new shoots longer than 20cm arising from the main lateral tiers to 3 leaves above the basal cluster.
Winter pruning (dormant period): Remove dead wood, diseased branches (canker), and water sprouts (vertical vigorous barren shoots).
Thin congested spurs: When fruiting spurs become older than 4–5 years, thin them out so fruit receives ample sun and doesn't rub.
Fruit thinning: In early July ('June Drop' follow-up), thin excess fruitlets to 1 or 2 per cluster for larger, sweeter harvest.

Tools Required

Sharp pruning secateurs, Loppers, Sterilizing alcohol wipe

RHS (UK) Notes

RHS H6. Espalier apple trees along brick garden walls are a cornerstone of historic Victorian kitchen gardens and conservatories.

USDA (US) Notes

USDA Zones 3–9. Check chill-hour requirements (typically 500–1000 chill hours) for your region.

Back to Garden & Pruning