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.

Wisteria (Chinese / Japanese)

Wisteria sinensis / floribunda

Pruning Window: Twice yearly: Mid-Summer (July/August) & Late Winter (January/February)

Pruning Group: Specialist Climber (Two-Stage RHS System)

To encourage magnificent hanging flower racemes rather than untamed leafy growth, prune in two rigorous annual phases.

Step by Step

Summer Pruning (July/Aug): Cut back the long whippy green shoots of the current year's growth to 5–6 leaves (approx 30cm / 12in). This controls vigorous spread and allows sunlight into the wood.
Winter Pruning (Jan/Feb): Cut back the same shoots you pruned in summer down to 2–3 plump buds (approx 7–10cm / 3–4in). These short spurs form the flower clusters in spring.
Framework Training: Tie main structural stems horizontally to guide wires or pergola posts to stimulate flowering spur development along the lateral vines.
Sucker Removal: Prune away any suckers emerging from the base below the graft union immediately.

Tools Required

Sharp bypass secateurs, Sturdy stepladder, Garden twine

RHS (UK) Notes

RHS Hardiness H6 (Very hardy across all UK regions). Avoid high-nitrogen feeds which induce excessive foliage at the expense of blooms.

USDA (US) Notes

USDA Zones 5–9. Ensure strong structural arbor support as mature trunks become exceptionally heavy.

Back to Garden & Pruning