Latest news with #HouseplantClinic
The Guardian
15-07-2025
- Health
- The Guardian
Houseplant clinic: how important is ‘plant hygiene'?
What's the problem? I've heard 'plant hygiene' mentioned, but I've no idea what it actually means. Diagnosis Good plant hygiene is the gardening equivalent of washing your hands – simple, essential, yet often overlooked. Neglecting plant hygiene can lead to the spread of pests, diseases and infections. Using dirty scissors, pots or tools can transfer fungi, bacteria or pests from one plant to another. Similarly, letting dust build up on leaves can restrict photosynthesis. Prescription Sterilise secateurs, gardening scissors and tools with alcohol or diluted household disinfectant before use. Wipe the blades before putting them away, particularly after pruning diseased leaves or stems. Reusing pots is great, but remember to scrub away old soil that might harbour pathogens. Gently clean your plants' leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust. Prevention Check plants weekly for signs of pests or disease. Maintaining cleanliness by wiping leaves, removing debris and sterilising pots and trays will reduce the risk of disease and allow your plants to flourish. Got a plant dilemma? Email saturday@ with 'Houseplant clinic' in the subject line
The Guardian
15-07-2025
- Health
- The Guardian
Houseplant clinic: how important is ‘plant hygiene'?
What's the problem? I've heard 'plant hygiene' mentioned, but I've no idea what it actually means. Diagnosis Good plant hygiene is the gardening equivalent of washing your hands – simple, essential, yet often overlooked. Neglecting plant hygiene can lead to the spread of pests, diseases and infections. Using dirty scissors, pots or tools can transfer fungi, bacteria or pests from one plant to another. Similarly, letting dust build up on leaves can restrict photosynthesis. Prescription Sterilise secateurs, gardening scissors and tools with alcohol or diluted household disinfectant before use. Wipe the blades before putting them away, particularly after pruning diseased leaves or stems. Reusing pots is great, but remember to scrub away old soil that might harbour pathogens. Gently clean your plants' leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust. Prevention Check plants weekly for signs of pests or disease. Maintaining cleanliness by wiping leaves, removing debris and sterilising pots and trays will reduce the risk of disease and allow your plants to flourish. Got a plant dilemma? Email saturday@ with 'Houseplant clinic' in the subject line
The Guardian
08-07-2025
- Health
- The Guardian
Houseplant clinic: should I be worried by ‘tiny spiders' on my plants?
What's the problem? I've noticed tiny webs and bugs on my orchid. Are these spiders, and will they harm my plant? Diagnosis Those tiny webs and minuscule bugs you've spotted on your plants sound like spider mites. These aren't spiders but microscopic arachnids that thrive in dry, warm conditions, so you'll notice they appear during summer heatwaves or winter months when central heating reduces humidity. They feed on plant sap, weakening the plant's structure, which leads to yellowing leaves, discoloration and eventually leaf drop. They can multiply rapidly, posing a risk to your plant's long-term health. Prescription Immediately isolate affected plants. Gently but thoroughly wash leaves and stems with a mild solution of soapy water to remove mites and their webs. Follow this by treating the foliage weekly with neem oil or an organic insecticidal soap spray. Raising humidity around the plant by misting, using pebble trays filled with water beneath pots, or employing a humidifier can also help reduce the likelihood of further mite infestations. Prevention Regularly inspect your plants, especially under the leaves and along stems, where spider mites prefer to hide and lay eggs. Maintain healthy humidity levels by grouping plants to create microclimates or misting foliage regularly. Implement good plant hygiene through regular watering practices and routine leaf cleaning. Got a plant dilemma? Email saturday@ with 'Houseplant clinic' in the subject line
The Guardian
08-07-2025
- Health
- The Guardian
Houseplant clinic: should I be worried by ‘tiny spiders' on my plants?
What's the problem? I've noticed tiny webs and bugs on my orchid. Are these spiders, and will they harm my plant? Diagnosis Those tiny webs and minuscule bugs you've spotted on your plants sound like spider mites. These aren't spiders but microscopic arachnids that thrive in dry, warm conditions, so you'll notice they appear during summer heatwaves or winter months when central heating reduces humidity. They feed on plant sap, weakening the plant's structure, which leads to yellowing leaves, discoloration and eventually leaf drop. They can multiply rapidly, posing a risk to your plant's long-term health. Prescription Immediately isolate affected plants. Gently but thoroughly wash leaves and stems with a mild solution of soapy water to remove mites and their webs. Follow this by treating the foliage weekly with neem oil or an organic insecticidal soap spray. Raising humidity around the plant by misting, using pebble trays filled with water beneath pots, or employing a humidifier can also help reduce the likelihood of further mite infestations. Prevention Regularly inspect your plants, especially under the leaves and along stems, where spider mites prefer to hide and lay eggs. Maintain healthy humidity levels by grouping plants to create microclimates or misting foliage regularly. Implement good plant hygiene through regular watering practices and routine leaf cleaning. Got a plant dilemma? Email saturday@ with 'Houseplant clinic' in the subject line
The Guardian
03-07-2025
- Health
- The Guardian
Houseplant clinic: should I mist my plants or not?
What's the problem? Some sources recommend misting houseplants, while others strongly advise against it. Now I'm confused. Diagnosis Misting is a common practice intended to increase humidity, replicating the rainforest environments from where many of our houseplants originate. While this is beneficial, misting is not a one-spray-fits-all solution. Prescription If your houseplant thrives in high humidity (such as ferns, calatheas and peace lilies), gently misting its leaves with room-temperature water can promote healthy growth. However, for plants from dry habitats, such as cacti and succulents, misting can lead to problems such as fungal diseases and leaf rot. Instead, to safely increase humidity for only some plants, pebble trays filled with water beneath pots, grouping plants or a humidifier nearby are all excellent ways to increase ambient humidity in a localised way. Prevention Take time to research your plants' requirements. If you really want to take things seriously, invest in a hygrometer to accurately monitor humidity levels in your home. Got a plant dilemma? Email saturday@ with 'Houseplant clinic' in the subject line
