Q My houseplants have looked great all summer, but they tend to suffer in winter with poor growth and brown leaf tips. How can I keep them healthy into the colder months this time round?
Penny Fothergill, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
A Winter can be tough on houseplants and they all react differently to the problems of diminishing light, variable temperatures and dry air. So act now to nip potential problems in the bud and keep plants looking healthy.
Any still standing outdoors after a summer holiday in fresh air had better come in before temperatures plummet. My cymbidium orchids sit out from June to September, experiencing cooler night temperatures to help them set flower buds. Look for slugs hitching a lift under pots. Unlike tropical moth orchids, cymbidiums prefer temperatures below 60ºF (15ºC).
Denne historien er fra September 12, 2020-utgaven av Amateur Gardening.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra September 12, 2020-utgaven av Amateur Gardening.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
To dig or not to dig?
Should we be carrying out a full dig on plots now? Bob considers the pros and cons of the 'autumn dig' debate
The box ball blues
As if his beleaguered box hadn't already taken a beating, Toby now has to deal with some hungry box caterpillars
Save your own seeds
Masterclass on: seed saving
Strange sightings
Three unusual insects turn up in Val's garden in one day
A bolt from the blue!
Cornflowers are perfect for garden and vase
Winter moth prevention
Ruth shows you how to avoid maggoty tree fruits
Create a winter container
There are as many options as in summer
Lightweight gardening tools
AS well as being good for our mental health, gardening is also great exercise.
Autumn price round-up
AG finds better bargains in lesser-known brands
Rudbeckias
Rudbeckias are ideal for sunny summer patios and borders, with some able to survive our coldest winters
