Latest news with #planthealth
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
CTV News
14-06-2025
- Science
- CTV News
Sask. farmers using drones to manage crops
Regina Watch WATCH: Farmers in Saskatchewan are using drones to manage their crops more efficiently, by identifying plant health.
The Independent
12-06-2025
- Science
- The Independent
Why there are so many aphids this year, and what to do about them
A surge in aphids is being observed in gardens across the UK. Warm spring weather has facilitated rapid aphid colony growth, with some species previously confined to glasshouses now appearing outdoors. Dr. Stephanie Bird from RHS notes that while aphid populations are expected this time of year, their numbers have increased, with 2025 being dubbed 'the year of the aphid'. Aphids can cause distorted plant growth and leave sticky excretions, but they are unlikely to kill established plants, and the RHS advises tolerating them where possible. Gardeners are advised to avoid pesticides, which harm biodiversity, and instead use methods like squashing colonies by hand or planting pollinator-friendly plants to encourage natural aphid predators.
CTV News
10-06-2025
- General
- CTV News
Get Growing: Surviving the summer
Kitchener Watch Tanya Olsen with Royal City Nursery shows us how to help keep your plants happy and healthy.
