Latest news with #saturday
The Guardian
05-08-2025
- Health
- The Guardian
Houseplant clinic: why is my mistletoe cactus turning brown?
What's the problem? My mistletoe cactus (Rhipsalis) thrived for more than five years, but recently started to brown, with strands falling off. I repotted it into a slightly larger pot with no drainage holes and a layer of gravel at the bottom, but it continues to decline despite weekly watering. How can I save my plant? Diagnosis Your mistletoe cactus probably isn't getting sufficient hydration. Cautious watering can lead to soil that is superficially damp but remains dry at a deeper level. This often manifests as browning stems, shrivelling and segments dropping off as the plant becomes stressed due to a lack of moisture at the roots. Prescription Repot into a pot with drainage holes, or use a nursery pot inside the decorative pot. Use compost specifically designed for succulents or cacti. After repotting, give it a thorough watering until water flows from the drainage holes. Then, let it dry out somewhat between waterings, typically every one to two weeks. Mistletoe cacti thrive on consistent moisture but detest waterlogged conditions, so good drainage is essential. Prevention Ensure that pots used for succulents and cacti have sufficient drainage holes. Regularly checking soil moisture by touching the soil a few centimetres down helps you accurately judge watering needs. Got a plant dilemma? Email saturday@ with 'Houseplant clinic' in the subject line
The Guardian
17-06-2025
- Health
- The Guardian
Houseplant clinic: why has my aloe vera gone floppy?
What's the problem? I thought it was nearly impossible to kill aloe plants, but mine looks very pale and limp. Diagnosis You're right; aloe vera is famously resilient and seen as an easy plant to care for. But all plants are living entities with specific care needs. Pale, floppy leaves usually indicate overwatering, inadequate sunlight, or poor drainage, which all cause the same problem: too much moisture in the soil. Aloe plants store water in their thick leaves, so any excess easily causes root rot and weak growth. Prescription Check the soil; if wet and dense, repot your aloe in fresh, free-draining compost mixed with perlite or pumice. Move it to a brighter location with indirect sunlight, as too little light will result in the soil being wetter for longer. It also causes weak, stretched growth. Finally, allow the soil to dry thoroughly between waterings. Prevention Ideally, plant your aloe in cacti and succulent soil in a pot with a drainage hole. Place it in a bright spot with indirect sunlight, and water sparingly. Your aloe should regain its sturdy, vibrant form. Green fingers crossed! Got a plant dilemma? Email saturday@ with 'Houseplant clinic' in the subject line
