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Jan 24, 2025 | 
msn.com | Gynelle Leon
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Jan 24, 2025 | 
theguardian.com | Gynelle Leon
What’s the problem? How can I prevent leaf drop in winter? My fiddle leaf fig is looking bare …Diagnosis The fiddle leaf fig (Ficus lyrata) can be a fickle plant, and winter presents a particularly challenging time because they’re sensitive to light, temperature and humidity changes. Leaf drop is a common issue during this season, often caused by drafts, low humidity or insufficient light. Keeping the heating on all day may not be the solution, as dry, heated air can exacerbate the problem.
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Jan 18, 2025 | 
msn.com | Zoe Williams |Gynelle Leon |Tim Dowling
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Jan 18, 2025 | 
theguardian.com | Zoe Williams |Gynelle Leon |Tim Dowling
‘This is terrible! Life is measurably worse than it was before’Zoe WilliamsThere is a glaring asymmetry in the way we talk about screen time: from the moment a child is born, there will be someone, somewhere, ready with research about what phone exposure does to their development.
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Jan 17, 2025 | 
theguardian.com | Gynelle Leon
What’s the problem? My African milk tree has started growing tall and spindly, with a lighter green colour. DiagnosisYour African milk tree (Euphorbia trigona) has become “leggy” due to insufficient sunlight. This succulent originates from west Africa, where it thrives in bright, indirect light and is adapted to arid environments.
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Jan 10, 2025 | 
msn.com | Gynelle Leon
Microsoft Cares About Your PrivacyMicrosoft and our third-party vendors use cookies to store and access information such as unique IDs to deliver, maintain and improve our services and ads. If you agree, MSN and Microsoft Bing will personalise the content and ads that you see. You can select ‘I Accept’ to consent to these uses or click on ‘Manage preferences’ to review your options and exercise your right to object to Legitimate Interest where used.
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Jan 10, 2025 | 
theguardian.com | Gynelle Leon
What’s the problem? I have tiny little flies all over my plants. Diagnosis Those flies are called fungus gnats, not to be confused with fruit flies. Fungus gnats are attracted to moist soil, where they lay their eggs. Often, they hitch a ride into your home through store-bought potting soil or new plants. Plants that favour constant damp soil, such as ferns, are most at risk. Prescription First, remove infected plants from the rest of your collection. Then tackle the moisture.
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Jan 3, 2025 | 
theguardian.com | Gynelle Leon
Why will I love it? I’m drawn to the unique beauty of the Chilean dwarf torch cactus (Eulychnia castanea f. varispiralis), which has a blobby body that looks more like a lollipop than a plant. Its dramatic form can twist clockwise or counterclockwise, creating a unique corkscrew stem covered in striking spines. Light or shade? This cactus thrives in full sun or lightly shaded conditions. Where should I put it? A south-facing windowsill is best. How do I keep it alive?
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Dec 20, 2024 | 
theguardian.com | Gynelle Leon
Why will I love it? Native to Thailand and Laos, the Stephania erecta is a bulbous caudex (occasionally it is called the potato plant because of this), which acts as a water reserve during dry periods. Slender vines bear beautiful parasol-like leaves, and the plant is often used decoratively in south-east Asian food. Light or shade? Thisplantprefers bright, indirect light. It can handle some gentle morning sun, but should be kept away from harsh midday rays to prevent leaf scorch.
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Dec 14, 2024 | 
theguardian.com | Gynelle Leon
Why will I love it? With its long, slightly wavy leaves drooping gracefully from slender branches, the banana leaf fig (Ficus alii) gives a home a calming tropical vibe. It is more forgiving and easygoing than its Ficus relatives. Light or shade? It thrives in bright, indirect light but can also tolerate lower light levels, making it versatile for different areas of your home. (Watch out for leaf drop, which indicates the light level is too low.)Where should I put it?
