14 h. ago Houseplant clinic: what are the brown patches on my prickly pear?

Corking is the most likely culprit, but it could be scale insects or fungus. Here’s how to checkWhat’s the problem? My prickly pear (Opuntia) cactus is developing raised brown patches on both sides of the stem that are spreading, though the plant is still growing. Should I be worried?Diagnosis Those circular brown patches are a classic sign of corking. This is a natural process in many cacti, which causes the lower stem to gradually harden and turn brown, like the bark on a tree. It usually starts at the base and slowly works its way up as the plant matures. While the rough texture can look alarming, it doesn’t harm the plant. However, because corking can be confused with a fungal infection or pests such as scale insects, it’s worth a closer look. Scale insects will appear as raised, uniform bumps that can be scraped off, whereas corking is part of the stem tissue itself and cannot be removed. Continue reading...

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6 d. ago WATCH: How to remove the crusty brown patches on your scalp. The test that could finally solve your restless legs. And what dizziness really means for your health

Dr Scurr's distinguished career has spanned five decades, with his expertise making him one of the most sought-after GPs in the UK.

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7 d. ago Houseplant clinic: my ‘cactus’ is getting too tall for my room

It’s actually a euphorbia, and some careful pruning will solve your problem – and result in a more attractive plantWhat’s the problem? I’ve had this cactus for many years, but it keeps getting taller and soon it will hit the ceiling. How can I stop the plant growing without doing it harm?Diagnosis The plant in question isn’t a true cactus at all, but a succulent called Euphorbia trigona, also known as the African milk tree. Like many columnar euphorbias, it can shoot up rapidly indoors if it’s happy, often outgrowing its space. Luckily, the plant responds well to pruning if done carefully. Continue reading...

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2 w. ago Houseplant clinic: why is there a chalky crust on my plant’s soil?

It’s a buildup of mineral salts from hard tap water or fertiliser. Switching to rainwater or filtered water, and feeding only in spring and summer, will helpWhat’s the problem? There is a chalky white crust on the top of my spider plant’s potting mix, and the leaf tips are turning brown. Why is this happening and how do I fix it?Diagnosis This is a buildup of mineral salts from hard tap water or fertiliser. As water evaporates, salts are left behind and come to the surface. Over time, they concentrate around the roots, drawing out moisture and scorching sensitive tissues, which shows up as brown, papery leaf tips and edges. It can also throw off the soil pH, so plants struggle to absorb nutrients. Continue reading...

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2 w. ago Alan Titchmarsh reaches out to The Repair Shop star after ‘desperate’ struggle

The Repair Shop star Will Kirk says his garden was left with a 'brown patch' when he moved home, leaving him turning to Alan Titchmarsh for help

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2 w. ago Peace lilies will never be brown or have droopy leaves if you do one easy job

Peace lilies are popular houseplants that are relatively easy to care for, but they may need a little extra attention in autumn as their leaves can start to droop or develop brown or yellow patches

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4 w. ago Houseplant clinic: what are the tiny mushrooms growing in the soil of my plant?

These are the fruiting bodies of fungi that live in compost. They are toxic if eaten but not harmful to plantsWhat’s the problem? I’ve noticed tiny mushrooms popping up in my houseplant’s soil. Are they dangerous, and should I be worried?Diagnosis What you are seeing are the fruiting bodies of fungi that were already present in the compost – they’re very common and usually nothing to panic about. These fungi thrive in moist, organic-rich soil, and mushrooms appear when conditions are just right, often after a period of regular watering and warm weather. While not harmful to your plant, they are toxic if eaten, so keep them out of reach of children and pets. Continue reading...

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