13 h. ago Houseplant clinic: what’s wrong with the leaves on my rubber plant?

Dropped leaves and speckled dots indicate a thrips infestation. Luckily, there is plenty you can do about itWhat’s the problem? The leaves of my 40-year-old rubber plant are speckled with tiny black dots, turning yellow, and many are dropping off. New shoots are still growing, but the older leaves continue to fall.Diagnosis The black dots you’re seeing are most likely thrips droppings. These tiny insects puncture the leaf surface to drain sap, resulting in silvery streaks, mottled patches, curling and eventual leaf drop. They thrive in warm, dry conditions and are easily introduced when plants are moved outdoors. Once inside, they spread rapidly, particularly on mature, leafy specimens. Their damage is often mistaken for nutrient deficiencies or sun scorch, but the telltale sign is the combination of silvery streaks with tiny black specks. Continue reading...

Politics

34 h. ago Harvey Elliott's reality check leaves Liverpool loanee on wrong side of historic list

Harvey Elliott was named as the best player at the U21 Euros back in the summer but his loan move from Liverpool to Aston Villa has not seen him excel as he'd have hoped

Politics

50 h. ago Stacey Solomon left screaming in horror as Britain's Got Talent stunt goes wrong

A stunt performer on Britain's Got Talent has reportedly been left dripping in blood after an act went wrong - leaving guest judge Stacey Solomon 'really shocked'

Events

7 d. 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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9 d. ago My dad cursed our family and left us. But after his death, he followed me everywhere | Jonas Hassen Khemiri

His absence shaped me. But as my father lay dying in a Stockholm nursing home, I longed to hear him explainMy father died nine months ago and last night he drove me home in a taxi.We knew something was wrong when my father stopped taking his insulin and started leaving his flat at night without his shoes because there were “people in the plants” and the floor was made of “muddy water”. After several tests, he was diagnosed with Lewy body dementia, which causes hallucinations and a rapid decline in cognition.Jonas Hassen Khemiri is a Swedish novelist and playwright. His most recent novel, The Sisters, is his first written originally in English Continue reading...

Events

2 w. 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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3 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...

Politics

3 w. ago Keir Starmer brands small boats 'Farage boats' in latest scathing attack on Reform

Keir Starmer has lashed out at Nigel Farage, branding small boats crossing the Channel as 'Brexit boats' and saying the Reform leader was wrong to say leaving the EU would not affect migration

Events

4 w. ago Vernon Kay responds to Strictly blunder as fans say wife Tess Daly should be replaced

Strictly's live TV element leaves room for things to go wrong.

Politics

4 w. ago You've been chopping your onions all wrong! Chef reveals secret hack to cutting the vegetable that won't leave you crying

Offering his words of culinary wisdom, Ian Sutton, chef lecturer at Capital City College, has revealed his lesser-known trick for onion dicing that won't leave you in tears.

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