The Gardening Year

Watch out for

Mealybugs: Isolate the plant and treat with a systemic insecticide or dab spots with alcohol-soaked cotton.

Vine weevil: Check new arrivals for grubs and use nematodes or systemic drenches as preventive control.

Root rot: Ensure well-draining compost and avoid overwatering, especially during the dormant winter period.

Scale insects: Remove manually with a soft brush or treat with horticultural oil or systemic insecticide.

Sunburn: Acclimatise gradually to bright light and avoid placing in direct midday sun initially.