Houseplants in summer

Feed, water and move some of them outside, says Ruth

- Ruth Hayes

1 around your houseplants? They are fungus gnats. Keep them at bay by letting compost dry out between waterings, and place a bottle lid containing a drop of honey and some water - the flies fly into it and drown.

2 and by winter's central heating, which dries the air, cut them off at the base. This will make room for new growth and remove unsightly damaged foliage that could create an entry point for pests and diseases.

3 Feed and water houseplants fortnightly and wipe their leaves clean of dust, pests and sooty mould - a black substance caused by honeydew, the sweet secretions made by sap-sucking pests.

4 If you are going away, keep houseplants healthy by running a little water into the bath and sitting them in there. The frosted glass keeps the light bright but muted and the water in the tub keeps the atmosphere humid.

On their hols
Move some plants into the garden