Spider mites are a common pest that can easily get out of control on house plants because of our dry winter air. A thorough weekly check of our indoor plants can prevent heavy infestations like this.

What's the first thing you should do when you bring home a new plant? If you answered, "find it the perfect spot with the rest of your plants," think again. It's best not to place a new addition close ...

Gil Martinez, who gardens in Encino, sent me pictures of a prickly pear cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica) infested with cochineal (KOTCH-ih-neel) scales. Martinez was concerned since he has a sentimental ...