Thompson & Morgan Facebook Q&A Session 20th September 2013 - Your horticultural questions answered.

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Name: Sandra Jones Haynes

Question: Can I ask some advise again please I have got a Mexican hat plant, which is over two foot high. Only got one stem to it and I have re-potted it at the beginning of the year, do I cut it back the stem to make it bush out please. I have got loads of plantlets on it. Thanks for your help.

Answer: Hi Sandra, Mexican hat plants (Kalanchoe daigremontiana) do have a habit of becoming leggy, particularly when grown indoors. If you would like to encourage a bushier habit you can prune the main stem to the height you require, cutting just above a leaf joint. Avoid removing more than two thirds of the plant to allow it to recover well. I hope this helps Sandra.

Name: Joan Watson

Question: Can I ask your expert how to overwinter Pelargoniums bought as small plants? They’re too pretty to just throw away so hoping for some tips Joan Watson. Dundee

Answer: Hi Joan, Pelargoniums can be successfully over-wintered provided they’re kept frost-free. If they’re planted in the ground you will need to gently dig them up, taking as much of the root ball as you can, and replant them into pots of multipurpose compost. Check the underside of the leaves for pests and treat any infestation as soon as possible, as they will quickly multiply once under cover. Water the plants and place them in a bright, cool (but frost-free) greenhouse or conservatory. A cool windowsill would also be fine. The secret to over-wintering Pelargoniums is to keep the compost almost dry during winter as they are very susceptible to rotting in cool conditions. You can plant them out again after the risk of frost has passed in May next year. I hope this helps Joan, good luck.