ASK THE EXPERTS

Q

I am moving into my first home and want to invest in a lounge suite that will last for years. What should I be looking for?

A

Sue Scott from Grafton Everest

says: “The sofa is like the little black dress of your home — a staple piece that will see you through many years and which can be dressed up using accessories to update the look and express your personal style. There are so many things to consider when choosing a sofa, such as style, size, colour and comfort, but if you want your sofa to stand the test of time, be sure that quality tops your list of considerations. Pick a brand with a trusted reputation and, if you’re unsure, ask friends and family for recommendations.

A couch that has a solid construction should be heavy to lift and should not twist when it is lifted off the ground. This indicates that the piece boasts a solid frame that will retain its form and sturdiness for a long time.

Ideally, when you sit on a sofa, the filling should take the form of your body without sagging, making you feel relaxed and well supported.

Pay attention to all the details, making sure that the stitching is tidy, the edges are finished off carefully, the legs are straight and of an even height, and all the frame joints line up neatly. I even check underneath a sofa to see if it’s properly covered.

You don’t want to regret your decision 10 years down the line, so it’s crucial to buy a piece with classic lines that won’t go out of style and durable, robust finishes that will ensure its longevity.”

Q

I have a collection of succulents in pots on my windowsill in Joburg. Several of them have developed pale spots that can, with some difficulty, be scraped off the leaves. But if I don’t scrape them off they seem to eat away at the fat succulent leaves, making them dehydrated and shrivelled — and eventually killing them. What are these spots and is there a more efficient way of dealing with whatever causes them?

A

Johan Gerber of Garden

Guardian says: “Your succulents have an infestation of soft brown scale, which infests a wide range of plants and is most commonly found in the home garden and container plants.

Soft and hard scales secrete honeydew, which attracts ants. Hard scales are distinguished from soft scales by the actual ‘scale’. Hard scale has a tough lid that covers the body, completely separated from it, whereas the covering of soft scale is the hardened upper part of the body (the scale is attached and is therefore part of the body).

Severe infestations can cause chlorosis (yellowing) of leaves. Scales can also cause stems to dry out where present on woody tissue. Leaf drop and dieback of twigs, branches and other parts can occur as a result of heavy infestations. Scale infestations indoors are less likely to be controlled by their natural enemies.

Scale can be present all year round in most regions and is more of a problem in dusty, shady, cool and protected areas. Quite often, ants can be seen running up and down the plants or nesting around infested plants. Of all the options available to control scale, removing infested plant parts in the winter months is one of the best strategies.

Control can be achieved all year round on most plants by using organic insecticides containing canola oil. All oil formulations kill scale by suffocation. When using vegetable oils (Margaret Roberts Insecticide or Vegol), more than one application may be necessary in severe cases — say, three applications within 10 days.

Within two days of application, gently rub the infested areas to see if the scale comes off. If the area to be treated is extensive, spray a strong jet of water on the infested surfaces. Dead scale will come off easily when rubbed or sprayed. A soft brush can be used to rub off the dead scales on succulents.

By doing this, you will be able to determine how effective your first attempt was and whether follow-up treatments are necessary. Apply once or twice a month to susceptible plants.”