Hoyas and Waterlogged!

I have been asked many times about growing Hoyas. 

I've often wanted to blog about them, so here's my chance! 

Hoya is a genus comprised of some 200-300 species of tropical vines or climbing plants.  The species differ in many ways from waxy and shiny to hairy foliage and inflorescence.  The colors vary widely as well, ranging from pure white to electrifying red.  Many are grown as house plants in more temperate regions.  Considering the extensive number of species, I must assume I know relatively little about the Hoya genus.  My primary experience is with the common Hoya carnosa.  I currently own two of this species which live outdoors year round.

However common, I understand why the Hoya carnosa is so popular.  It has beautiful thick green leaves on long, reaching vines that make a lovely specimen in and of itself.  The real prize, though, is the amazing bouquet of blooms, called umbels, produced on the hanging vines.  The plant seems to understand that due to it's climbing habit, most people will display it in a hanging basket where it's long limbs can hang and sway in the breeze or on a trellis where it can climb to its hearts desire.  When the cluster of blooms burst from the hanging or climbing vines, the bouquet grows upside down in an umbrella style to be admired from below.  I love smart plants!

The flower buds are a bit inconspicious at first.  Upon closer inspection, the small nodules are curiously unattractive.  In fact, they look similar to a knotty clump or disease on the vine.  As they mature, the individual buds become more visible and defined.  

Finally, the umbels burst open to form a lovely cluster of star shaped, waxy blooms that produce sweet nectar. Many varieties exude a sweet fragrance as well.  I find the inflorescence fascinatingly beautiful!

Personally, I currently have two Hoya plants, both H. carnosa.  I purchased one plant from an estate sale.  It came in a large black kettle.  Knowing that Hoyas do not like to be disturbed unless absolutely necessary, I did not repot it.  Since the plant had lived quite nicely on a pool deck in direct sun, I decided to put it in an area where it receives direct sun most of the day with dappled light in the hot mid-to-late afternoon.  This goes against common Hoya growing requirements of bright but not direct light.  However, I'm a firm believer in mimicing the original environment, as long as the plant is thriving.  This particular plant blooms quite regularly.

The other plant is smaller, obtained from a cutting, and lives in a clay pot underneath mature slash pines.  It receives dappled light and shade throughout the day.  This plant has not bloomed to date, and has a medium growth habit.  It is currently making its way up one of the tree trunks.  I tried to force it as a ground cover, but it really does insist on climbing.  The lack of blooms could be due to its immature age and/or inefficient light.  For now, since the foliage is beautifully green and healthy, I will leave it alone, hoping for blooms in good time.

Since I live in tropical zone 10a, my outdoor Hoyas require little care.  I make sure they are watered, albeit sparingly, during the dry winter months.  Being tropical plants, they are accustomed to wet/dry seasons.  I also feed them lightly twice a year and provide protection during frosty nights.  Plants grown outside tropical areas have some basic requirements:

• Provide some source of humidity during dry periods.  Mist with a spray bottle or keep in a humid space such as the bathroom or kitchen. 
• Do not disturb the plant once buds appear.
• Do not remove spent flowers.
• Do not repot unless absolutely necessary.
• Provide bright light, permitting some direct sun, avoiding hot afternoon sun.
• If a plant has not bloomed in several years, I might try relocating it to a sunnier location, assuming it is mature enough to produce blooms.  Feed lightly with a salt free fertilizer and avoid filtered water containing salt. 
• Keep Hoyas in temperatures above 55-60 degrees.  Remember, they are native to tropical India.

Good Luck!

 

Changing the subject a bit, I'm a firm believer in the "right place, right plant" method of gardening.  Care in planning and planting the landscape go a long way when it comes to the amount of regular maintenance later on.  However, unforeseen and unusual conditions force unplanned maintenance sometimes.  Many areas of Florida have experienced an extremely wet rainy season, especially lately.  In my garden, the pond is overflowing its banks and the surrounding ground is completely saturated leaving the water with no escape. 

Dry Season, Dry Dock

Pond overflowing it's banks.

Many of my well-planned garden spaces are covered in 3-4 inches of water, leaving my plants to soak in a pool of water.  Most of the higher elevations are slowly drying out (I thought I'd never be thankful for the sand we call soil!) but some areas are death traps for my cherished vegetation.  I had no choice but to dig up a few specimens.

This Bromeliad might as well have been in a bucket of water!

My new Rosella cutting was in dire need of rescue.  This is a poor photo taken at dusk and in the rain during my emergency rescue.  This fence row is usually hot and dry. 

The Cape Honey Suckle is extremely unhappy.  It's lower branches are turning brown.  However, since this area seems to be drying somewhat quickly, I've decided to leave it alone and wait it out, hoping for signs of resilience.

(Update: since this photo about a week ago, the honeysuckle has continued to brown leaving only the green tops. The green tops look healthy, though.)

I'm hoping for the best for my waterlogged garden, and have decided to permanently relocate my new Rosella and Bromeliads, just in case!  I'll plant a water-friendly specimen in the areas surrounding the pond.  Live and learn, I suppose!