Wordless Wednesday: Such Tiny New Leaves

 

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Plant Problems: Trouble with My San Marino Radiator Plant

One of the very first plants I got years ago was a radiator plant, specifically a peperomia caperata 'Rosso'. I named it Pepper Ann, and it lived in the breakroom at work.

Despite the fact that peperomias are considered "easy" plants, Pepper Ann died a sad, sad death. A mixed of climate problems (thank you Arizona heat) and root rot claimed her. May she rest in peace.

I stayed away from all Radiator plants, not wanting to repeat the tragedy.

Until August of last year, when I saw this sweet plant at a grocery store. It's a peperomia 'San Marino'. Surely, this time would be different, right?

Well, about that...

About July, my San Marino plant started to go downhill. I tried repotting it in a smaller pot (because it was considerably smaller), and it seemed to do okay for a while. Then it got worse.

 A couple of weeks ago I found this. Where are the roots? That's right, rot is claiming another victim.

I trimmed it back and tried to stick it in water to hopefully re-root. I really doubt it will make it at this point.

But there's is still one spark of hope.

When I repotted it, I also took some healthy cuttings and started rooting them in water.

Roots started to pop out within a week, and they're are doing just fine. I'm not sure if I will pot them up or just keep growing them in water. I seem to have better luck growing Radiator plants hydroponically.

So I may have lost the battle this time, but I am winning the war.

Wish me luck, and stay green.

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My Plant Care Research: Freckled Splash Hoya Carnosa

My lovely Freckled Splash Hoya is out of quarantine, and I have had sometime to read up on it's care.

So for your convenience, here is a bit of a summary of what I learned about this plant, based on the articles listed below.

'Freckled Splash' Hoya Carnosa

• Botanical Name: hoya carnosa

• Common Names: Hoya, wax plant, wax flower, Indian rope plant, Hindu rope plant, porcelain flower, honey plant.

• Family: Apocynaceae

• Plant Type: Semi-Succulent, perennial

• Hardiness Zones: 8 – 11 (USDA)

• Height: 5 ft indoors, larger outdoors.

• Bloom Time: Spring, Summer

• Flower Color: Yellow, orange, pink, white, purple

The Hoya ‘Freckled Splash’ is a variety of hoya carnosa and features large, dark green leaves with silvery flecks or "splashing". These unique markings are caused by air getting trapped between the leaves, and they are brought out by light exposure.

The hoya carnosa is a member of the dogbane (Apocynaceae) family. Specifically, to the subfamily, asclepiads or milkweeds. The members of which produce a latex-like milky sap.

 
Like cacti and succulents, they use a water-saving variation of photosynthesis known as CAM (Crassulacean acid metabolism). This means they open their leaf pores at night, which saves water.

Hoya carnosa is native to Eastern Asia and Australia, where it grows as a epiphyte. They can live up to 30 years indoors with proper care.

They are considered to be semi-succulents because they can store water in their foliage, which makes them more tolerant of underwatering.

Lighting

Hoya carnosa thrives in bright, indirect light, for at least 2 to 6 hours daily. In its natural habitat, it grows under the canopy of trees.

It can tolerate some direct sunlight, but too much can scorch its leaves, causing them to turn yellow or brown.

Place it near a bright window with filtered light, such as an east or west-facing window. If natural light is limited, you can supplement with a grow light.

Watering

Hoya carnosa is quite drought-tolerant and prefers to dry out between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot.

To avoid this, water the plant thoroughly when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry. Always ensure your pot has proper drainage to prevent water from accumulating at the bottom (this is true for all your plants).

Temperature

Hoya carnosa prefers warm temperatures in ranges between 60°F and 85°F (15°C to 29°C). It’s sensitive to drafts, air conditioners, or heaters.

Humidity

Hoya carnosa can tolerate average indoor humidity levels, but it will thrive in higher humidity.

It's good to boost humidity in dryer homes by using a humidity tray, a humidifier, or occasionally misting the leaves. However, be cautious with misting, because too much moisture on the leaves can lead to fungal issues.

Soil and Potting

Hoya carnosa is commonly sold as a hanging plant, but they can be trained to climb up a trellis or pole.

They prefer a well-draining potting soil mix that does not retain moisture. Good options include succulent or cacti mixes or regular potting soil mixed with orchid mix and/or perlite. Pots with drainage holes is a must (for all other plants as well!).

Repot every 1-2 years when you notice it outgrowing the pot or that the roots are starting to come out of the drainage holes. Don't choose a very large pot, it will flower better when a little root-bound.

Fertilization

Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength, and fertilize once a month.  Avoid fertilizing in the fall and winter when the plant’s growth slows down. Over-fertilizing can lead to leggy growth or burned roots.

Some enthusiasts recommend switching to a fertilizer that has a little more phosphorus if it looks ready to bloom.

The International Hoya Association suggests feeding them with a fertilizer that includes nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.

Pruning and Maintenance

Hoya carnosa is a relatively slow grower and a low-maintenance plant. Prune occasionally to maintain its shape and encourage fuller growth. Don't remove the flower stalk after blooming, it will force the plant to produce a new one, wasting time and energy.

Gently wipe the leaves with a damp cloth every few weeks to remove dust and debris that accumulates.

Propagation

Fun Fact: In the wild, Hoya carnosa is pollinated by moths.

They can be propagated easily through stem cuttings.

To propagate, cut a healthy stem with at least one leaf and a few nodes. Place the cutting in water or potting mix, and keep it in a warm, bright location. After a few weeks, the cutting should develop roots and can be potted into its own container.

Flowering

Hoya carnosa is known for its beautiful flowers, which appear in clusters of star-shaped blooms. These flowers can be white, pink, or red, with a waxy texture that gives them their signature look.  They smell very sweet and produce a sticky nectar that sometimes drips off. It helps to place a towel under the flowers to protect your furniture or floor.

While not all plants will flower regularly, they’re more likely to bloom if they’re in a location with plenty of bright light, warmth, and humidity. They can be slow to flower, and it may take 2 to 7 years for a plant to become mature enough to bloom.

Hoya flowers last for about a week. Never deadhead hoya flowers. Cutting off the spurs, where the flowers bloom from damages that part of the plant, and it will not bloom again the following year.

Pests

Hoya carnosa is "hardy", but still vulnerable to sap-sucking pests like aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites. All can be controlled with neem oil.

Fungal infections are also common. Botrytis blight can cause rot and kill your plant, it shows up as greyish patches.

Pet Safe?

Hoya carnosa is non-toxic to pets. However, chewing on the leaves could cause digestive upset, even though it’s not toxic.

Common Issues

• Yellowing leaves from overwatering, underwatering, or low light.
• Leggy growth from low light.
• No flowers due to lack of light, warmth, or humidity.
• Leaf drop, leaf blackening, and stem dieback due to overwatering or lack of warmth.
• Wilting due to overwatering or too much fertilizer.

So basically, most problems are due to overwatering, lack of light, and cold temperatures.

So, that's what I've learned so far. I hope this helps you decide if this beautiful plant is right for you. Any planty experts, please feel free share your wisdom in the comments (and let me know if I got something wrong).

Now I'm going to go admire the leaves on my lovely plant some more.

Stay green.

Sources:

• leafjoy littles™ Endless Cascades™ Freckled Splash Wax Vine (Hoya carnosa)
  
• How to Care for Hoya Splash (Hoya carnosa ‘Splash’) - Living House
  
• Hoya Carnosa: Complete Plant Care and Growing Guide
  
• Hoya Carnosa Care Made Easy: A Top-to-Bottom Guide to Wax Plants - Garden Betty
  
• How to Grow and Care for Hoya Plant
  

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