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I’m new to Hoyas, and I’m a little confused about watering. Planta… | Hoya Hoarders | Planta-community

Lynda

I’m new to Hoyas, and I’m a little confused about watering. Planta says both of these plants are considered low demand, and that I should let the soil dry up before watering. However, Planta also says the Crimson Queen needs a perfect balance of water, not too much, and not too little. Can you tell me if you test a Hoyas need for moisture by using a wooden stake, or what? And why does Planta say the Crimson Queen needs a perfect balance of water? It sounds sort of like an oxymoron to me? Please, maybe some clarification on how to water these? TIA!

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7 likes 11 reacties

11 reacties

  1. Trespence

    I would be wary of following plants too religiously. It can learn from you. My Hoyas are the thick leaves variety so I make sure they’re in loose draining soil and watch them and their leaves to determine watering. I also use my water meter to know how wet the soil is. They drown easily.

    5 likes
  2. Sunny

    I have many hoyas. They like to have the potting mix dry out between waterings. I don’t like to disturb the plant by repotting as soon as I get them because the plants are adjusting to the new environment. But, I will change to a chunky mix like in the photos, the soil these arrived in. Hoyas die very quickly from wet feet. They get root rot in standard potting mixes. They are epiphytes that get most of their moisture and nutrients from rain runoff onto their aerial roots as they climb trees in their native habitat.

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    • Lynda

      TXS for your post; all the info that was posted, was great! If you’ll notice the potting soil I’ve used in the pictures I’ve posted, it’s definitely not what you are using! I repotted mine in an organic premium potting soil, but after reading your post, I’m assuming it’s NOT good for them! Can you recommend a substrate that I can purchase that would be appropriate for them? TIA!

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    • Sunny

      Look for chunky mix on the label or hoya mix potting soil. I have many hoyas and blend my own. They like chunky particles they hold little moisture with lots of space for oxygen around the roots and drainage to prevent standing water. The lower right one has chunks of coconut husk (coco coir) and perlite. The other two are a blend of small orchid bark chips, perlite, coco coir, worm castings (poop) and blue fertilizer beads. You can substitute for the perlite other aggregates like small lava rocks (Lechuza-pon), Leca (clay balls) and such Avoid peat moss. It’s a sponge holding too much water for too long on the roots.

      1 like
    • Trespence

      I make my own using soil- orchid bark and perlite. It’s not a science … probably equal thirds.

      1 like
  3. MicAZ

    My Hoyas are my least demanding and favorite plants. I treat all of them the same, even the Queen. Practically dried out before I water them. I just recently started bottom watering the Hoyas and I think they like it. I know I’m liking it! Not a single gnat since I started!

    4 likes
  4. GreenLeaf

    I agree with the above. I let all my Hoyas dry completely. Especially these 2 types. Use your wooden skewer to confirm soil is dry, you can also gently squeeze the leaves to determine their stiffness/water retention.

    3 likes
    • Two Green Thumbs

      I do this too …. It’s called the taco test :)

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    • Lynda

      The taco test?… 😂! It sounds sort of silly; where did you come up with that?

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    • Two Green Thumbs

      I heard about it on a you tube video

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    • Lynda

      Do you by any chance, remember the name of the video you’re talking about? TIA!

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