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I wanted to get your thoughts on my Hoya macrophylla albomarginata. I… | Hoya Hoarders | Planta community

ADLVincent

I wanted to get your thoughts on my Hoya macrophylla albomarginata. I purchased it on 9/29, and it was already established with several long, thick, woody-looking vines, but I’ve seen absolutely no signs of new growth since bringing it home. I have since repotted it, and the roots seemed to be in pretty good condition. The longer vines are still firm and hard, so I don’t think they’re dead, although there’s one little growth point near the front that looks like it may have died off. Several of the vines are also pretty bare, with no leaves toward the ends. What has me questioning things now is the condition of some of the leaves. There appears to be mottling or discoloration, and when I looked closely at the undersides, I noticed quite a few small, raised, tan/brown, almost crusty or corky-looking spots and patches. I’m not sure if this is old physical damage, scale, or possibly flat mite damage. I’m not very experienced with identifying mites, especially flat mites, but I’ve read that they can cause Hoyas to become completely stagnant and develop corky-looking damage on the leaves. I’m trying to figure out if this is simply a slow-growing plant adjusting to a new environment, seasonal slowdown, or if there’s potentially a pest issue preventing new growth. Have you seen anything like this on your Hoyas? I’d really appreciate your thoughts!

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8 comments

  1. ADLVincent
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  2. Adrian

    I’m not a Hoya expert, but from what I know generally about Hoyas, many of them are very slow-growing, even in the best health. All of my Hoyas grow at very different rates in the same exact conditions and degree of health. I do believe the macrophylla is considered a slower grower, and it definitely is a more finicky plant, but I’m not seeing much on the leaves to be a cause for concern. If you only bought it at the end of September, I strongly believe it looks to be doing just fine, and simply isn’t gonna grow any faster than it’s been now that we’re entering the colder months. That kind of damage on the underside of the leaves can come from the leaves getting wet, either from a high humidity environment or water getting on the leaves during watering, especially if these are leaves whose undersides are touching the surface of the soil. Hope this helps 😊

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  3. Diana

    I’ve just recently heard of flat mites and it kind of looks like that to me but I have no experience with that so please don’t just take my word for it!

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  4. Summz

    I also have a macrophylla and it does seem to be a pretty slow grower. I’ve had it for about a year and a half and it’s always had these spots. The new growth develops it too. I guess I’ve been in denial, but I do think it’s flat mites. If your on instagram peytonplantcaregiver just made a post about flat mites. She suggests painting the leaves with sulfur to rid them. I’m going to figure out where the heck to get powdered sulfur and try it too!

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    • ADLVincent

      I tried to zoom in and don’t see anything crawling but I ordered some sulfur to treat just in case 🫤

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  5. Dani

    Only speaking to the growth rate, I have 4 completely different growers with my hoyas. My Hoya Carnosa “Jade” was like 3-5 inches for a year then one year BOOM, it grew like a foot and had a bloom and I had to keep wrapping it around and around lol. Now it’s seemingly done for a while because it’s cooler weather. (Pictured growth from one season). My Hoya Carnosa “Mauna Loa” has been the ultimate test in slow growth patience 6 years in and it’s just about a foot long for each stem. For my Hoya Wayetii Variegated I swear I’ve never seen any new growth ever and we’re a year in. 😂 They do seem to follow the concept of being really root bound and done filling in before they go nuts.

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    • ADLVincent

      Each Hoya does seem to have a mind of its own.

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  6. Kathy Davis

    One thing I know about Hoyas they like tight roots. So now that you have replanted it, the roots have to grow into the pot until they’re tight before you’ll get much growth on top. I’ve had most of my Hoyas for a couple years and just barely have repotted them. I always use a organic insecticide on all my plants and have had no problem after a couple treatments, I make my own.

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