ABC Wednesday - Hola to the Honorable Hoya!

ABC Wednesday is a fun meme in which to participate. If you'd rather not participate but enjoy viewing the variety of posts, just click on the link to see who's participating.

Enjoy!

The information in the following paragraph was taken from Wikipedia.

Hoya is a genus of 200-300 species of tropical climbing plants in the family Apocynaceae (Dogbane), native to southern Asia (India east to southern China and southward), Australia and Polynesia. Common names for this genus are waxplant, waxvine, waxflower or simply hoya. This genus was named by botanist Robert Brown, in honor of his friend, botanist Thomas Hoy.


You will find much more information about the species at this site, entitled "The Hoya Page."

During the Fall of 2008 or the Spring of 2009, my Aunt MEA's garden club held a plant sale/fundraiser. My parents and I stopped and shopped. I came home with three hoya leaves in a pot (75-cent expenditure) and hope for its future.

This photo was taken January 24, 2010.

These two photos were taken April 12, 2010. It's growing!

September 1, 2010
A ballet?

March 3, 2011

March 3, 2011
Isn't it looking wonderful? Do you suppose another vine will start?

The Hoya has waxy leaves, and is susceptible to mealy bugs, and certain varieties to spider mites. Treat both by spraying with an insecticidal soap.

Hoyas like bright, indirect sunlight. These plants make great houseplants. I have mine in a bright, west window. You might have to move it around until it finds the "perfect spot."

They tolerate humidity at low levels. If you allow the soil to completely dry between waterings, you will not have to worry about overwatering. When you do water, make sure you water thoroughly - until some water drains through the pot.

You can fertizilize lightly. Once-a-month with a balanced fertilizer is adequate. During the winter, when the plant rests, discontinue feeding.

You can prune when you need to, or after the flowering cycle is complete. The plant blooms on new growth.

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