Does anyone grow Hoya lauterbachii? And more importantly, have you had it bloom? I ordered one of these a couple of years ago and it is just a beatiful plant. I doubt it will bloom anytime soon just because I REALLY, REALLY want it to! :0) It was a 6 inch cutting when I got it and now the vines are probably 6-7 foot long. I twine them around a trellis in the pot. The fuzzy leaves are just so nice! I was wondering if anyone else has it and if you have had blooms. Would love to see photos. Susan
Hoya lauterbachii
Hi Susan - I have had mine only for a year and I keep making cuttings so haven't seen a bloom! You might try giving it lots and LOTS of light...even some direct sunlight to get it to bloom. Eriostemmas respond well to light for blooming - and while it makes some of their leaves (like H. coronaria) go pale and unattractive, they DO bloom. I am told that they start in the leaf litter or moss and wind up trees looking for the sun and when they get there they live in the tops and bloom.
With your hot muggy GA summers you have a right environment! Do you give it a high bloom fert? Eriostemmas also seem to respond well to being a bit dryer...or even better...same amount of water but really fast draining soil with nothing staying soggy...damp OK.
I grow this plant, it is growing very fast, I haven't looked yet for any signs of flowers, I think mine is just too young at this time to expect them. Norma
Hi Carol - I have been giving it and all my other Hoyas Miracle Grow bloom booster. The rate of vine growth is tremendous and I am "im"patiently awaiting blooms! It is in a fast draining mix and it is not uncommon to grow several inches in a two or three day period. Then it appears to rest a short while and spurt more growth again a few days later. More than likely, it is me paying less attention to it at times than others. It is just such a cool plant. The leaves are the absolute best! I will have to see about putting it in a higher light situation. I REALLY want to see those massive blooms. Funny now to think that if I could only have one......... I guess this would be it. Thanks for the advice! :0)
Susan
Definitely the most light you can give it!!!
Good luck! Be sure to post the photos!!!
I grow all my Eriostemmas in the full Hawaiian sun for at least half a day with filtered shade the rest of the time.