help please....... I keep losing leaves on these...
Compared to, umm, let's see, pubicalyx (don't laugh!), I'm thinking they need more humidity. Is this the key? The biggest most important factor?
Does the mix need to be more consistently moist? Do they need a mix that is made of big chunks like CHC or can they deal with a finer mix? What am I missing....?
I have one piece that has one leaf and only a few root nubs. I am considering laying it on top of some moist diatomite in lower light to see if it will send out more roots. How does this sound to you?
Wah!
big fuzzy leaved hoyas (calycina and magnifica)
Keyring, I use my regular mix on these two and don't have any problems. These two are vigorous growers with strong root systems- could it be they are drying out more quickly than your other comparatively sized Hoyas? I find that to be a problem with plants in this complex, they out-perform their cousins and I don't always keep up the water and fertilizer, both of which these plants like a lot of.
They can be a bit tricky to root- I think because they have such large leaf surfaces and may dehydrate more quickly than the thick leaved kinds like pubicalyx. They do seem to like especially good humidity untill they get well established.
Keyring...I grow all my hoyas in a very loose mix because my climate is very humid with lots of rain. BOTH need warmth and shade...and lots of root root...and lots of food. If you are having trouble with roots...suggest you look at your fertilizer. I am a firm believer in the MSU fertilizer: www.firstrays.com . Since I started using it my root problems have almost disappeared.
BTW H. pubicalyx and cultivars, as well as the H. carnosas all thrive in lower light, less water and even cooler temps than the other two.
Simply my opinion.
I've had success rooting calycina by putting the cutting in a baggie with some moisture ( no pot or anything, just the cutting), blowing air in the baggie, and then sitting it on my light stand. Hope this helps.
Kim
Hi - thanks for the comments. It's good to know that it should be a strong grower once I get them rooted and established. Gives me hope. I put the small cutting in a baggie setup - that's worked well for me with other hoyas. I'll look at the other piece this weekend...