How to support vining hoyas with small root system?
I have a couple of hoyas that are in small pots because they have a small root system but they're getting really long. Each has a trellis at the moment but they're getting top heavy and I've not had much luck finding small heavy pots to keep them from tipping over (so for now, the top of the trellis leans against the wall or a plant light). Are there different trellis shapes that work best for climbing plants? Should I let them trail instead? Suggestions welcome. TIA #greggang!
#greggerssupportinggreggers #greggers #gregfriendsarethebestfriends #hoya #hoyahangout #hoyaheads #hoyaaddicts #hoyaobovata #gregcommunity #viningplants #climbingplants #ballondusoleil
#greggerssupportinggreggers #greggers #gregfriendsarethebestfriends #hoya #hoyahangout #hoyaheads #hoyaaddicts #hoyaobovata #gregcommunity #viningplants #climbingplants #ballondusoleil
2ft to light, indirect
3” pot with drainage
Last watered 1 week ago
28
@ballondusoleil Maybe you should ask the resident hoya guru @MusicalRedmint she might have some answers for you? What say you Susann?
@MusicalRedmint @DreamMachine @Idplantthat you folks seem knowledgeable on the last few hoya posts - any thoughts? Thanks in advance ✨️🌿💚
@ballondusoleil can you share pictures of the Hoyas in question?
When you say small root system, how small are we talking about? They’re generally small, but are we talking worriesomely? (Is that a word? 😂)
So I just got some rabbit fencing to make trellises for my climbing Hoyas à la Greg Chamberlain, owner of Vermont Hoyas website. He has tons of info by the way, worth checking out his website or YouTube.
So I have I believe 24” wide rabbit fencing that is comprised of 2” x 3” squares. You basically roll a small tube and stick one end in the substrate. Pretty sturdy and the hoyas look lovely spiraled around them. You can also check out the YT Basie Plants. He has several in this method!
When you say small root system, how small are we talking about? They’re generally small, but are we talking worriesomely? (Is that a word? 😂)
So I just got some rabbit fencing to make trellises for my climbing Hoyas à la Greg Chamberlain, owner of Vermont Hoyas website. He has tons of info by the way, worth checking out his website or YouTube.
So I have I believe 24” wide rabbit fencing that is comprised of 2” x 3” squares. You basically roll a small tube and stick one end in the substrate. Pretty sturdy and the hoyas look lovely spiraled around them. You can also check out the YT Basie Plants. He has several in this method!
I'd say it completely depends on the species. Pot size usually is no issue even with bigger root systems (the latest basie plants video for example features a monster of a plant in a tiny pot), but what trellis I use depends on optics, what is workable and whether they like it. Some do reasonably well with both hanging and trailing and look great either way (examples of ones I let do both: lacunosas, sigilatis, burtoniae, Mathilde, thomsonii, Sunrise). Even the serpens that is a true creeper by all accounts likes to vine toward the light (and I let it provided if it has a strong enough root system).
Other species of always trellis. Either because of aesthetics (e.g. the cummingiana), to stabilize the bigger leaves (like in the case of the viola). But mostly because leaving them untrellised affects growth in a big way. Either because it stunts growth (new vines are aborted constantly if they don't find anything to hold on to (best example: my erythrostemma) or because they spawn ridiculously long vines in the search of a something to hold on to so that they can support the leaves. My only half-trellised aldrichii grew vines several feet (6 ft if i remember correctly) long without a leaf in sight. Especially bigger leaved hoyas fall under this last category according e.g. the creator from the unsolicited plant talks channel/site.
As for the kind of trellis: wait a minute. I'll take some pictures and maybe you could supply the names of the hoya in question.
Other species of always trellis. Either because of aesthetics (e.g. the cummingiana), to stabilize the bigger leaves (like in the case of the viola). But mostly because leaving them untrellised affects growth in a big way. Either because it stunts growth (new vines are aborted constantly if they don't find anything to hold on to (best example: my erythrostemma) or because they spawn ridiculously long vines in the search of a something to hold on to so that they can support the leaves. My only half-trellised aldrichii grew vines several feet (6 ft if i remember correctly) long without a leaf in sight. Especially bigger leaved hoyas fall under this last category according e.g. the creator from the unsolicited plant talks channel/site.
As for the kind of trellis: wait a minute. I'll take some pictures and maybe you could supply the names of the hoya in question.
Back again. In many cases, trial and error is a great thing if you are unsure. You see looong leafless vines, or constantly aborted tips, I'd rethink the trellis, otherwise they should be fine either way. From what you describe in your specific case "rabbit fence trellises" might be the solution. You can find diy instructions for them everywhere, e.g. (again 😅 ) on the basies plants channel. Basically instead of a hoop or horseshoe trellis you build a firm upright cylinder and wind the vines around.
It includes a bit of a starting investment for the fencing and you'll need a storage space for the left overs, but it is practical and will be pretty later on. I thought about putting the aldrichii on one but opted against it because it grows several heavy leaves in every node and those can grow into the middle of the trellis, making retrellising a b**** even if they don't get damaged. Instead I now put it on a very vanilla trellis that is leaning against the back wall for stability. Otherwise - just like yours - the pot would topple.
You can build a similar structure like the rabbit fence by taking two horseshoe trellises and combining them - either placing them parallel (in which case they need something to bridge the gap to stabilize them, so it's hot glue or drill time). Or by crossing them (see picture. Either way create four fairly stable pillars around which you can wind your plant. That way they don't get too top heavy or just topple the trellis.
If you choose to stay with simple hoops or horseshoe trellises, that also can be done. My Viola is heavy af. As is the SAO111 . They are also often in very dry soil, so the pots are quite light. And they don't ever fall down completely. If you manage to stick the ends of the trellis far enough into the pot though, maybe even through the bottom holes, and compact the soil around it and be mindful how and where to fasten the vines and use a ceramic decorative pot, it still works.
It includes a bit of a starting investment for the fencing and you'll need a storage space for the left overs, but it is practical and will be pretty later on. I thought about putting the aldrichii on one but opted against it because it grows several heavy leaves in every node and those can grow into the middle of the trellis, making retrellising a b**** even if they don't get damaged. Instead I now put it on a very vanilla trellis that is leaning against the back wall for stability. Otherwise - just like yours - the pot would topple.
You can build a similar structure like the rabbit fence by taking two horseshoe trellises and combining them - either placing them parallel (in which case they need something to bridge the gap to stabilize them, so it's hot glue or drill time). Or by crossing them (see picture. Either way create four fairly stable pillars around which you can wind your plant. That way they don't get too top heavy or just topple the trellis.
If you choose to stay with simple hoops or horseshoe trellises, that also can be done. My Viola is heavy af. As is the SAO111 . They are also often in very dry soil, so the pots are quite light. And they don't ever fall down completely. If you manage to stick the ends of the trellis far enough into the pot though, maybe even through the bottom holes, and compact the soil around it and be mindful how and where to fasten the vines and use a ceramic decorative pot, it still works.
@MusicalRedmint @DreamMachine Hi Susann and Nadia! Here's pics of my H Obovata and H Bulusan.
I don't think the roots are worriesomely small (let's just say it's a word for our purposes! 😁) I'm mostly thinking that if I need to repot into something larger to act as a sort of counterweight for the trellis, the plants run the risk of being overwatered and dying.
The H Obovata has been such an easy plant so far for me - and it's finally pushing out some buds so I'm really hoping it'll flower!
The H Bulusan is special for me as it's originally from the country of my ethnicity the Philippines and is also a variation on my surname! Finding this plant was a surprisingly touching way to connect with my ethnic heritage - I grew up with little knowledge and exposure as a kid. It seems to colour stress easily so aside from length, I'm also trying to figure out the sweet spot for it to colour nicely without burning.
I don't think the roots are worriesomely small (let's just say it's a word for our purposes! 😁) I'm mostly thinking that if I need to repot into something larger to act as a sort of counterweight for the trellis, the plants run the risk of being overwatered and dying.
The H Obovata has been such an easy plant so far for me - and it's finally pushing out some buds so I'm really hoping it'll flower!
The H Bulusan is special for me as it's originally from the country of my ethnicity the Philippines and is also a variation on my surname! Finding this plant was a surprisingly touching way to connect with my ethnic heritage - I grew up with little knowledge and exposure as a kid. It seems to colour stress easily so aside from length, I'm also trying to figure out the sweet spot for it to colour nicely without burning.
@MusicalRedmint I cackled at ‘vanilla trellis.’ I don’t know why. It sounds hilarious 😂 Good call on the double (and crossed) horseshoe trellis too!
And for @ballondusoleil I don’t know if you have YardGard brand where you are, but this is the fencing I got for mine. 24” wide by 25 feet for $19.99. Which seems expensive to me. All the plant people finding great products that are not marketed specifically for plants, driving up the prices. Grumble, grumble, kids these days, she said, knowing full well she is doing just that.
And for @ballondusoleil I don’t know if you have YardGard brand where you are, but this is the fencing I got for mine. 24” wide by 25 feet for $19.99. Which seems expensive to me. All the plant people finding great products that are not marketed specifically for plants, driving up the prices. Grumble, grumble, kids these days, she said, knowing full well she is doing just that.
@DreamMachine maybe my opinion is slightly influenced by my mother tongue, but of course, worriesomely, or rather worrisomely is a word (tsk, tsk). At the very least, now it is. If you can build it, and it fills a semantic need, use it. german-approved.
Sry,if it seems I repeated your points again. You know me, typing away ages and noticing only later on the 10 replies that have been posted in the meantime, saying the same things I did, just more concisely 😅.
So, @ballondusoleil: what Nadia said.
And feel free to tell us if the root system makes you worry because its size might be worrisome, making the root system worrisomely small. 😂
Sry,if it seems I repeated your points again. You know me, typing away ages and noticing only later on the 10 replies that have been posted in the meantime, saying the same things I did, just more concisely 😅.
So, @ballondusoleil: what Nadia said.
And feel free to tell us if the root system makes you worry because its size might be worrisome, making the root system worrisomely small. 😂
@DreamMachine thanks, Nadia for the tips on rabbit fencing and Greg Chamberlain. Will head down the rabbit hole for research, lol! 😁 Couldn't resist 🐰
@ballondusoleil I am going to defer to Susann for these, as I have not grown them myself (although I do not know if she has for sure on the H bulusan), but what a special plant you’ve found in H bulusan 🥰
@MusicalRedmint Susann, thanks for your input and sharing pics of your hoyas!
I see what you mean with the horseshoe trellises to create a sphere-like shape for climbing which looks like a good option too. And the fan-like trellis looks nice too - might be good once they get bigger.
The H Bulusan has one long leafless vine since last summer but I'm hoping it grows some leaves now that it's spring and also since its other vine just sprouted two new leaves!
I see what you mean with the horseshoe trellises to create a sphere-like shape for climbing which looks like a good option too. And the fan-like trellis looks nice too - might be good once they get bigger.
The H Bulusan has one long leafless vine since last summer but I'm hoping it grows some leaves now that it's spring and also since its other vine just sprouted two new leaves!
Sadly I have no experience with either of those, so I don't know anything about their behaviors. I'd just experiment and watch what they do. Or try to find them on Vermont hoyas or similar sites to see if there are experienced growers sharing tips.
Just from the looks of it, I could imagine the obovata looking good on a rabbit fence/ double horseshoe solution.
The tiny bulusan looks a bit more chaotic. And maybe too small for normal rabbit fence wire. I understand you're worries regarding overwatering. But if you don't upsize the pot too much and use very light medium, it could still work. The problem imo isn't so much the weight of the pot but the diameter. The smaller the pot the closer the ends of any trellis will be in the pot. That in itself makes it even more unstable. And they won't be able to reach very far into it. Creating a "fulcrum" very close to the bottom, meaning any imbalance even in the middle of the trellis will pull it down.
That being said, it can still work. Depending on the weight of the leaves. I've diy-ed some go
Hoop trellises from normal wire for my 2.5 inch pots. Worked for the sp.aff thomsonii which from the looks of it seems similarly heavy and chaotic.
I've also seen people stabilizing their trellises by fastening them to the pots (e.g. by creating holes on opposite sides near the rim of the pot and using wire to fix it in place.) Never done it myself, though
Just from the looks of it, I could imagine the obovata looking good on a rabbit fence/ double horseshoe solution.
The tiny bulusan looks a bit more chaotic. And maybe too small for normal rabbit fence wire. I understand you're worries regarding overwatering. But if you don't upsize the pot too much and use very light medium, it could still work. The problem imo isn't so much the weight of the pot but the diameter. The smaller the pot the closer the ends of any trellis will be in the pot. That in itself makes it even more unstable. And they won't be able to reach very far into it. Creating a "fulcrum" very close to the bottom, meaning any imbalance even in the middle of the trellis will pull it down.
That being said, it can still work. Depending on the weight of the leaves. I've diy-ed some go
Hoop trellises from normal wire for my 2.5 inch pots. Worked for the sp.aff thomsonii which from the looks of it seems similarly heavy and chaotic.
I've also seen people stabilizing their trellises by fastening them to the pots (e.g. by creating holes on opposite sides near the rim of the pot and using wire to fix it in place.) Never done it myself, though
@DreamMachine @MusicalRedmint Nadia and Susann, thanks for your kindness in sharing your time and expertise on this and also for your humour! Love the Greg community!
Glad to hear we aren't worried any longer. And that we are all in agreement grammarwise.
And of course the rabbit hole needed to be entered. Were you supposed to just leave the rabbit fence lying there, when the rabbit hole was right there? Methinks not. Great work 😂
I'm off to Google the flowers of your special bulusan now. because, of course, I am. 😅
Have fun you two 🌿🪻🌿
And of course the rabbit hole needed to be entered. Were you supposed to just leave the rabbit fence lying there, when the rabbit hole was right there? Methinks not. Great work 😂
I'm off to Google the flowers of your special bulusan now. because, of course, I am. 😅
Have fun you two 🌿🪻🌿
@MusicalRedmint oh my gosh of course! I think I just watched Miro from Basie plants talk about wiring a trellis to the pot (and promptly forgot 🙄)
@ballondusoleil it is my pleasure! I wish everyone IRL was as interested in dropping everything and talking about hoyas as I am 😁🌸🌺
Also, I love your username. ☀️ I am a fiery furnace myself, both figuratively and physically 🥵😄 Good luck with your trellising!
@ballondusoleil it is my pleasure! I wish everyone IRL was as interested in dropping everything and talking about hoyas as I am 😁🌸🌺
Also, I love your username. ☀️ I am a fiery furnace myself, both figuratively and physically 🥵😄 Good luck with your trellising!
@DreamMachine thanks. though of course the work was all Geraldine's.
But what's more important, especially speaking of rabbit holes: how much of Miro's videos have you consumed already, dear lady? In this short time? Because I get the sneaky suspicion there aren't many left the way you are going 😂
But what's more important, especially speaking of rabbit holes: how much of Miro's videos have you consumed already, dear lady? In this short time? Because I get the sneaky suspicion there aren't many left the way you are going 😂
@MusicalRedmint witchcraft! 😂 Hahaha, well, I do hate to admit it but it’s getting harder and harder to find one I haven’t watched, for some bizarre reason 🤔. I’m not counting. I can claim ignorance. I’m sure there are… dozens! …Several? Yes, I’m quite sure there are still a few left.
@MusicalRedmint oh gosh! I seriously wish I could help, but I literally just got into the Hoya game! But you have some great people answering here. I feel bad I tag Shannon in almost every post lately… but she’s such a great resource I think she’d be great! Heidi @princesspitstop also is great on Hoyas! @MariansOasis Marian I'd think would have great insight as well. @debbiedo, @Ponytailmom, @AwesomePlants, @ms.persnickety, @SuperbRaspfern, @MamaLinne I also think all of these guys have Hoyas and they also have great insight. They might be able to help more… or hit on something no one has said yet. 😉
Awe, @Idplantthat never feel bad to tag me. I don't mind at all. 🩷
My personal ultimate favorite way to keep them is to hang them. The climb beautifully and they look so good with some branches climbing while others trail. I love it when the vines of their window buddies intertwine and twist together.
The reason they are so perfect for windows is that they prefer smaller pot and are happiest that way. They LOVE light mine were in my south facing window in these photos with a sheer curtain to diffuse the sun just a little.
Now they are in my west windows and also do great.
I love to let them just climb on up. I have never had to force one to climb, they just creep on up on their own. If you use the hanging macrame pot holders they look beautiful.
Hoyas of all kinds are one of my favorites.
I buy S hooks on Amazon and just hang the S hook on my curtain rod and the hang my baskets from those. That way I never need to make holes in my ceilings. In my old house I also used tension rods to hang plants. So there are always options to hang them without making holes. If you want photos of those let me know and I'll share those too. Just give me time if you ask. I'm pretty busy lately with my veggie garden and critters.
One of my hens gave me some chicks today! And my garden is growing like crazy! I just watered all of my indoor plants yesterday.
Today I watered outdoors and made protective baskets out of chicken wire after I caught my pullets scratching away with dirt flying in my nasturtium. Ughhh, it a good thing they are such cuties. I also made baskets for my marigolds because they have been eating those too.
Here are some of my Hoyas hanging.
My new Mama
And my livestock guardian dog and some of her chickens.
My personal ultimate favorite way to keep them is to hang them. The climb beautifully and they look so good with some branches climbing while others trail. I love it when the vines of their window buddies intertwine and twist together.
The reason they are so perfect for windows is that they prefer smaller pot and are happiest that way. They LOVE light mine were in my south facing window in these photos with a sheer curtain to diffuse the sun just a little.
Now they are in my west windows and also do great.
I love to let them just climb on up. I have never had to force one to climb, they just creep on up on their own. If you use the hanging macrame pot holders they look beautiful.
Hoyas of all kinds are one of my favorites.
I buy S hooks on Amazon and just hang the S hook on my curtain rod and the hang my baskets from those. That way I never need to make holes in my ceilings. In my old house I also used tension rods to hang plants. So there are always options to hang them without making holes. If you want photos of those let me know and I'll share those too. Just give me time if you ask. I'm pretty busy lately with my veggie garden and critters.
One of my hens gave me some chicks today! And my garden is growing like crazy! I just watered all of my indoor plants yesterday.
Today I watered outdoors and made protective baskets out of chicken wire after I caught my pullets scratching away with dirt flying in my nasturtium. Ughhh, it a good thing they are such cuties. I also made baskets for my marigolds because they have been eating those too.
Here are some of my Hoyas hanging.
My new Mama
And my livestock guardian dog and some of her chickens.
@SuperbRaspfern thanks, Shannon🙏 I won’t hesitate then. Gorgeous plants and omg those little chicklets are the cutest! What a happy mommma! Your sweet girl doing her job as the rando chicken is making a run for it! I love it. 😻
Good I'm glad you won't hesitate to reach out. And thank you my plants are my babies too! I love them just as much as the feathered and furry friends. The Mama is a sweetheart the Buff Orphingtons are great chickens.
And oh my goodness, those pullets she's watching are around 8 weeks old now. My husband calls them crazy little menaces. They run everywhere, when you watch them the move so fast they are like cartoon characters on fast forward. The red escapee, I've named him Red, is hilarious. When he sees me inside he will peck my glass door to get my attention. When he sees me he looks hilarious running full speed ahead to get to me. He always has to be the closest to be he will wedge himself right in there.
He's got a great personality and loves attention. I swear everyday he makes me laugh.
And oh my goodness, those pullets she's watching are around 8 weeks old now. My husband calls them crazy little menaces. They run everywhere, when you watch them the move so fast they are like cartoon characters on fast forward. The red escapee, I've named him Red, is hilarious. When he sees me inside he will peck my glass door to get my attention. When he sees me he looks hilarious running full speed ahead to get to me. He always has to be the closest to be he will wedge himself right in there.
He's got a great personality and loves attention. I swear everyday he makes me laugh.