#NotSoHappyPlants
Hey #GregGang - I need a lot of help!
How did this thing turn from pic 1 to pic 2 in less than a week?? I’ve tried everything Google suggested but TBH I’m not even sure I identified it correctly… how can I save this (very cool) little guy?? #Hoya #Peperomia
How did this thing turn from pic 1 to pic 2 in less than a week?? I’ve tried everything Google suggested but TBH I’m not even sure I identified it correctly… how can I save this (very cool) little guy?? #Hoya #Peperomia
Last watered 2 weeks ago
65
Best Answer
@WildNorth first of all, this plant of all my Hoyas is the most forgiving. The girl TRUCKS along. I dropped a whole pot on her and she just mended her leaf and grew more vines 😂
As for the moss, I don’t top any of my plants with moss or that type of thing unless it’s beneficial. Some ppl put rocks or pebbles at the top for cats, and I can see that, but I don’t have any plants big enough for my cats to attempt to use as a litter box’s I don’t have them, yet. I personally think moss that color isn’t natural so why leave it on? I learned the hard way when my zz plant had some and it rotted part of the stem being too wet. As for the ginseng, I would use pebbles to top@it as it’s a bonsai.
As for what to do… pic 2 I drew lines. The pink line looks like everything below that line will survive. The orange line, the leaf right below it may or may not make it, but I believe the others will survive if put into a drier substrate. Just remember, regular potting soil will kill a Hoya. It needs like 10-20% soil, the rest needs to be chunky something to keep air circulating.
As for the moss, I don’t top any of my plants with moss or that type of thing unless it’s beneficial. Some ppl put rocks or pebbles at the top for cats, and I can see that, but I don’t have any plants big enough for my cats to attempt to use as a litter box’s I don’t have them, yet. I personally think moss that color isn’t natural so why leave it on? I learned the hard way when my zz plant had some and it rotted part of the stem being too wet. As for the ginseng, I would use pebbles to top@it as it’s a bonsai.
As for what to do… pic 2 I drew lines. The pink line looks like everything below that line will survive. The orange line, the leaf right below it may or may not make it, but I believe the others will survive if put into a drier substrate. Just remember, regular potting soil will kill a Hoya. It needs like 10-20% soil, the rest needs to be chunky something to keep air circulating.
@WildNorth this looks like a Hoya Australis and I believe that green dyed moss is your culprit. Or at least part of the problem. Hoyas are epiphytes and need their soil to breathe, so like a light chunky substrate. They like to be watered and to dry out and this fake moss stuff traps moisture in, causing an overwatering effect. On the right side of the trellis it looks as though you can save the bottom 1/2-1/3 of it. On the left there’s a small portion that might be saved. I would check the roots and make sure there isn’t any rotting going on, and get into a drier substrate stat. I use coco chips, coco coir, chunky perlite and charcoal. I attached a pic to show you how chunky my Hoya substrate is. I always remove the moss whenever I buy a plant with this stuff. Let me know if you have more questions.
@TheOddAsity omg 😳 I thought moss would prevent me from overwatering! I did say I need a lot of help! 🤣 I was even planning to buy more! (Side note: what do you use to “top” your soil, if anything?)
I admit, the leaves definitely showed signs of overwatering before they they dried up (which was confusing AF but beginning to make sense…🤦🏻♀️) so I’ve already replaced the wet soil, and I’m throwing that moss away right now! Oh, another 🐿️ — should I remove it from the base of my #FicusGinseng too? It didn’t seem as out of place there…)
And because I have never not fatally messed this up, how should I go about trimming it up? 🙏💚
I admit, the leaves definitely showed signs of overwatering before they they dried up (which was confusing AF but beginning to make sense…🤦🏻♀️) so I’ve already replaced the wet soil, and I’m throwing that moss away right now! Oh, another 🐿️ — should I remove it from the base of my #FicusGinseng too? It didn’t seem as out of place there…)
And because I have never not fatally messed this up, how should I go about trimming it up? 🙏💚
No further caretips from my side. I'm sure April has got you covered. I've been thinking about the ID though. may I ask: how big are those leaves/ how big is the plant? There is nothing in the picture that gives me enough perspective, but it "feels" smaller than an Australis to me - and you said it's small. The layering/arrangement of the leaves, if indeed it is a little guy, reminds me more of a cummingiana. But it's very hard to tell without anything in the picture that could be used as a reference for size.
@MusicalRedmint that is a problem I have so often trying to identify these “assorted foliage” things! 😂
Hopefully this helps! Thank you so much!
Hopefully this helps! Thank you so much!
@TheOddAsity that is all so incredibly helpful! I agree about the fake green moss! I use orchid bark for most, but I love that I can give my RBG a pebble garden! Yay! Thank you so much! 💚💚💚
It helps a lot. The 2.5" (3.5"?) pot suggests cummingiana (or some species don't know - are so many 😅) to me. My Lisa at least has bigger leaves. Unless the non- variegated is smaller, @TheOddAsity? Doesn't matter regarding care though. Still a hoya, and - seeing how mine doesn't have the most frequent watering routine and doesn't seem to mind - maybe one of the medium to drier ones.
@MusicalRedmint that’s a good point. I don’t have the cummingiana… I had guessed it was about a 4” pot, and the line down the center of the leaf and the way the tip formed led me to think Australis. Also, that pot looks like a costa farms pot, and i have never seen a cummingiana for sale in a store. But like you said, care is the same. My Australis leaves have gotten bigger as the vines grows and my Australis leaves are bigger than my Lisa, but my Lisa is new 🫤 so that’s not helpful. The blooms will give it away for sure (and now you’ve got me looking at cummingianas! 😂)
@TheOddAsity Sorry, I guess 🤭. I almost passed her by. It was a rare big chain store find, after I had decided I really didn't like the blooms. In theory. But those leaves look so neat and orderly, all in a row along the trellis,a bit like shingles. And then I found one at half price because she was mistreated, meaning I got her (and the pot) for 5 bucks. So no, I couldn't pass her up. And I'm told she smells delightful.
Ah btw, the orderly shingle- like structure was why the plant reminded me of her rather than the australis. I feel those leaves are a bit more open in both direction and not quite as orderly.
Ah btw, the orderly shingle- like structure was why the plant reminded me of her rather than the australis. I feel those leaves are a bit more open in both direction and not quite as orderly.
@TheOddAsity @MusicalRedmint this is such a great conversation! 💚 It’s a 4-inch pot, and I realize I could’ve made this easier on us by simply measuring the ring… it’s 6” in diameter and no thicker than 1/8” (think of a tiara).
Also GOOD EYE 👀 but I wish it was costa farms—they at least usually tell you what’s in the pot! This is one of those Living Trends “assorted foliage” crapshoots.
I have such a problem with size relativity, too, but came to the same conclusion that it’s between those two Hoyas, and I’m leaning towards cummingiana (which makes my inner 13-year old giggle every time … don’t judge me 😜)
In any case, I hope it survives long enough for us to figure it out! 🤞
Thank you guys so much—y’all never let me down!
Also GOOD EYE 👀 but I wish it was costa farms—they at least usually tell you what’s in the pot! This is one of those Living Trends “assorted foliage” crapshoots.
I have such a problem with size relativity, too, but came to the same conclusion that it’s between those two Hoyas, and I’m leaning towards cummingiana (which makes my inner 13-year old giggle every time … don’t judge me 😜)
In any case, I hope it survives long enough for us to figure it out! 🤞
Thank you guys so much—y’all never let me down!
@MusicalRedmint that’s it. Pretty sure. And the vine is growing from both sides and twists around the ring from both directions (or rather, it DID 😬)
No judgment. If it were my first language, I probably couldn't resist the giggles as well. The slightly bigger distance helps 😀 might I suggest the davidcummingii as your next wishlist plant then? 😉 it is also a small one, has gorgeous leaves and flowers. And you get an occasional giggle thrown in for free😁
@MusicalRedmint the giggle itself is worth finding one. I don’t think I can ever forget how to spell it, and oh the naming possibilities…
@MusicalRedmint that’s great news for me! I hardly need another diva plant, and there’s hope for her yet!
@MusicalRedmint @TheOddAsity ok I’m heading down the Amazon rabbit hole… feel free to send me suggestions!!
Otherwise, please send help if I don’t return. You know this is a dangerous journey!
Otherwise, please send help if I don’t return. You know this is a dangerous journey!
If you see a caudata, don't be 🤬🤬🤬🤬-dumb and pass it up. Only an idiot would. I love my mathilde. It's a very easy grower and very pretty. And small. You can trellis it like your cummingiana or let it hang. Same goes for the lacunosa. And the blooms of both are gorgeous. If you want something a little bigger, I love the sunstressed sunrise.
Again smaller ones: If you like flouff *and* to-die-for flowers look up the sp.aff.thomsonii. (or the thomsonii)
If you like touching velvet look up the (sp.aff.) burtoniae. Those are the ones that are doing best in my home (rel. high humidity) and that are high among my favorites by their leaves alone. Since I'm never sure if I can flower them. But if course, again, I'm not sure what's available in your stores
Again smaller ones: If you like flouff *and* to-die-for flowers look up the sp.aff.thomsonii. (or the thomsonii)
If you like touching velvet look up the (sp.aff.) burtoniae. Those are the ones that are doing best in my home (rel. high humidity) and that are high among my favorites by their leaves alone. Since I'm never sure if I can flower them. But if course, again, I'm not sure what's available in your stores
@MusicalRedmint 😍🤩
They all have great names! And super cool leaves, which I’m becoming obsessed with… I’m with @TheOddAsity on this — thank you for being a bad influence 😂😈
They all have great names! And super cool leaves, which I’m becoming obsessed with… I’m with @TheOddAsity on this — thank you for being a bad influence 😂😈
@TheOddAsity I know, right? Because of the deeper margin alone (and the back of the leaf, and the even better velvet touch. And the more elegant peduncles and... sigh... everything) I hope to one day get my hands on a true burtoniae. Not variegated. Just those dark leaves of velvet, with their violet backs and the black margin. Sigh. I have a problem.
@WildNorth so this a US seller on Etsy. AwesomePlants just recommended it to me. I have not bought, but she has. There’s a whole section of $6 cuttings. Hoyas are so easy to root and would be a great way to build your collection.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/1815051237/?ref=share_ios_native_treatment
https://www.etsy.com/listing/1815051237/?ref=share_ios_native_treatment
@MusicalRedmint @TheOddAsity I too have abandoned all my obligations due to entrapment in this highly enabling environment 🤣
And yes, I agree with @TheOddAsity I've bought only 3 hoyas that cost more than 10 €. And up to now, I've only lost one cutting (I'm pretty sure it was already sick when I bought it). And while I've just started collecting this year (it's almost as I've been tempted myself, *sending sour looks unironically into April's direction), I've gone a bit crazy in the middle of the year and there are quite a few in my home now, however they got here.
@MusicalRedmint and @WildNorth 😂 ::curtsy:: you’re so welcome!! Glad I can enable… er, I mean help!
@TheOddAsity 😂. Thanks. I love a good curtsy. And I guess time will tell how fair it was, but I suspect I did some damage myself. Seen any new wishlist orchids recently?
@MusicalRedmint wellllll, I am collecting names of orchids because I just started my bookshelf project that I will take 4 random bookshelves and anchor them together and paint/seal them… all for the MAIN purpose of plants. AND, my husband is on board and ALL IN around the project and I will need some orchids for these shelves!!
@TheOddAsity 🤣 wow. I don't know what I admire more. The restraint in holding off until it's all perfect, the list keeping, the clear vision with even clearer planning underneath, the craftsmanship... are you sure you're not secretly German?
And apart from that: let me find my flouffiest gown and swishiest pettycoats: as I suspected, well met, my Lady, right back at you
And apart from that: let me find my flouffiest gown and swishiest pettycoats: as I suspected, well met, my Lady, right back at you
And @WildNorth: see that's what orchids are supposed to do to people. 😉 not making them get rid of them.
@MusicalRedmint ok fine. I’m pissed because I accidentally snapped what was going to be the 1x/bloom of the year, so I’m just bitter, ok?!
@MusicalRedmint psst… I’m Dutch (Vander Linden is my maiden name). Second generation in the US. My dad was a contractor with my grandfather… and I can build just about anything as I worked summers with them. I tease my husband that he married me because I had more tools than he did. And the list making… I’m not sure sure if that’s me channeling my Oma’s perfectionism/OCD or if it is truly organizational 😂
@TheOddAsity I had a better toolbag than my husband who is a maintenance guy… HAD. Those tools grew legs, apparently 😒
@TheOddAsity 😂 not quite German but close enough. that explains it all. Toolbox and lists included. And who cares, lists rock 😀
@WildNorth hmpf. I hate when that happens. it's that, Tupperware and good books, they all grow legs at some point.
@WildNorth ohhh, you were married to one like that too? 😂 My ex and I remodeled a house, well, he held things in place for me while I did the remodeling, I should say. But that’s all in the past, and my now husband and I are enjoying the tools as we remodel this house.
@MusicalRedmint close enough!! My older brother served a church mission in Berlin, he speaks German. That’s as close as I come. My ex husband is German, so my kids are 50/50 Dutch and German. And they all look it! 😂 That jewel orchid!! I LOVE the leaves!
@MusicalRedmint close enough!! My older brother served a church mission in Berlin, he speaks German. That’s as close as I come. My ex husband is German, so my kids are 50/50 Dutch and German. And they all look it! 😂 That jewel orchid!! I LOVE the leaves!
@MusicalRedmint @TheOddAsity if you wanna talk about leaves, I can talk about my rattlesnake for hours. It’s why I’m so set on my next calathea!
@MusicalRedmint in the afterlife we’ll all be reunited with our socks, lighters, tools (especially scissors) travel mugs, and yes, Tupperware (lids, particularly)
@WildNorth probably. In inanimate things-that-unexpectedly-had-legs heaven. I have to say, right now, I would fit in perfectly. 🥱
I saw these at my Lowe’s and they all looked like this !! I think they let them dry out for too long. All of them were dry as a bone !! Great advice April. Cut off the dead and that moss is called rain deer moss in the floral world and it’s for decor only . Surprisingly it dries out faster than and can just be removed. Everything can be either wet or super dry at Lowe’s it’s our neighborhood plant graveyard.