Hoya leaves thinning
I'm looking for help with a hoya carnosa. The leaves have become less waxy and thick. They're more papery and a couple have turned yellow. I'm not sure if it's related to sunlight, water, or something else. Any help is appreciated!
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I would say it is an underwatering issue.
I say this for two reasons
1. Wax loss happens when the plant is stressed and don't have enough energy to do the necessary processes it needs to do. The leaves will feel crispy, look wrinkled and droop if it happens for too long.
A wax plant will also start to lose its color if overwatered yours in a nice dark deep green. It would appear lighter green and sorta washed out if overwatered.
2. Thin leaves- since they are semi-succulent they need water to have their thick leaves because they store water in them- that's the reason it is a semi succulent.
Now I will also say so you can take a closer look at your plant if they feel mushy and limp, and have brown or black on them it is overwatering.
Keep in mind they are epiphytes that grow on trees in tropical locations with high humidity. So it needs water without being surrounded by a bunch of wet soil. It wouldn't like that either. And then you would have other issues. I walk around and stick my fingers in the Hoya pots I have every day. I allow them to go almost completely dry erring on the side of caution and waiting longer if I'm not sure.
But I never let mine go dry for long periods. I think that if you water just a little more frequently your Hoya will be fine. Don't go the opposite direction and overwater either though that would be way worse.
They can acclimate pretty well to dry areas. I live in CA so I know we have very low humidity. I also have most of mine in sunny south facing windows with sheer curtains and no issues. We get 110 degree weather through summer since I'm in Paso Robles. @OrangeGrass
I say this for two reasons
1. Wax loss happens when the plant is stressed and don't have enough energy to do the necessary processes it needs to do. The leaves will feel crispy, look wrinkled and droop if it happens for too long.
A wax plant will also start to lose its color if overwatered yours in a nice dark deep green. It would appear lighter green and sorta washed out if overwatered.
2. Thin leaves- since they are semi-succulent they need water to have their thick leaves because they store water in them- that's the reason it is a semi succulent.
Now I will also say so you can take a closer look at your plant if they feel mushy and limp, and have brown or black on them it is overwatering.
Keep in mind they are epiphytes that grow on trees in tropical locations with high humidity. So it needs water without being surrounded by a bunch of wet soil. It wouldn't like that either. And then you would have other issues. I walk around and stick my fingers in the Hoya pots I have every day. I allow them to go almost completely dry erring on the side of caution and waiting longer if I'm not sure.
But I never let mine go dry for long periods. I think that if you water just a little more frequently your Hoya will be fine. Don't go the opposite direction and overwater either though that would be way worse.
They can acclimate pretty well to dry areas. I live in CA so I know we have very low humidity. I also have most of mine in sunny south facing windows with sheer curtains and no issues. We get 110 degree weather through summer since I'm in Paso Robles. @OrangeGrass
@Hoyaobsessed @TheOddAsity @SuperbRaspfern I’m attaching a few pics here.
The first shows the leaves in general, some waxy and some papery.
The second shows one of the leaves that’s browned and turned papery and torn. You can also see a yellowed leaf in the background.
The third shows some dead leaves I found in the pot.
The plant doesn’t seem mushy or limp. It’s in the plastic container inside of the pot. It gets watered every 16 days. Thank you!
The first shows the leaves in general, some waxy and some papery.
The second shows one of the leaves that’s browned and turned papery and torn. You can also see a yellowed leaf in the background.
The third shows some dead leaves I found in the pot.
The plant doesn’t seem mushy or limp. It’s in the plastic container inside of the pot. It gets watered every 16 days. Thank you!
Were the dried leaves laying on the soil? Also, are you getting many more dried leaves than before?
My other question is have you noticed any black spots (not moving) or noticed if it is perhaps sticky. Especially on the dried or yellowed leaves?
Sorry I know a lot of questions. But I am trying to eliminate something, hopefully ❤️ @Hoyaobsessed @QuietCherryred @OrangeGrass @TheOddAsity @TheConservator
My other question is have you noticed any black spots (not moving) or noticed if it is perhaps sticky. Especially on the dried or yellowed leaves?
Sorry I know a lot of questions. But I am trying to eliminate something, hopefully ❤️ @Hoyaobsessed @QuietCherryred @OrangeGrass @TheOddAsity @TheConservator
Hey! Ready to jump in! I have this Hoya! Easy grower low maintenance! The first two pics I see just damaged leaves from maybe moving the plant or you bumping leaves while watering or dusting .. they are very thick sturdy leaves that have zero give ! So one bump and it will split like that. This crinkle Hoya as it is called is very bumpy as mine looks like it. The yellowing and brown leaves are from an over water. These guys in winter can go a bit longer without water since the leaves are so think and hold so much water ! I give mine just maybe 1/4 cup when I water and treat it like my obovota due to the thickness of the leaves. Honestly your plant looks great!!! The brown leaves on top of the soil just… mine do that sometimes when they are close to the soil when I water they stay a bit wet and die no biggie !!!!! Great job !!
Thanks everyone. Yes, the dead leaves were on top of the soil, and the yellowing and torn ones are kind of close to the soil. If prolonged contact with water could cause issues, that may be what’s going on with those.
The dead leaves do have some spots as you can see in the pictures, but nothing I thought was that striking. No browning on the back of any other attached leaves.
This is the first time I’ve seen dried leaves after having the plant for many months, and nothing has changed as far as location, how it gets watered, etc.
The rippling is not new, and I have another hoya from the same nursery that looks similar.
It gets 1 cup of water every 16 days, per the app’s guidance. But this is the first winter I’ve had it, and maybe it does need less this time of year.
The dead leaves do have some spots as you can see in the pictures, but nothing I thought was that striking. No browning on the back of any other attached leaves.
This is the first time I’ve seen dried leaves after having the plant for many months, and nothing has changed as far as location, how it gets watered, etc.
The rippling is not new, and I have another hoya from the same nursery that looks similar.
It gets 1 cup of water every 16 days, per the app’s guidance. But this is the first winter I’ve had it, and maybe it does need less this time of year.