Hoya Propagation Q&A (Part 2): Propagate Hoyas Like a Pro
Table of Contents
- Hoya Vines Dying After Propagation
- To Use or Not to Use Rooting Powder?
- Propagating Hoya Rotundiflora
- The Importance of Patience in Hoya Propagation
- Fertilizing Your Cuttings
- Propagating Small Leaf Hoyas
- Propping Cool Growers
- Wrapping Up
Welcome back to Unsolicited Plant Talks! Today, we're diving into the fascinating world of Hoya propagation. If you're a plant enthusiast looking to expand your houseplant collection, or if you've been struggling with propagating your Hoyas, you've come to the right place.
In this guide, we'll answer some of the most common questions about Hoya propagation, share our personal experiences, and provide tips and tricks to help you successfully propagate your wax plants. So, let's get started!
Want the unsolicited answers? Learn how to propagate hoya plants with our video below:
Looking for Part 1? Click Here
Hoya Vines Dying After Propagation
One of the most common challenges plant enthusiasts face when propagating Hoyas is the drying out of tendrils during the rooting process. But don't worry, it's not the end of the world if your tip dies. In fact, it's quite normal and expected.
When we propagate, we usually take a stem cutting so that we're left with one node, two leaves, and the stem that we're trying to root. This is because there's a possibility that the tip of the hoya cutting might die off during the rooting process. However, this doesn't necessarily hinder the growth of your Hoya. In fact, it might even lead to a bushier growth, which many plant enthusiasts prefer.
To Use or Not to Use Rooting Powder?
Another common question we get is about the use of rooting hormone powder. While we didn't use rooting powder for the longest time, we've recently started using this one and found that it helps a lot with developing a root system, especially when the weather isn't warm. Rooting powder activates specific chemicals in the plants that help them root faster. So, if you're struggling with slow rooting, we recommend giving rooting powder a try.
Propagating Hoya Rotundiflora
Some Hoyas are more challenging to propagate than others. For instance, the Hoya rotundiflora can be particularly tricky. It's not that they fail to root, but they take a lot longer than other Hoyas, even with the perfect environment and the use of rooting powder. The key here is patience. Treat them like normal established plants, and eventually, they'll start rooting. Keep the soil or substrate moist, but not wet, and watch for rot. Once they root, you'll have a new plant quite fast!
The Importance of Patience in Hoya Propagation
Speaking of patience, it's one of the most important virtues in Hoya plant propagation. It's tempting to keep checking if your cuttings are rooting, but this can stress the plant and potentially damage the roots. The best approach is to leave your cuttings alone and let nature take its course.
Fertilizing Your Cuttings
A common question we get is whether or not to start fertilizing right away when starting cuttings in coco husk. The short answer is yes. We treat our cuttings just like our established plants and start fertilizing as soon as we propagate them. However, keep in mind that this is based on our experience and your results may vary. If you decide to try this, you might want to start with a diluted fertilizer.
If you use a different potting mix, watch your plant closely to see how they adapt. Perlite or moss will not react the same way as coco husk when it comes to water retention.
Propagating Small Leaf Hoyas
Small leaf Hoyas like 'Bella' and lacunosa can be a bit more challenging to propagate. They require a bit more finesse and a slightly different approach. For these, we recommend using a small container filled with pure coir and watering only when the coir is dry. This way, your chances of rot are smaller.
Propping Cool Growers
Propping cool growers without burning their leaves can be a challenge. For example, medinillifolia seems to thrive more in cooler conditions. If the leaves start yellowing, we usually leave the plant as it is, hoping it will support the plant long enough to produce roots. Once the new leaves grow, we simply remove the yellowed ones.
Wrapping Up
I hope you find these tips helpful in your plant parent journey, and that you feel confident in creating new hoya plants to enjoy. Remember, every plant is unique and what works for one might not work for another. The key is to keep experimenting and learning. If you have any more questions, feel free to reach out to us at support@unsolicitedplanttalks.com. Happy propagating!
