Hi,
I have an old Hoya which I pruned back heavily and had ‘baby-sat’ while we moved into a new home.
The leaves are reddish-yellow now not the healthy dark green they used to be. What can I do to bring it along now that it has moved in with us?
Many thanks
Wilma.
Hi Wilma,
Hoyas have a tendency to produce red-tinged leaves if they are in direct sunlight. This isn’t normally a long term problem if you catch it early, but make sure it isn’t getting too much direct sunlight from now on. The bleaching, of some of the leaves also suggests the light has been too intense.
The blackening near the leaf axils may be a sign of the plant being ready to shed a few leaves as a result of its condition. Don’t be too alarmed as it should recover well with a bit of care.
Another reason plants can go red / purple is if there is too big a difference between night and day temperatures. This is a result of toxin build up in the tissue and is usually temporary, if you keep it in good conditions (particularly don’t let it get waterlogged), with a little diluted general fertiliser, like a seaweed extract. Foliar application of a weak fertiliser can be particularly beneficial.
What has the weather been like near you?
I’m pretty sure it will be fine and will look more normal if it is kept out of strong light for the next month or two.
I hope this helps, and Good Luck!
Kindest regards,
Henry
Molly’s Tropical Plants
Oh dear! I need to move it.
The Hoya was in shade at our old house but was in the open the last 5 months. I have now put it in the open….shaded until about 11am then shaded after about 3pm. We live in Perth, Western Australia so the light doesn’t come much brighter.
Thanks for your help. My husband is going to LOVE shifting the pot and trellis.
Wilma.
Will get some seaweed extract….hadn’t thought of that.