Features of Hoya Australis: everything you need to know for successful cultivation
Hoya was found by naturalists Karl Solender and Joseph Banks on the shores of the Australian Gulf in 1770. An unusual plant immediately attracted their attention, she took several copies with her.
Since then, Europe has come to know a new kind of wax ivy - Hoya australis. The second name of this foreign flower is southern hoya.
In the article we will talk about the proper care of this plant, as well as reveal the problem of diseases and pests.
Plant description
In fact, this species grows on the islands of Fiji, in Australia, Asia, Samoa, on the coast of South Wales, Vanuatu. It grows especially much in coastal areas, and is also often found on the edges of tropical forests or rocky areas.
They grow australia hoya as a decoration for residential and public buildings. It attracts flower lovers with its glossy green leaves and creamy inflorescences with a cherry core.
The location of the foliage is opposite, the structure is dense, leathery, oval or round. The size of the sheet plate is 2-12cm wide and 3-15cm long. The ends of the leaves are pointed, rounded, the edges are bent. The base of the sheet is smooth or with a small thin pile. The color of the foliage depends on the lighting, in the sun it is light green, and in the shade it is dark green.
The peduncle of the hoya grows in height, reaching 8-30mm. On the tops of these processes are umbellate inflorescences. The number of flowers in this inflorescence is 10-15 pieces.
Corolla flower has a cup shape, diameter 1-2.5 cm. The form is a five-pointed star, the color of the petals is creamy white, inside the scarlet center. The shape of the petals is oval with wavy, slightly curved edges. These flowers emit an unusual, heady aroma, and also secrete sugar nectar. The fruits of hoya australis are long and narrow capsules up to 13 mm in size and about 1 cm in diameter. The seeds themselves are cinnamon.
The most popular subspecies of southern Hoya is Hoya australis Lisa.Breeding
At home, hoya is bred in the following ways:
- Cuttings.
- This requires a part of the trunk with 2-3 leaves.
- The roots are sprouted in a container of water, Kornevin and activated carbon are added there.
- If the room is warm, you can not cover anything from above.
- After a month, the roots hatch, it's time to plant in a pot.
This method is the most common and reliable. The Cherenkov method is simple to execute and even beginner flower growers can do. It is possible to get a new copy similar to the mother.
- Stalk layering.
This option is the simplest, although it is used much less frequently. Aerial roots should be placed in moist soil or moss, and thus they can be easily rooted. The process does not take much time, and after a year the plant will bloom.
- Seed way.
At home, the method is not used. Thus, hoya breeds only in its natural habitat. From the seeds of the plant can only be deduced by specialists.
- spraying;
- warm shower.
- gravel;
- perlite;
- expanded clay.
- arrange regular visual examinations;
- wipe the leaves with soapy water;
- carry out water procedures every week;
- ventilate the room.
Flower care
This type of hoya appealed to many gardeners. When grown at home, the ring-shaped supports are substituted, which she happily flies around. In the natural habitat, Hoya Australis grows to 10 meters, and in the room no more than 1.5-2 meters.
Temperature
Optimum temperature and humidity parameters: + 16-30 ° C and 60-70%, respectively.
Lighting
Hoya grows well and develops in bright light. Although perhaps less intense lighting. It is able to grow exclusively under artificial lighting. On open areas calmly tolerates partial shade. However, for future flowering, of course, direct sunlight is important, at least a couple of hours a day. A long stay of the plant in such conditions can provoke thermal burns on the foliage.
Watering
Due to the presence of the main characteristics of succulents, hoyi australis is quite capable of storing water. And after a certain time to remain without her.
In the heat, the plant should be watered abundantly, but bays should be avoided. Otherwise, it may lose its root system.
In winter, to minimize watering, it is enough to moisten once a month. Contain a flower in the cold period in a dry and cool room.
Water procedures are not superfluous:
Fertilizers
For hoya, nutrients should be selected for epiphytic plants.During the period of active vegetation, apply fertilizers with a high content of potassium and phosphorus, but without nitrogen. With an excess of the latter, the flower becomes soft and watery. Mineral fertilizers are applied about 2 times a month.
Priming
Hoya, as you know, is not a spoiled plant. Only well-drained, light earth is needed. As a drainage, it is better to choose a material of large gradation:
Wherein the soil must be rich in micronutrients. Experienced flower growers often choose a substrate for orchids, in which they additionally introduce coconut shells.
Disease
Hoya Australis is quite susceptible to mealybug. Therefore, if the pest infects the roots and stems of the plant, then it is worth taking urgent rescue measures. To do this, remove the affected areas of the flower. Transplant it into a new soil, treat it with insect repellents - insecticides, as well as for fungicide prophylaxis.
In the future, to protect your pet from pest attacks:
To get a beautiful and healthy australia hoya you need to follow simple rules. In time, carry out all the care procedures and pay attention to the tropical beauty. And the result, of course, will please you.