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I have a hoya plant that ... #175479

Asked April 16, 2014, 9:00 PM EDT

I have a hoya plant that has started developing brown spots on the bottom side of some leaves. I recently moved the plant and that is when I noticed the spots, so I don't know how long they have been there. I water once a week. It is about 8 feet from a large bay window. It is not near a vent or fan and anything with moisture. I have had the plant for years. The attached pictures show the back side of the leaves. What are the spots and how can I stop this? (I can't see how much pic's downloaded...if you receive 3 pic's, the 1st and 3rd pic's are the same.)

Minnehaha County South Dakota

Expert Response

Were the brown spots on the older inside leaves that showed up after you moved it? Did you give it a good looking over for any pest that might be the culprit?  Is your hoya plant in the brightest spot in your home, about 3-4 feet away from a south-facing window if possible. These plants love direct morning sun, but won't tolerate hot afternoon summer sun. If only indoor lighting is available, provide the plant with at least 8 to 10 hours each day. Have you checked the root ball.  The plant likes to be root bound and if you see a few roots it is ok but if the ball is all roots it needs a slightly larger pot.  Additionally the move may have caused the browning, or perhaps over watering. You can let a hoya plant get quite dry before watering, then soak the ball and let it drain and not sit in water.   I cannot tell from the picture, only one appeared, if the browning is from a disease, the plants like to have a good open air flow. You might cut off the few leaves that are brown.  Use a clean tool, sterilize with bleach or Lysol after each cut and bag and destroy the leaves.  Does the rest of the plant look healthy?  Here is some information on Hoya plant care for you to check.  Sorry I could not be of more help.

Planting and Care

Plant your hoya in a hanging basket that will allow its long tendrils to hang freely. The vines sometimes twine around themselves or other structures, so you may need to gently untangle them at times. Your hoya will perform best indoors if placed in a window where it can receive bright light. It can also be grown outdoors as long as it isn’t exposed to temperatures below 45°F or to too much direct sun, which can burn its foliage. Water it regularly from spring through fall, allowing the top third or half of the soil to dry out completely between waterings. In the winter, water very sparingly. After your hoya finishes flowering, take care to avoid damaging the base of the flowers. The plant uses these parts, called peduncles, to  produce its next round of blooms. If your plant never flowers, check to see that it’s receiving a suitable amount of light, since this is usually the main reason that hoyas don’t flower. It’s best to re-pot hoyas only when necessary. However, it’s easy to make new hoya plants by rooting stem cuttings. Since hoyas are related to milkweed and have a milky sap, take care not to let the sap from cut stems drip onto furniture. Hoyas can sometimes be susceptible to mealy bugs, which are small, cottony insects that appear on the stems or undersides of the leaves. Treating an affected plant with a horticultural soap spray or an approved systemic insecticide will usually remedy the situation.
An Ask Extension Expert Replied April 17, 2014, 11:47 AM EDT

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