Hoya Calycina leaves turning yellow. Please help!

8 years ago

My Hoya Calycina had a big leaf turn yellow about a month ago. Not knowing how to fix it, I pulled it off because everything else seemed healthy.

It had been perfect from then until now when another smaller leaf has turned the same yellow. The leaf is still firm and so seems healthy apart from the yellow colour.

I only water when the soil has dried out a bit so I don't think overwatering is it (but let me know if you disagree). I have fertilised once before, a few months ago. Should I do this again? Or should I use Seasol?

i have tried to read up about it and seems potentially the soil is too alkaline or too acidic? Or there are not enough nutrients? Or maybe it has been too cold? (About 20°C)

I would greatly appreciate any suggestions. I love this plant! Thank you

Featured Answer

aurorawa

8 years ago

Hoya calycina is a pretty tough plant. That being said, you are underfeeding and under-watering.

You need to feed a rate of 1/4 strength water soluble fertilizer EVERY time you water, unless you are using a time released fertilizer.

Calycina should be watered every 10-14 days, in the Fall/Winter and every 7-10 days in the Spring/Summer.

Also, depending on just how cold that windowsill gets, you may need to move the plant. Calycina can withstand cooler temps (down to 55F), but not too cold.

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Comments (11)

aurorawa
8 years ago
Also, to confirm...are you using soil? Calycina prefers a nice airy mix. I use 1/4 inch Orchiata bark, #3 perlite, and 1/4 inch LECA (expanded clay) balls, all equal ratios. In a pinch, a high quality fine grade orchid mix (no soil) from your local garden center will do.

Soak ingredients overnight and rinse well. Rinse off as much of the old potting soil as you can from the root ball.

While you are able to see the root ball and root stem, check for signs of rot (stringy, squishy, stinky, discolored/mottled roots, squishy, stinky, black or brown root stem). If all looks okay, pot up in the new mix.

You may need to water more frequently, until the orchid mix has had time to "saturate" and hold water more readily. The overnight soaking prior to using helps a bit, but the mix still may dry out rather quickly until it adjusts.
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sophie_madgwick
Original Author
8 years ago
Thank you so much! I will do as you suggest and update in a bit. Will the yellow leaf recover or should I remove it?
aurorawa
8 years ago
It wonxt recover, but you can leave it to fall off on it's own. It is an old leaf, anyway :)
sophie_madgwick
Original Author
8 years ago
So I've been feeding it when I water but today another leaf turned yellow and fell off :( I don't know what to do
sophie_madgwick
Original Author
8 years ago
Haven't had a chance to get some orchid mix yet but it's still in the pot it came in so wouldn't they have sold it in the appropriate medium?
aurorawa
8 years ago
Not necessarily. Many nurseries root cuttings in cheap/incorrect medium because it's cost effective. If you received it from an ebay seller, they may have potted it in a medium that works for their environment, or may have also used a cheap medium for cost effectiveness.

Does that pot have drainage holes? If not, you need to use a pot that does. Most hoyas cannot stand wet feet and will decline rapidly. You really need to check the root system for signs of rot or poor health.
sophie_madgwick
Original Author
8 years ago
Ok so I just re potted into orchid mix and checked the roots. They seemed fine? And yes the pot has drainage holes.

As you can see, another leaf is turning yellow. If this one dies there's only be 4 leaves left. I'm losing hope :(
aurorawa
8 years ago
That lower stem should not be turning brown:

I'd cut back to green tissue, and re-root.
sophie_madgwick
Original Author
8 years ago
Ok, thank you for all your help. How should I do that? Do I need it cut for a few days before I put it back in the pot?
aurorawa
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Cut where green tissue begins and immediately pot up. No need to wait for cutting to scar :)