Funny that you have a Hoya in your classroom. My former home-ec teacher had her Hoya carnosa in her classroom, too. I think teachers should incorporate plants into the classrooms, being wary of allergies, however. Maybe give the children responsibility of watering, feeding, and grooming it, and planting the seed of getting into gardening ( do I get bonus points for using a garden metaphor? lol).

Brad AKA Moonwolf

Yep, tropical plants in Michigan are tough, but Doug in Vermont can do it. It's not easy here in Tennessee in the winter either. Where are you in Michigan? I grew up (or started growing up) in Midland. :-)

I'm in the Kalamazoo area. Brad-during the first week of school I build a succulent garden with my students. We talk about how plants are like children. We all come to the classroom with different root systems, and we all have different needs. We talk about what is good for all people and how we all want to be treated. I keep the garden in front of a window all year and the students love watering it and watching it grow. It's a fun activity for building community. I also have a hamster because some children never get to have the opportunity to care for a pet. It always amazes me how kids love taking care of plants. We were just laughing on Friday about how H. Chelsea seems to be growing before our eyes. It's going to be another week of 90+ degrees in Michigan with no air conditioning in our school. My plants will be happy, but my students will be miserable. I keep reminding them to look on the bright side. We aren't in the path of a hurricane. We haven't had an earthquake, and we rarely have tornadoes. Blessings to all our friends who have a lot more than hot days to deal with.

Succulents are great for beginner gardeners of all ages! It's a great lesson plan and life lesson. I had a hamster or gerbil years ago. I didn't have many pets growing up, but that is a great thing to have a class pet. Maybe Chelsea will bloom for you and your students, and they will get interested in Hoyas ;). I think they would like Hoya lacunosa to see the difference in Hoyas and how some bloom quickly than others, and some would like the fragrance, too :). That's going to be rough with no air conditioning, but yes, blessings to all friends who are dealing with more than high temperatures. I keep hoping for some rain, as we need it. But my Hoyas are loving staying out a little longer this year, and hoping a peduncle buds up and blooms before I haul them back inside for the colder part of fall and all winter.

Brad AKA Moonwolf