Taking Care Of A Hoya Plant

My latest addition to the yard is a Hoya.  I got to know about this plant only recently through my dad, who has a big one in in garden.  I thought the flowers were fascinating, wax like with a pretty pink color.  Last weekend I got a cutting from him and decided I will add it to the rest in my yard.  My dad was very generous with his cutting and I got a plant which was already over a meter long in some places.  

Hoya Basics:

The Hoya originates from the tropical forests in Asia.  It's habitat is humid and moist, and it can survive for long periods in rain or drought.  The plant is a climber, weaving it's stems around branches of trees as it grows, and makes its way up.  I have seen mixed reports on its growth, depending on the variety, it can grow from 4 feet up to 20 feet.  Let's just say, it's not a small plant!

At home, the Hoya prefers indirect sunlight, since it's natural habitat is normally filtered light through the forest canopy.  It could tolerate shade, but perhaps won't bloom as much.  The Hoya can be grown as a houseplant, placed indoors behind a window with filtered light.  Outside, it can be grown in hanging containers, allowing the stems to hang down, or else as a climber against a trellis.

The plant is pretty low maintenance when it comes to watering and re-potting.  Starting the plant in a container of potting mix is the best idea as it likes rich soil with very good drainage.  The compost can be left to dry a bit between each watering.  The plant enjoys being root bound, and will produce more blooms this way, so unless it is absolutely necessary, the plant won't need re-potting.

The variety I have is called M.Carnosa and has pale pink flowers with a magenta corona.  The plant flowers in Summer and the flowers do not need to be removed once dead, the plant will drop them when ready and can produce more flowers from the same stalk.  I have read that moving a plant that has flowers will drop them when placed in the new location.  This hasn't happened to me yet, but you never know. 

My Hoya Plant

Back to My Plant:

The plant I have was propagated from a bigger plant which is already over 2 meters long (6 feet) in some places.  It was placed in full sun, and all the leaves are yellowish, and burnt in places.  I am hoping that my yard will be a better place for the Hoya, and the leaves will be replaced with green ones.  

Hoya hanging on the wall

The Hoya was planted in soil, just as the original plant was, and I think the container is a little too big for it.  I have, however, decided not to move it for the time being.  The plant should be flowering by now, and I don't want to disturb it too much.  If the container (an old pail) is is too big, or the soil is not rich enough, then I will re-pot it in another container with potting mix sometime towards the end of summer, or early winter. I should be able to tell all this by the amount and quality of flowers that are produced, but since this is my first time with Hoyas, I will probably leave it there a couple of years, unless it is looking really bad.

For the time being, I have decided to hang it against the wall, until I can figure out what to do with it.  I am still not sure if the place I chose for it is good enough.  It does get some morning sun, maybe a couple of hours.  It is very close to the passion flower though, so I will give it some time to settle down, and they make a decision.

Hoya Fowers

I have just two bunches of flowers, which, as you can see from the above picture, did not take the move all that well.  They are still hanging in there though.  It's another reason why I don't want to disturb it that much, I want to see it bloom so I can see those lovely flowers.

I am sure that after a few months in my yard it will look great.  I am tempted to buy a pole/large branch for it to climb.  Wouldn't that be a nice feature ?

Hoya

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How To Make a Passionate Trellis

One of the things I have always wanted to do in my yard is to have a trellis against the wall with a vine or creeper to hide the ugly looking pipe works.  My biggest obstacle in this project was that I didn't know what plant to choose that would hide the entire wall.

I decided to get some help so we went to the nursery, and the lady there limited my options to three choices (thankfully).  For my small yard, with no direct sun, but lots of light, the contestants were, a Jasmine, a Passion Flower or a Stephanotis I love the smell of Jasmine and the Stephanotis, but I thought it would eventually be too overpowering in such a small space.  I loved the Passion Flower flowers, so I decided to go for it.

The wall I wanted to hang it against was about 2 meters by 1 meter so the lady said to buy two plants, and place them one meter apart.  I obeyed.  She gave me some quick instructions on how to take care of it, and was off.  The decision was made.  The next problem was a trellis.  

The nursery had dozens of fancy trellises made of wood, wrought iron, plastic, but all of them were too big for my wall.  In the end I decided to make my own, and  I bought a piece of plastic fencing from the local pet shop.  I figured the plant should hide the trellis/fencing anyway, so there was no need to go for anything elaborate.

My Trellis

The wall where I wanted to attach the trellis had a small shelf stuck to it which we removed.  I relocated the cactus and succulents that were on that shelf onto another shelf.  They will not get as much light there, but it will have to do for now.  Next we got a few wire clips, and attached the trellis to the wall, cutting off the extra bits to make it fit just right.

Shelf to be removed

Trellis attached

It was time to attach the passion flower to the trellis.  This proved harder than I had anticipated.  The plant was intertwined with a piece of wire in the pot, that's how I got it from the nursery.  To untangle the passion flower was quite a challenge.  As I was removing the tendrils, they seemed to have a life of their own, grabbing onto other stems, and leaves as I removed them.  As I was untangling it I realized how long the plant was, when I finished it was over 3 meters long already.  I couldn't help thinking, this could get me! 

The actual attaching to the trellis then was a piece of cake.  The tendrils proved quite strong, and it was just a question of winding them round a piece of plastic.

Tendril attached to the trellis

I attached both passion flowers opposite each other.  I placed each plant at the edges of the trellis, more than one meter apart, but I will train them to go to one side as they grow bigger.  When I finished I had a lovely display already. 

passion flower stuck to the trellis

Both passion flowers attached

I hope that as the plants grow bigger I will be able to train them to fill up the entire wall.  It might take a couple of years, but it has already made quite a difference to this yard.  This space is finally looking better.  

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Should You Mulch Succulents In Containers?

One of my latest additions to my container garden is a small bowl of succulents that I created from scratch.  We went to the nursery last week, and they always stock a large selection of mini cactus and succulents.  They look great stacked against each other, and I always end up buying a few.

I bought a small, shallow pot, and planted all of them next to each other.  I used normal potting mix to plant the succulents even though they would prefer sandy soil.  I have used potting mix with cactus and succulents before, and I didn't have any problems.  I also bought some small gravel from the nursery.  I thought it would bring the whole thing together, and make the container look much better.  After doing some research though, now I wonder if I should.

My Succulent Arrangement

Placing a thin layer of gravel on soil has many benefits in general.  It protects the soil from extreme temperatures such as cold and heat, as it acts like a layer of insulation.  It also prevents moisture from evaporating quickly from the soil as it is covered.  This is normally called mulching as is used primarily in gardens where you have a lot of soil.  When used in containers I am not sure if you can call it mulching as well, but it is used for the same effects.

There are all sorts of mulching material, there is the organic kind such as pieces of bark or wood chips that slowly decompose into the soil.  Rocks and gravel and also man made material such as rubber pallets.  (Rubber is not really recommended due to potentially harmful run off in the soil).

My question is, should you use mulching with succulents and cactus ?  These plants require well drained soil, very little water, and prefer the heat.  Covering an already moist soil (potting mix) with gravel may prolong evaporation, which may be a good thing for other plants, but not necessarily for succulents.  On the other hand, does a thin layer of gravel really make that much difference?  

In our Mediterranean climate it never really gets too cold, and the temperatures are ideal for these plants.  In other countries where soil freezes, or gets too cold, perhaps it would be a good idea to cover the soil in winter.  In summer I usually let the soil dry up completely before I give my succulents any water.  They can always withstand some hardship, with gravel they might even endure some more! This poses another question, do you mulch in a Mediterranean climate?

Succulent Container with Gravel

I have decided to give it a try.  I have covered the soil with a single layer, just enough to cover the soil, and make the pot look good.  I have also placed the pot in a spot where it will get about four hours of direct sunlight each day.  I can then compare them with my other succulents which don't have any gravel, and see which fare the best.  I will probably have a new post about this towards the end of summer!

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Of Sparrows and Gas Heaters

The yard where I keep all my plants is also used as a utility area which houses things like gas bottles (we don't have direct gas connections in Malta), and a gas water heater.  A couple of weeks ago we noticed that the water heater was not heating as well as it used to, and so my partner decided to take a closer look.

A couple of twigs jutted out of the outer cover, but nothing could have prepared us for what was inside.  It seems a couple of sparrows had decided to make the heater their home for Spring.  Every cavity was filled with twigs, pieces of hay, pieces of grass, and even plastic.  The burners that are used to heat the water are further down, but I can guess they realized that this was a warm place to build their nest in.  Not that they need warmth in this weather.  The obvious problem for us was that the fumes from the burners could not get to the chimney because of all that nesting material.

Gas Water Heater Nest

As we removed all the twigs and material from the gas heater I could see the male sparrow flying overhead chirping.  I can image their disappointment as they saw us destroying weeks of labor in half an hour.  We ended up clearing half a garbage bag of the stuff.  Next we closed off all possible entry ways with wire mesh.  

Entry ways closed off

Since we evicted the couple rather ungraciously, I bought them a bird house, and we hung it right next to the gas heater in the hope that they can make it their new home.  It's much smaller than their chosen location, but that's all they get I'm afraid.

Job well done we were ready to call it a day.  I stood in the kitchen which leads out to the yard, and then I saw Mr Sparrow flew over to investigate.....

Mr Sparrow assessing the damage done

Mr Sparrow flying down for a closer look

Mr Sparrow accusing me

Mr Sparrow calling out to Mrs Sparrow

Mr and Mrs Sparrow eyeing their new home

Will they go for it?  Not yet.  

They still come occasionally, but I don't think it will happen this year.  We are in peak Sparrow mating season right now with countless sparrows chirping away building their nests and laying their eggs.  Some birds are already being born (they sometimes fall out of their nests onto the street :(  ) I think it's too late for them to start over now.

Maybe next year.

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A Walk In The Country - Qrendi

Today I went for a short walk in a small village called Qrendi.  Qrendi is situated in the south west of the island, and is mainly composed of farmland.  I walked along the outskirts of the village from another small village called Mqabba up to St Matthew's church.  

This short walk is one straight road with farmland on one side, and the village on the other, as you can see in the image below. In the distance is another village called Zurrieq.  (Yes Malta is that small).

Typical field in Qrendi

Another typical field with prickly pears in the foreground

Walking along the street, a long rubble wall with prickly pears leaning against it is the only thing separating the fields from the traffic zooming by.  Prickly pears are a staple plant in the Maltese Islands , and even featured on our national emblem before it was replaced in the late eighties.  

Malta's national emblem till 1988

Prickly pears are commonly grown at the edges of fields along stone walls to protect the crops from high winds.  As a result of this, the fruit is for anyone's taking.  

Prickly pears from street level

Flowering prickly pear

Apart from the prickly pears I also came across these very tall flowers.  They must be over ten feet tall, and I can't quite find a name for them.  They could be Danish Hollyhock, but they are slightly different.  Does anyone know what these are?  I have also seen them in people's gardens, and they are cultivated, not found naturally here.

Very tall flowers

Danish Hollycock?

Horses are also a common sight in the streets of Qrendi.  I came across four in my short walk, trotting away in the street, oblivious to the cars rushing by beside them.  The owners ride them up and down the same street a couple of times, supposedly for exercise, although I have seen a couple racing the horses; they just couldn't resist.

Horse riding in the street

Towards the end of my journey, the buildings start making way to farmland.  Most fields have been growing potatoes, and have been harvested by now.  Here is a typical farmland setting complete with electricity pole standing in the middle.

Farmland

Freshly harvested field

At the end of my journey I come across the church of St Matthew.  This is not the main church of Qrendi, but a small chapel, one of six in a village of a few thousand residents!  This chapel, however houses what is most probably the oldest crypt on the island supposedly dating back the the 14th century.  

St Matthew's Chapel

The interesting story about this chapel though, is that in 1343 a tremor created a crater, 130 feet deep, right behind the chapel, but it was left standing there unharmed, and remains there to this day.  In the image below you can see the church marked in red, and the crater, now full of trees and shrubs behind it.  People can see the crater today via steps on the side of the church, but no one is allowed to go all the way down.

Aerial view of the church and the crater thanks to Google Maps

Chapel at the edge with steps going down to the crater

I hope you enjoyed my walk through Qrendi. This short walk and few pictures capture the gist of Maltese farmland.  Across the country pockets of land like this still exist, giving us crops that no importer can match.  Unfortunately they are shrinking every year as reckless development increases.  I only hope that Qrendi will be one of the last villages to be swallowed by the concrete jungle that is turning our island into yet another European metropolis.

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Of Mint, Rosemary and Basil - A New Approach!

The other day my better half went grocery shopping, and came back with three pots of rosemary, basil, and mint.  Since we were not going to use the herbs for another few days, and most probably not all at once, I decided to place them in bigger pots in the yard.

I have tried to grow basil and rosemary before with some success.  The basil was always grown up on the roof in full sun, and it was always a success, but we had to make sure that we watered it almost every day.  Rosemary was not as successful, believe it or not, the summer sun was a little too much for it, and despite watering it regularly, it died pretty quickly.

I have come to realize over the years that when you read, 'requires full sun' on plant instructions, there is a big difference between say, full sun in England (sorry guys :) ), and full sun in Malta.  Our sun can be a bit too much, and normally all plants here can live with bright conditions in bright places away from direct sunlight.  Imports that come from European countries further north from us especially.

When it comes to herbs, I have always shied away, thinking I don't have enough space in the yard, and it was too inconvenient on our roof top.  This time however, I have decided to give it a try.  

 So here we start with Mint:

Mint

I have actually read that Mint can grow everywhere so I will be pretty disappointed if this plant dies on me.  Apparently it requires partial shade and soil kept moist, not too soggy and not too dry.  I should be able to enjoy this plant all year round in our climate since we do not have any frost, and our winters are quite mild.  The rain might be an issue, but the plant can be taken indoors during Winter.

Next on the list is Rosemary:

Rosemary

I placed the Rosemary in a hanging pot because it is a spot that gets the most sun.  This plant should require little watering, and no fertilizer.  I read that if you cut sprigs regularly it should keep growing happily without any problems.  I did not manage to save my plant past a few months last year, it was however planted together with Sage.  I have a feeling that here may have been some competition for resources there.  Let's see how well it does in its own container this time around.

And finally, back by popular demand, Basil:

Basil

This plant should also require lots of direct sunlight and as long as the soil is kept moist there should be no problems.  We did have success growing basil in full sunlight in the past, let's see how well it does in its current location where it only gets some morning sun.

So there they are the three contenders this Spring.  Now for the new approach.  We have decided to ignore all the instructions, and planted all of them in compost.  We have placed the Mint in a shady spot where it gets bright light, but no sunlight.  The basil and rosemary do get some direct sunlight in the morning, but for the rest of the day they only get bright light till evening.  We can keep an eye on them, and water them only when necessary (when the soil is almost dry).  

We will also take sprigs and leaves when needed. Basil is always in high demand in our household as it goes well with most Mediterranean meals. It is also easy to freeze. We usually use rosemary in Winter with a good leg of lamb or chicken.  It does wonders with fish though, so I will definitely use it in Summer.  Mint is not a favorite of mine, however it is also great with fish, and to make sauces and dressing, plus who can say no to a refreshing Mojito in summer?

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Plumbago Resilient After Heavy Pruning

This morning I got a great surprise, the Plumbago survives to see another Spring!  A couple of weeks ago the Plumbago seemed like a gonner, it was all dried up with no leaves at all, and hardly any good branches left.  Usually by this time of year I would be enjoying some lovely purple flowers, but this year it was not to be.

I cut all the dried branches all the way to the bottom of the pot.  Where I saw that the inside was the branch was still yellow and supple, not dry and dark brown, I stopped cutting.  I watered it regularly, but did not give it any fertilizer, for no particular reason.  Perhaps I thought it was no use, and it would not survive the heavy pruning.

Plumbago after pruning

As you can see from the image above the inside of the branches where I stopped cutting look like they have some life in them still, and there were a few green leaves.  

The green leaves have now dried up, but this morning I saw new branches, and leaves sprouting out of the branches.

Plumbago taking life again

New Baby Sprouts

They are small signs of life, but life none the less.  This gives me hope that even though I pruned it right in the middle of Spring, it will still recover.  Since it rained yesterday I have not watered it, and have not given it any fertilizer yet, but I will next time I water it.  Who knows I might still get a few flowers for Summer after all.

One thing's for sure, this plant is as resilient as I read it is and it seems like no matter how much you prune it, it will keep coming back.  :) 

Here's an update just three weeks later!

Plumbago Foliage 

The Leaves Seems Bigger!

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