A once in a lifetime Hoya swap (and it almost ENDED me)

[@soberplantguy]

It's probably safe to say that I'll never have another plant swap like this one 😁 Has a plant trade ever gone way, and I mean WAY, in your favor? Spill the beans!

[@wootlesswocks]

@@soberplantguy I’m not confident enough to swap, so I mostly buy from people.

[@soberplantguy]

@@wootlesswocks You just have to find someone that is about 20x more generous than you are, and you'll be fine.... 😁

[@wootlesswocks]

@@soberplantguy with all the flashy plants 😂

[@cindyvan635]

@@wootlesswocks I hear ya! But, i need to start doing something, because i propagate alot of my plants. Realized i can't keep all of them, lol😉🌱💚

[@StephGrows]

I have truly enjoyed your videos. I feel like you have been a breath of fresh air within PlantTube. I love the optimism, the real life perspective, and gratitude for great plants regardless of if they have been hyped up or not. Having someone with a platform actively encouraging folks to just acquire plants they like and give it a shot despite the plants reputation is so appreciated. I’m thankful that I found your channel, not only for the shared knowledge and entertainment, but for the encouraging perspective as well.

[@soberplantguy]

Wow.... thank you so much. Comments like this are so incredible and, yes, encouraging 😊

[@random-code1]

One (of) thing I like about your videos is that it doesn’t feel much like an KZbin video (it’s like a conversation, right tone, not forced jokes, no ads, not that over the top list of things you’d ask us, etc)

[@soberplantguy]

Thank you so much, sincerely. As I said in my "Monetized in ten weeks" video, I just started this thing with my normal personality because I naturally assumed nobody would see my videos anyway 🤣 When I do ask question, like how to repot my H 'Mathilde,' I'm genuinely curious and looking for advice. And I love the comments sections! It's a sort of motivator for me. Like yours right here. Cheers from hotter than **** Iowa

[@BasiePlants]

A note on engleriana: most are aff engleriana in cultivation to my knowledge and much easier to grow than "true" engleriana. Julie Kennedy once grew the true one and she may have passed it on to Doug - so he may have had the true one at one point. I never had it. I only have the aff. engleriana and I find it pretty easy, especially if you stay on top of watering :) I hope you got the true one so we can see it in bloom & perhaps some comparison with the aff one :D Keep dropping knowledge bombs 😂

[@soberplantguy]

Ah ... very cool. Thanks much, and thanks for all your inspiration over the years. If this is even the real Miro 🤣

[@wootlesswocks]

Tent video ! Tent tent tent tent ! I’ve never seen a setup before so I’m interested in seeing what you have

[@soberplantguy]

Most definitely... there are a couple of modifications I want to make, so this would be the perfect time.

[@HeatherOatmeal]

This is truly an incredible Hoya haul! I'm so happy for you! There truly are some beautiful, generous, wonderful people in the plant world amidst the plant drama out there. I'm thrilled for you that you connected with such a gem of a person and received so many new beauties. 🤗 They all look so happy in your care! No surprise. ☺️ You bring joy to many of us. I'm so happy someone brought such joy to you! 💚

[@soberplantguy]

That is such a lovely sentiment, and true. Lots of great peeps everywhere.

[@peggymalabuyoc9150]

What an amazing trade! So many different and unique Hoyas. It does my soul good to see such generosity in another person. Many thanks for sharing these beauties, especially that Black Cat, and for giving us the background story on how they came in to your life. Great job! 👌🪴🥰

[@soberplantguy]

Thanks, Peggy! I've been so eager to shoot this one, but wanted to make sure everyone was all nice and rooted before I started toting them around 🤣

[@peggymalabuyoc9150]

@@soberplantguy Too funny! You always know Best! I would have been like a little kid waiting for Christmas morning. Eagerly counting down the days and anticipating the joy to come not to mention the possibility of sharing your joy with your viewers. For this we thank you! 👌🪴🥰

[@lorettastyles5523]

Oh Dave, this haul / swap has some to die for varieties 😊. The black cat earned the gold for me 😊🇯🇲

[@soberplantguy]

No splitting the gold medal for you! 😆 When I say I was absolutely astounded by that cutting, I ain't lyin' 🤣

[@lisaanglim9588]

The black cat is lovely. The leaves are stunning.

[@soberplantguy]

I knew that cutting was in the box, but I was astounded by it nonetheless. Of course I didn't expect to get a massive, mature, double peduncle cutting!

[@karendowns576]

Great trades!!! Just wanted to mention that I've got an Engleriana that came as a small cutting that I rooted in water and then placed in DIY PON about a year ago. I keep it in a high light west-facing window and never let the water reservoir dry out. It's been one of my fastest and easiest growing Hoyas. All that to say, I'd definitely recommend taking a cutting of a mother plant and trying it out in PON for those who enjoy PON.

[@soberplantguy]

This is excellent advice, because (I think?) I forgot to mention that Doug never lets his dry out. Thanks much!

[@TheMillennialPlantDad]

Very interesting video! Might explain why many of my Hoyas are struggling, apparently some like cool weather and are native to cooler parts of the tropics! It never occurred to me ! Why it’s important to always have an idea where a plant might be is native to . 👏👏

[@soberplantguy]

We just commented on each others' videos simultaneously 😆 If you want a guide to get those basic facts, it's here: powo.science.kew.org

[@LeafyConversations]

The main reason I don’t do social media is exactly what you listed here. The Planty Channels I watch like yours are enough for me! I love that you met a friend who reinforces the hearts of humans. It’s there, we just have to find it and share ours with them.

[@soberplantguy]

We definitely have to weed out (oof, apologies) those people who steal our good feel. I don't have room for that anymore. Fortunately, as you said, there are plenty of wonderful people in this world.

[@heatherstephens9295]

Yes there are definitely really nice people in the world, we just get swamped down with all the horrible ones in the media I’m afraid. Your new friend has been so generous & she is a great reminder for us. Serpens & Liniara were the two that started my Hoya mania. Especially when the Serpens flowered for me within 6 months of owning her. She is hanging in my kitchen & I didn’t really know anything about proper care. I was over the moon when I looked up & saw all of the cute, tiny little peduncles . I liked it anyway but after that it was deep love 🥰 Thanks Dave 👍👍👍

[@soberplantguy]

Oh, wow! I won't expect that kind of quick blooming, but I wouldn't be all that upset with her 😆 And yes, I'm very fortunate to have kind friends all the way around, new and old. I don't have the time or energy for negative people. That's just the way it is 😊

[@HeatherOatmeal]

I was fortunate enough to get a bloom on my serpens, and then had a bunch of fellow Hoya heads all ask me what I did because they've been trying to bloom theirs. I feel like it was dumb luck for me! 😂 You must have yours very very happy 🤗💚

[@soberplantguy]

@@HeatherOatmeal Well ... it as only been five weeks. But I hope to fall into some of your "dumb luck" sooner than later 😆

[@heatherstephens9295]

@@HeatherOatmeal same here, I got such a surprise when I saw them. Then I learnt they can be very difficult for alot of people let alone getting flowers 🥰

[@walle5667]

No matter how similar the flowers look to Caudata flowers, the most precious hairy little things will ALWAYS be Caudata's flowers. Soidaoensis' flowers are yellow and very close, but for some reason they lack Caudata's charm. Caudata is simply adorable. Callystophylla is a frustrating plant. It usually kills off new growth and then goes dormant for the next couple of months :/ Thanks for sharing your amazing swap. Such good luck.

[@soberplantguy]

Fair enough--those really are special flowers 😊

[@neerajadamarla929]

I'm so happy for you to check off some of your wishlist plants and add some that you never buy and they are now your favorites. They are some really cool plant friends and love the fact you found one who lives close by.

[@soberplantguy]

*Two* of them live around here, believe it or not. Right here in the Hoya hotspot of ... Iowa 🤣

[@cydfall4897]

Ah geeez my Hoya wish list was already long and I’m only five minutes into the video and there’s two more on it 🤣🙈

[@soberplantguy]

It's gonna be a rough ride fer ya 🤣

[@LeafyConversations]

I want a magic Hoya!!! 😅 I just started buying Hoya last month. I never ever wanted them before then and now I have fallen in love with them. I just wanted them to fill open space on my plant table where I thought they’d be perfect and I was right they are perfect. Now I just have to learn how to take care of them, I think so far I am doing well! I plan on watching many of your videos to help!

[@soberplantguy]

That's great! You'll succeed, I have no doubt 😊

[@mn4169]

That flower looked like creme caramel. Gorgeous

[@soberplantguy]

And, as a bonus, it even smelled nice! I know people say that this species can stink, in general 😆

[@faithewarren-agee5604]

The Black Cat is # on my list!!!!!! They are so beautiful!!!!!

[@soberplantguy]

I haven’t forgotten!

[@faithewarren-agee5604]

@@soberplantguy ❤

[@lisaanglim9588]

Thank you for sharing with us.

[@kyrad6543]

There are so many wonderful human beings in this world and I find plant people to be incredibly generous. My best most lop-sided swap was with a plant friend I made who lives in Florida. He is an older gentleman with a ton of knowledge, experience, and a vast collection of every kind of plant one can imagine. I sent him cuttings of two not-very-rare hoyas but ones he didn't have. In return he sent me a goodie box that was like Christmas. There were whole plants! Several hoyas and two rare, pricey philodendrons. I felt so grateful and yet somewhat embarrassed at what I had sent him. But like your friend, he brushed it off as nothing out of the ordinary for him. A truly special experience

[@soberplantguy]

That's a great story 😊

[@ms.naancy]

My parents are from Laos. Unsure they are familiar with the plant but learning where they grew up from is interesting. Love the Hoya you collected and thank you for sharing.

[@soberplantguy]

Thanks so much, and I really appreciate that you took the time to comment 😊

[@paxleidig5327]

Glad you made it to the swap, Dave! Looks you came home with almost as much as I did visiting with Florida Hoya growers! Except my trip came with a $300 price tag. 💰💰💰

[@soberplantguy]

These were sent to me in the mail, so all I had to do was open the door...... ☺

[@paxleidig5327]

I find myself wondering what you traded in exchange for these beauties!

[@soberplantguy]

@@paxleidig5327 Just the super secret magic plants that I said don't exist ..............

[@paxleidig5327]

Oh THOSE babies! (Jealousy rears its ugly head. ). "We're not worthy! We're not worthy!" (Bowing deeply in respect). And now we can't even see them, for alas, they are no longer in Iowa Hoya Heaven. 😥

[@soberplantguy]

@@paxleidig5327 No, they're with a better grower than I am 🤣 Let's see... I remember a meredithii, NGG, Svetlana, Penny's Treat cutting, and something else good 😆

[@albawaterhouse]

What a great swap! My engleriana grows like a weed in my living room, i had no idea it was supposed to be a hard one 😅 It's a beautiful hoya that propagates really well for me too. I hope you enjoy yours as much as I enjoy mine.

[@soberplantguy]

What's the saying? Ignorance is bliss? 🤣😂🤣

[@leannhillier-jv8wf]

You never fail! You never fail to make me want to spend money! 😂😜. You’re a lucky duck to have scored that wonderful trade! Congratulations! Can’t wait to see updates on how they have grown! Another great video 💓

[@soberplantguy]

Oops 🤭 And true, I didn't title this "once in a lifetime" as clickbait. Truly blown away.

[@lisaanglim9588]

The linearis is such a cute one. You are right to fall in love with the soft fuzzy leaves.

[@hanstera_deliciosa]

Loved it so much I had to watch twice 😉 The shout out to Miro! 🤗 I can feel your enthusiasm through the screen. Rad!

[@soberplantguy]

Between you and me, since nobody reads these comments I assume, Miro responded to this video. And I wet myself a little. 🤩 Thanks as always, but twice? That's two too many times. I mean, let's be honest 🤭

[@ttschrock7126]

I love (love, love) my linearis. It is one of my favorites. I love how it tells me when it is thirsty. Simply stunning!

[@ttschrock7126]

Glad you have one now. It really is joyful.

[@soberplantguy]

I'd never have thunk it, but I'm with you. What a terrific plant!

[@MostlyHoyas]

Linearis is one of my favorites too :)

[@soberplantguy]

@@MostlyHoyas Did you have to see it in person first? Or am I the only weirdo about this one? 😆

[@MostlyHoyas]

@@soberplantguy That's a good question. I got one years ago but I think I remember loving it from photos and had to have one. There's other Hoyas though, that I didn't love until I saw them in person.

[@lisaanglim9588]

The tenchongensis is sooo cute 🥰

[@dianemottram3060]

Thanks Dave...I think it's great to hear where these precious gems came from. Yunnan province has such cute should I say darling hoyas...I am besotted Congrats on your gift 🎁!

[@soberplantguy]

They really are darling--and still alive 🤣

[@dianemottram3060]

@@soberplantguy Thank you for including their temp preferences. Its a challenge to find information sometimes. And I was happy surprised to see you are into them these days!

[@soberplantguy]

@@dianemottram3060 I really do try to do one step beyond just showing the plant and moving on, when I can. Thanks for mentioning it!

[@Wubblyt]

Growing updates after a while would be fun!! So nice that you have all this information on your new plants already Would love it if a list existed that told about the temperature range/humidity/light and perhaps specific soil/watering requirements that a specific Hoya needs (maybe it does exist 🤔) Hoya Carrii for me didn’t like it hot (it went finicky when temperatures went over 28 celcius for 2 consecutive days, so now its downstairs), I’ve heard it also doesn’t like it “cold”…. (So after summer shes going back upstairs). Shes so cute and such a fast and easy grower though! Don’t think it should be expensive, but maybe for some its very difficult and thats why it is still not readily available? 🤷‍♀️ I guess the only reason I would buy a plant that was bought from someone “known” (if ever) would be to make sure that I get the specific plant/clone that I would like. People seem to like to add numbers that didn’t come with their plant, or even completely change names if they think their plant looks like something…. Things get muddled that way “Beginner friendly” I always find this term interesting…. Because a well informed (helicopter parent) beginner can grow almost anything if they have (or provide) the right condtions 😊 Theres so far only 3 that I would “warn” people about, and for some they grow effortless 😅 (wrote this when you first dropped the term in this vid, decided to leave it 😂) Looking forward to your tent video!

[@soberplantguy]

Agree 100% with all of this. And for sure, I only buy from people I know to be reliable and knowledgeable sellers. But they ain't famous (ok, Ric Moirera is...) 😆 I did forget one of my favorite plants for the video -- the one I was going to grab from the living room? Good Lord. Do you have a globulosa? I'm totally smitten with that plant. Hard. And cut from the footage, the sp Kalimantan (mini coin). Another real cutie. Cheers from Hotter than you-name-it Iowa.

[@Wubblyt]

@@soberplantguy Same! But at some point theres so many renamed Hoyas around……. That even reputable sellers will have some 😂 So if someone tells me “this one was bought from -insert famous grower-“ and I have seen pictures of that particular growers Hoya, at that point it will become relevant to me. Like you though, I will not buy something to fangirl some grower 🤣 Im sure you will show those you forgot later 😊 No Globulosa yet, they look good though. For that one I’d like to see one in person first…. Currently struggling to tame the now superfast growing thicker stemmed Hoyas (Meliflua, Kerrii, Calycina) so Id like to see/experience how flexible it is before I’d get another one in that category… …after my “getting back in order” purge and no-buy until after the purge is finished 😂😂 Getting there… Wishing you a wonderful day!

[@soberplantguy]

@@Wubblyt Short answer on globulosa: NOT flexible from the beginning. But stunning. Enjoy the purge 🙃

[@Wubblyt]

@@soberplantguy hahaha how do you deal with it?

[@soberplantguy]

@@Wubblyt I just sit and look at it, since it's just a baby 🤣

[@amyfbowers]

So happy for your awesome trade Dave! I've never done a swap but I once treated myself to a large mystery box of hoya cuttings which absolutely knocked my socks off. The seller was generous and her plants were obviously well cared for. At the time, I wasn't really aware of just how huge the leaves on some hoya are in "real" life. I got a couple that make my magnolia tree leaves look like a poser. Now, I am feeling the pull of small leaved varieties :) Looking forward to the next video!

[@soberplantguy]

That is awesome! I've seen so many mystery plant hauls, sponsored videos, where plant after plant I'm like, Nope ... wouldn't want that one, or that one, or that one 🤣 This mystery box was like someone had access to my actual brain 😆 And oh yes, leaves can get BIGGG

[@lisaanglim9588]

The Kama.. has the cutest little ruffles leaves.

[@lisaanglim9588]

Already the endaunenses is stunning. I’m Dying here and it’s my first time watching your video. I’m hooked. I’ll be watching for more Hoya content. Subscribed already.

[@hnelson5609]

He has a great list of videos you must watch! I'm not a hoya person, I have 2. But I adore this channel and you will too.

[@soberplantguy]

@@hnelson5609 Shucks. C'mon now!

[@soberplantguy]

Good to have you aboard! I'm glad you enjoy Hoya content, since that genus is my heart and soul 😊

[@lisaanglim9588]

@@soberplantguy I certainly did enjoy it. I even watched a couple more. How I could have not found you sooner, I don’t know. 🤷‍♀️

[@soberplantguy]

@@lisaanglim9588 Thanks so much. I am pretty brand new, so all's forgiven 🤣

[@cate7777]

You would be appalled at me. My H. englariana with it's 4 long hanging strands of leaves, sits on top of my glass terrarium that houses miniature orchids and moss right next to my work station/computer (I work from home). I did not know it has a reputation for being finicky! In fact I keep many of my Hoya on my desk around my computers. They are easily accessible and I love looking at them during breaks. There is also a humidifier in the room, because the AC that runs frequently through out the day, tends to make the air dry. Anyway, I really enjoyed your new plants. I always love learning about new species. I like the H. panchoi; sadly mine passed away earlier this year. Maybe I will buy another and try again. We shall see. Thanks for sharing!

[@soberplantguy]

No, I'm delighted to hear this! You make a good point: one person's nightmare plant can be someone else's easy-breezy. As for A/C, I find that easier to combat with humidifiers than dry winter air with a furnace. Hoo boy I have to be vigilant 😁

[@crunchyflakepusssuk]

I had to roll my eyes at the "hoyas aren't hard" talk.. not for you Mr. Mars grow tent! Mr. I fertilize every week! All jokes aside, I felt fancy to see a few familiar faces, and discover that they are "only for experienced growers" . It makes me feel happy for my Pachoi , now bilobata as well as a few others. I also don't want a linearis. Back in the day I didn't get why everyone was so crazy about cauldata, but now I dote on my cauldata and just love it..even tho my leaves don't want to harden off, but its a work in progress. so, I get needing to be there. gorgeous plants as usual!

[@soberplantguy]

Thanks so much! I have a caudata that is threatening to actually look good finally. It’s been a journey, to say the least. Any other plant I would have kicked to the curb 🤣

[@tammybales9668]

Hi Dave! Tammy from Johnston love the video! I've learned so much from you're videos thank you!!

[@soberplantguy]

Hey, Tammy! Good to hear from you 😃

[@tamtrinh6883]

It would be amazing if you show us the pictures of blooms.

[@soberplantguy]

That is a promise I can actually keep 😆

[@lisaanglim9588]

I don’t have a snowballs chance in hell in getting any of these Hoyas. I don’t have, and won’t have a grow tent. It’s live or die in ambient. It’s cool at night, warm in the day time and 45-55 % humidity. Year round. 😊.

[@soberplantguy]

Thase are perfect conditions for almost *any* Hoya. I wish I could maintain that kind of humidity year around. Winters are just so challenging (in many ways, here in Iowa 🥶)

[@chammikaweththasinghe5985]

Brilliant video, Dave! Now, all I have to do is befriend a generous Hoya collector.

[@soberplantguy]

Thank you! And, be like me: find TWO 🤣😂🤣

[@helenesolomon]

Hi Dave, Yea! You got the video up. I'm in the middle of it. Enjoying the video very much. Interesting.

[@soberplantguy]

It was a fight to the end 🤣

[@lanamadeit]

I felt the same about the linearis until I saw it in person. I heard someone describe it as “confused grass” once and thought it was so true. But now I LOVE mine. After. A few months of struggle, it’s finally keeping its new growth and I’m so happy. It’s definitely one that doesn’t hit until you see it.

[@soberplantguy]

Right? I just always thought it looked weird and lame 😆

[@lanamadeit]

@@soberplantguy now I’m wondering if I’m wrong about things like the chingchungensis. The growth pattern reminds me of an etiolated succulent. But I’ve never seen one in person. Maybe they’re as cool as the Linearis 😂

[@soberplantguy]

@@lanamadeit I saw f friend's, and they are very pretty. But at that time I was like, Nah, brah. I'll kill that on the half hour drive home 🤣

[@lanamadeit]

@@soberplantguy I don’t think YOU would but I might 😂

[@Kimbermoi]

The Carrii is pretty, I'll have to keep an eye out for one. 😊

[@soberplantguy]

She is indeed. Not sure what was up with the focus, dang it 🙃

[@Plantlifewithnina]

Hello from PR!! I love Hoyas!! My Engleriana is doing very well in leca reservoir and pon. It grows so fast! 🪴🙋🏼‍♀️

[@soberplantguy]

Hello down there! That’s very cool. I’m going to be careful to keep mine on the moister side. Thanks for the comment!

[@lisaanglim9588]

I’ll agree is the bilibata is cute.

[@lisaanglim9588]

I just joined some Facebook Hoya groups and hope too get involved in some trades or swaps in the future.

[@rebeccahenderson7761]

Yeah, I hear ya. I love Ferns and Calatheas, but rarely do I see them on YT. All the comments are how hard they are, people hate them, too finicky, etc. But they're actually easy as long as you never let them go past "damp". As soon as mine are damp it's water time. - But I'm also in the Pacific North West, so humidity is always high, plus 200+ plants in a small room helps too.

[@soberplantguy]

Consistently taking care of a plant incorrectly doesn't mean it's difficult to grow. Just means they're doing it wrong 🤣

[@rebeccahenderson7761]

@@soberplantguy Excellent point! So glad to see this vid, saved and will finish tomorrow. Cheers!

[@karenquinn8166]

Black cat is my gold medal!!!

[@soberplantguy]

No argument here 😁

[@giagia9974]

I’m growing some of the “likes to be cool. Likes to be humid” types in my bathroom on the wall under a growlight. That said, my bathroom is in Florida where we don’t have (much) issue with growing and blooming any Hoya anywhere. On the lamp shade, behind the couch, anywhere. 😅

[@soberplantguy]

I grew up down there. Too bad I wasn’t into plants 🤣

[@Puddlesmolly]

Another great chilled video.... Im a beginner 🔰

[@soberplantguy]

Thank you! And ... we're all beginners. Some of us have just practiced at it longer. Cheers from Iowa City 😊

[@cbail1323]

Hello! I just found you and I think you are so cool and collected. I also struggle badly with scindapsus 😂😂. I have 1 that I've had for almost a year and it's put out 2 leaves🤷‍♀️🙈

[@soberplantguy]

Well hi !! Ah, yes, my arch enemy Scindapsus. I have a very beautiful Exotica that took forever to come around. And that will be it for the rest of my life, thank you 🤣

[@deeb2000]

(I thought I sent a comment) What a nice swap! My last callistophylla looks similar to that black cat just younger. Hmmm. I'll know whether it is or not when it gets older. I have the bilobata that I purchased from home depot but I wonder if it's a dischidia, might have been reclassified. I luv the enduensis so cute but I've given up on the linearis. The cutting I have is my 8th try! Yes I know I think I said I have only 75 Hoya but I've actually lost count! 🤔 I said no more for now until I saw your hypoplasia (sounds like a bone disease). Oh I purchased the ingredients you use for your substrate! I will use as soon as it's time to bring some hoyas from outside. Thanks for sharing Dave. Look forward to ur next👍🏽 Dee, NY

[@soberplantguy]

when I was editing the video, I watched myself talking about the hypoplasia and thought, Clearly that was my favorite plant 🤣 The plants that didn't make this video were: globulosa and sp Kalimantan (mini coin). Two awesome and excellent Hoya. Yes, you did say "only" 75 Hoya 😆 I'll give you this: you really put in the work before you quit on a plant. Holy Moses. Hope you enjoy the substrate! I'm not in the income bracket of someone who can afford to pot up this many plants in one of those premium, artisanal mixes that cost more per pound than silver. The plants, however, don't know they're being deprived 🤣😂🤣

[@deeb2000]

@@soberplantguy I'm not in that income bracket either ( nor many of our KZbin hoya folk) but yes I work hard to keep these plants, they add up to a lot of money years end! I'm retired, not by choice thanks to COVID! Kalimantan mini coin? You've gotta show that one!

[@soberplantguy]

@@deeb2000 I don't know if you saw my community post about trying, and failing, to make a video last week... but LC had really kicked my fanny. Anyway, yes! The darling, darling mini coin, or whatever it may be. You'll for sure be seeing it. That one was actually on my list to trade. Let's not talk about why it didn't make it into the video 😵‍💫

[@deeb2000]

@@soberplantguy community post? Where's that? I guess we'll hear the story on that plant when u post!

[@soberplantguy]

@@deeb2000 I have no idea how those show up 😆 But I have the option to basically write a community comment, and it shows up somewhere on the feed. People I subscribe to show up randomly on my subscription page--so I guess I just answered my own question ... 🤭

[@helenesolomon]

Great content but, oh I want some new hoyas! Like most of what you showed. I got a Linearis last week, I liked the way Fern grew hers. I can't wait to see how she goes. I received a Kalimatan five weeks ago and within two days the tip if the vine was drying out. I cut it off. Two new leaves started! Unfortunately the tip is dying again. Any thoughts? I also got a Lacunosa "Silver Splash" It has tons of roots along the vine. Is it OK to trim them? I've been watching a few of your previous videos so I can learn about how to best care for my new babies. Also l loved the ones about "plants not hoyas". Thank you.

[@soberplantguy]

I'm so pleased that you're enjoying the content! As for the tips dying back, pretty common in shipping, and in acclimation. It will shoot put out a new growth point somewhere, so probably not something I'd worry about. In the winters here, that happened all the time until I added humidifiers, and A/C can certainly dry the air. So that's just another thought. Cheers from Iowa 😊

[@Austengirl89]

I got an endauensis on Palmstreet and it's growing like a weed. I've had it for 3 months or so. I live in Idaho so I too will be dealing with heating my house. We use wood heat so I'm going to have to make sure I keep the water reservoir on the stove full to mitigate the dry air

[@soberplantguy]

Same here with the wood heat. Adding humidity has worked wonders for me, and I'm sure you'll have the same/similar results! Good to have someone reply who understands what winter *actually* means 🤣 (No, California, you don't have real winter............)

[@lisaanglim9588]

Your friend is a darling friend for sure. Hold on to her.

[@orchidenere]

I’m really looking for that black cat!

[@soberplantguy]

I’m sooo happy to finally have one 😁

[@raynelaroux1547]

I love my endauensis and engleriana. The endauensis has been a slow grower for me but doing well. Both are still in tiny 2-inch pots.

[@soberplantguy]

That’s awesome! Love ‘em both 😃

[@raynelaroux1547]

​@soberplantguy your serpens should do fine. I got a small 2 inch cutting, and it's rooted and growing in normal household temps and humidity

[@soberplantguy]

@@raynelaroux1547 Excellent--good to hear!

[@tammybales9668]

hey Dave! Tammy from Johnston! I have a question, can you successfully grow hoya in the winter!

[@soberplantguy]

Do you mean ... can I *keep* the growth growing? If so, absolutely yes, but the game changer for me was grow lights. But also, don't underestimate root growth. That will continue no matter what (well, we HOPE it will lol). You know, I haven't been back to Johnston in 32 years. Has anything changed?

[@tammybales9668]

@@soberplantguy Yes! It's great they are building a golf resort. Gonna make it crazy busy! So, what do you have available with your plants? I'd like to add to my collection TIA

[@shirleycovey7309]

I'm wanting something I don't have....a Hoya Callistophylla. Do you happen to have an unrooted or rooted starter of this one? And, is it for sale? I don't know how to ask you other than here. The Black Cat is awesome but I know that one would be breaking my Hoya budget.

[@soberplantguy]

Ah, dang. I don’t have any for sale at the moment. But thanks so much for checking!

[@LeslieJermyn]

A bulldog with a butter knife... good alliteration. Also, if you do another Q&A video, please tell us how you decided to become a youtuber/plant guy... If you answered this previously, ignore me.

[@soberplantguy]

I'm not going to ignore you 🤣 I did answer this in my "Monetized in 10 weeks" video. But the short story is: I got long covid, and with that, my ability to participate in my most meaningful hobbies like reading (I've lost m ability to read long-form prose for comprehension), bike riding, etc. I pretty quickly realized that I'd better focus on what I *can* do, and not moan about what I cannot do anymore (at least for now). The fact that I know a few guys who retired and didn't know what to do with their lives outside of work--except to talk about all the things they used to do--really, really helped 🤣😂🤣

[@LeslieJermyn]

@@soberplantguy That is interesting. I also want to avoid a retirement in which I sit around bored, depressed and resenting that the past is in the past. That's part of the reason I decided to commit to adding indoor gardening to my roster of things I like to do and how I came to find plant-tubers like you for whom I am grateful for teaching us newbies with such good humour and grace. I hope the long covid takes a hike at some point.

[@leannhillier-jv8wf]

Hi Dave. Care question here! My wayetii leaves have been curling. Hate to call 911 because I don’t think it’s covered under my insurance 😁 but would really love to save her. And help would be appreciated! Have a great holiday weekend

[@soberplantguy]

While my analysis may prove to be useless, it will be free..... shoot me pics to [e-mail] Happy to take a look 😊

[@shirleycovey7309]

Can you tell me which videos that you talk about how much 'light time' wise that you give your plants (natural or grow lights) for success?

[@soberplantguy]

I will tell you right now. M grow lights come on at 5 a.m. (I'm up and at it by then). They shut off at 7 p.m. But, ten hours is probably just fine. And while I have a zillion lights, they are so efficient that whatever difference they made in the electric bill, we can't even notice it. Truly. But that's here where I live, of course. They are expensive, but it's why I love Soltech lights. Nice, warm, museum lighting. You would never walk into my house and think that there's even *one* actual grow light. Okay, the Barinna strips are obviously grow lights 😆 but they're also quite warm.

[@shirleycovey7309]

@@soberplantguy I bought a Barrina hanging grow light 25w full spectrum because the Soltech bulbs can't be shipped to my state for some reason but the hanging one can (?). From your experience, how would you compare the Barrina vs Soltech as far as brightness? The Barrina is very bright and the Soltech (hanging one) doesn't list the wattage. I'm looking at the small one. Reason why I asked how long you have your grow lights on is the man you mentioned in this video stated that his Australis Lisa wouldn't bloom unless it had at least 15 hrs of light per day....that's allot!

[@soberplantguy]

@@shirleycovey7309 15 hours? Holy cats. Absolutely no way I'm doing that. Lots of people get theirs to bloom without that kind of time, so... to each their own, as *always.* The small pendant light is 20 watts, the large is 40. The PPFD (usable light by the plant) is quite high in this brand. But the price. I love Barrina and have many plants of all genus growing under them with great success. Including my new(ish) 4' stander.

[@lisaanglim9588]

Phuwaensis is the most beautiful of them all.

[@soberplantguy]

It is gorgeous. No question.

[@kevinjoe1211]

I have just got one hypolasia . Hope I will not kill it.

[@soberplantguy]

I feel 100% the same 😁

[@PruAlexis]

How do you know it's a Black Cat Callystaphylla? I recently bought 2 Callystaphyllas, from 2 different Etsy shops and they looks so different and it's been driving me crazy. I wish I could show you. I have no idea why they look different, they're both clearly callystaphylla butstill look different.

[@soberplantguy]

If you freeze the video on the 'Black Cat' while it's in focus, you'll note that the veins have a very distinctive feature: the black lines are all "bleeding" like a water color. There are can always be differences within each species. Just like so many of the seedlings I buy that are crossed with an unknown pollinator. I have some seed grown merrillii x unk that are wildly different, from the same seedpod. I just look at is as all good fun 😊

[@shirleycovey7309]

Is your Black Cat for sale??

[@soberplantguy]

Hopefully it's going to just be busy growing larger and larger this winter 😁