Chatty repot - most asked questions & unfiltered opinions

[@giagia9974]

Great video. I believe your first Hoya is H. ‘Paula’ GN- 01 (label) which is Gardino nursery’s first hybrid. It’s named after Paula that works there. Mother is H. paulshirleyi, GPS-8845, father is H. albida.

[@soberplantguy]

Ding, ding. You are absolutely correct. I was thinking about how much easier this is, reputedly, to grow than the paulshirley, and conflated the origin. Thank you for pointing this out!

[@woo4poo]

Your videos have helped me so much with my hoyas while also being thoroughly entertaining--thank you!

[@soberplantguy]

Wow!-thanks so much! I really appreciate it ☺️

[@hnelson5609]

I have to tell you that I really like your soothing speaking cadence. I usually mute videos and turn on captions. Thank you for this video. I learn alot from you and look forward to watching them.

[@soberplantguy]

Ah, thank you. I really appreciate that 😊

[@BarbieFromQuar]

I enjoy these talks very much and have learned so much about Hoya growing. I am so with you on the care tips. I try telling that to my friends new to growing houseplants. Look up where and how the plant grows, don't just go by me. I love to learn about my plants. But I have given up on syngoniums. Must have had a dozen in my lifetime -- killed every single one. Hey you asked about orchids, have you thought about jewel orchids. I have a lightening one and 3 propagating. I am obsessed! Thanks for the awesome videos.

[@soberplantguy]

@@BarbieFromQuar I'm not a huge fan of most syngoniums myself. Boy they sure had a moment, a few years ago. Oddly enough, a friend is sending me a gift package that arrives today, and she through in some type of jewell orchid. I'm very excited!

[@soniacosgrove]

I just love your repot and chat videos! Something new or an a-ha moment always kicks in for me. Every. Single. Time. Such practical advice. It feels like old friends hanging out talking Hoyas.

[@soberplantguy]

That's the highest compliment--thank you 😊 I'm glad I wasn't a little too spicy for you 🌶

[@helenesolomon]

As usual I was looking foward to your video and as usual you exceeded my expectations. The repotting/up potting advice was invaluable. You have given me advice previously, but this was exhaustive and clarified some questions I still had. As I watched last week, I was thinking that I wanted to see some of your plants other than Hoyas and now I have. I remembered you featuring some others previously and enjoyed seeing them also. One thing I like about watching you pot is that you don't put soil in the pot by tiny amounts as many other KZbinrs do. I hope you have a great week.

[@soberplantguy]

That's so fantastic to hear! Thank you 😊 And, yes, I once watched someone fill a 6" pot with a little flat trowel about the size of a quarter and it almost did me in ...... 🤣

[@PlantyYogina]

Really interesting @ up-potting Hoya perspective. 🤔 And again, refreshing - I’ve lost count of how many videos I’ve viewed in which plant-fluencers wax lyrical about how many years they’ve had their prolifically blooming Hoya and never repotted. And there’s numerous blogs and online shops stating Hoyas like ‘tight pots’ / being potbound. Thank you @Dave for blasting another myth! 🙌🏾

[@soberplantguy]

Not too long ago I asked for a show of hands of people who have up-potted their Hoya and killed 'em. Not one person said they'd done it. And, as I've said many times, most of mine haven't skipped a beat. A few, sure, but not most. Cheers, and thanks for watching so my videos and making these fun comments!

[@PlantyYogina]

@@soberplantguy Thank You for great videos - I binge-viewed most of the evening. 😁

[@soberplantguy]

@@PlantyYogina Well that'll be the nicest thing I read/hear all day, and it's only 5:45 a.m. 😆

[@PlantyYogina]

Hi @Dave. New to your channel - and so glad I discovered it! 😎. Love your no-nonsense advice / knowledge and wonderful collection. 👏🏾 🙌🏾 “don’t wait” to repot new plants / arrivals. So refreshing (and vindicating) to hear this. Most all the care guidance I’ve seen & read here in 🇬🇧 insists you do not repot, but leave plants alone and isolate them for at least a month. But after using up entire rolls of paper towel wicking excess water out of soaking wet plants, losing others to root rot, basal collapse, and / or battling sudden hordes of fungus gnats, I have ignored that rule several times and repotted immediately when I’ve been concerned about the new plant’s growing medium repotted. And I’ve only lost one plant after doing so (it was a rescue and I suspect already too far gone to turnaround).

[@soberplantguy]

Hey, hey! So happy to have you along for my silly adventures!

[@PlantyYogina]

⁠@@soberplantguy As a ‘hobbiest’, I’m here for it. @ sober, relatable perspectives. 😁 Welcome change from gushing “I love this so much!” at every single plant.

[@soberplantguy]

@@PlantyYogina I loved a few so much this summer that they went into the compost bin. Does that count? 🤣

[@PlantyYogina]

@@soberplantguy 🤣

[@lisaanglim9588]

It always takes me a while to get around to do some up potting, and I need to do a few at once but I find it relaxing to repot them.

[@soberplantguy]

Well .... these were Spring chores, so me too 😆

[@sheilanorth1993]

Absolutely excellent video!! I love your common sense approach!! As a youngster "You wanted to know who said to do it that way & why they said it!" Beautiful!! I love it!! 💘

[@soberplantguy]

I believe it was called being a smartass, but perhaps I'm misremembering 😆

[@leannhillier-jv8wf]

Can’t express how much I love your videos! I learn something every time! Keep it up please! I need you!

[@soberplantguy]

Thank you! Your encouragement is awesome 😊

[@hanstera_deliciosa]

“Hypothetical questions from you,” is a very thoughtful way of creating your videos. You answered A LOT of my actual questions! Thank you!

[@soberplantguy]

I wanted to focus on a few hypotheticals like: "Is your wife real?" "Why hasn't your poor dear wife left you already?" And so on and so forth...... 🤣😂🤣

[@hanstera_deliciosa]

@@soberplantguy WHY do you insist on being hilarious and pulling me out of my mood? 🤗

[@soberplantguy]

@@hanstera_deliciosa It is annoying and I'm working on it.

[@lisaanglim9588]

I was fairly knowledgeable about plants before I discovered Hoyas. Some times I think I’ve got them figured out. Then there’s the hoya Curtisii. I’m on my third trial. Last one was rerooted twice but growing great now.

[@soberplantguy]

Nice! I have a few that are tricky for me as well.

[@shirleycovey7309]

I put my curtisii in a self watering pot and it's doing really well...no yellow leaves and I see new growth.

[@lisaanglim9588]

@@shirleycovey7309 I haven’t started using pon yet. I do have leca around here. I could try that.

[@soberplantguy]

@@shirleycovey7309 Fantastic! I need to get mine out of the too-hot tent soon, along with a few of the delicate, Chinese Hoya. Good reminder--thank you!

[@PlantyYogina]

I hear you! @ Curtisii. 😣 Mine was lovely and trouble-free for several months, then suddenly started yellowing & dropping leaves. It’s now a shadow of its former self - after repeat treatments (even tho’ I couldn’t detect any pests or damage under a magnifier). I’m wondering now if it had a strong reaction to the seasonal temperature change/drop when autumn arrived as nothing had changed in terms of care, location, light, etc.

[@Aquamarine.Aubrey]

😂 I love you and contrary ways so much! You always educate me. But more importantly, you always make me laugh! 😂❤

[@mn4169]

The fall is here in Sweden and I am watching your video. Best momment of the day. Cannot wait for the next one.❤

[@soberplantguy]

Thank you--first thing I've read this morning 😊 Glad I wasn't too spicy on this one 🤣

[@mn4169]

@@soberplantguy spicies good, especially in the colder months. Just enjoy your channel so much.

[@soberplantguy]

@@mn4169 Comments like yours mean everything ☺

[@heatherstephens9295]

Thanks so much Dave another great video 👍 Personally I’m not a great fan of repotting, I love the end result but hate the mess I make 🤭😂 After watching a cactus collector/grower do a repot I now add diatomaceous earth around the roots of my plants to help prevent mealy bugs. I also add a little sprinkle on top of the potting mix as well. Last summer I had zero pest issues after the summer before having quite a few. Going to do it again this summer and see how I go 👍🇳🇿🇳🇿

[@soberplantguy]

I, too, tend to lean into what is working .... until it doesn't, if it doesn't. Cheers from clear over here in Iowa City

[@heatherstephens9295]

@@soberplantguy I think you are world famous in Iowa for sweetcorn & breeding it for worldwide distribution? Yes sticking to the tried & true is definitely a good way to go 👍

[@soberplantguy]

@@heatherstephens9295 Sweetcorn, regular corn, and soybeans. And one of the largest Hoya growers around 🤣

[@lorettastyles5523]

Great video with very useful info as always Dave

[@soberplantguy]

Thank you! I was second guessing myself that, perhaps, I got a little too spicy 🤣

[@lorettastyles5523]

No you were perfect and on point 😀

[@paxleidig5327]

Cheers from South Carolina! Watering schedule took me a while to work out, but everyone is happy now.

[@soberplantguy]

Watering is the hill to climb. From there, it's easy street.

[@paxleidig5327]

I probably didn't make it any easier on myself by acquiring my plants in groups of 20! 😁😁😆😆😂😂😂🤣🤣😭😭

[@soberplantguy]

@@paxleidig5327 Agreed. That's a pretty small lot 😁

[@Austengirl89]

First I always enjoy your videos. You're practical and interesting. Also I find your care similar to mine since we live in similar conditions (Idaho). That said you should look at Hoya Idaho it's a Mike Bernardo cultivar (I think MB 1432). I too have long covid combined with cerebral palsy that I already had it's been great fun health wise, but I tending to my plants has kept me going

[@soberplantguy]

I came soooo close to owning one of those this summer. I think someone wised up to it before I had a chance to grab it. I guess I'll either hold out for H. 'Iowa', or look for one next year. (I have plants to get me through the winter 🤣) Thanks for the kind words, and empathy with LC. I'm certain yours is more complicated, but yes, thank God for plants.....

[@hanstera_deliciosa]

Ack!!! I have your Hoya vitellina! I am really enjoying rewatching these! 🤗

[@soberplantguy]

But, but ... how do you like yours?

[@hanstera_deliciosa]

@@soberplantguy 😆 It’s working out really well so far!

[@soberplantguy]

@@hanstera_deliciosa Good deal. Out of the half dozen cutting I'm propping, one immediately turned yellow and crapped out. I was hoping you didn't get one that pulled that sh-- on you!

[@hanstera_deliciosa]

@@soberplantguy nope! A little yellowing but it was in the mail for a little while and I HAVE ROOTS!!! Heck yeah! Killin it at life right now Dave

[@soberplantguy]

@@hanstera_deliciosa Yessss!! And "right now" is all we have to worry about, isn't it? Or not. Maybe not at all 🤣

[@PlantyYogina]

😍 @ Scindapsus. My Trebie barely grew a millimetre in the 18mths since I rescued it - until last week, when it finally pushed out a new stem. That said, I’m 💯% certain repotting it in my DIY mix within a week of bringing it home saved its life. And, I’m still in love with it

[@soberplantguy]

I'd sworn off that genus because I mostly don't get along with it, no matter how beautiful they are. Then a dear friend sent me an absolutely stuffing cutting of some rare version, so I'm back in 😂

[@alondrahernandez2386]

Hi Brad, I love your videos! I purchased a mature Mathilde about a month ago that came in Pon I freaked out because I’ve never used Pon before so I asked around online for advice and someone said to cut off all of the roots to re root it and stick in my usual medium (which is same medium you use) I felt like this was a little extreme…so I asked myself what would Brad do (lol) and I treated it like any old pothos and just repotted it to my preferred medium and it’s grown soooo much since, it even grew more Puduncles, I’m so glad I didn’t cut the roots it would have been extra unnecessary work/stress.

[@soberplantguy]

Wow was that terrible advice! Kudos for not taking it 😁 That's a great story, though

[@karenquinn8166]

Thank you for this informative video. I enjoy your channel as it is loaded with helpful info. You have helped me to trust my instincts and do what I think is right. I am new to this hobby and I was getting so discouraged now I can move forward with confidence.

[@soberplantguy]

And this will be my favorite comment--so glad my silly videos are helping 😊

[@lisaanglim9588]

Thank you for this video. Very informative.

[@soberplantguy]

I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@ceciliapacheco6027]

Thank you Dave,very good points love this video ❤❤❤

[@soberplantguy]

Not too sassy? Thanks for the nice comment!

[@LauraStansfield-tw7xb]

I would caution about the dollar tree square cups, because I did the same a few years ago and drilled holes in the bottom.. like even the same amount of holes. Kind of freaky. But I used it for my lithops and they are awesome for that and adorable but I had a lot of issues with tipping them over, over the years. I still have a few but because I had them outside as well, and also cleaned them whenever I repotted, the plastic did get quite milky and ugly and also brittle. However. They are amazing for a short time and I think it's cool other people found the same idea from seeing them in the store. Just be wary that they tip over very easily. So I started putting them in a container where 10 could fit snuggly.

[@soberplantguy]

Good heads up. I’m pretty used to tippy little prop cups, so if they aren’t in a prop box, they’re in a heavily weighted little glass. Cheers from Iowa City

[@deeb2000]

There's no way I would go thru the aggravation of watching my plants suffer with pests. Amazon for whatever reason will not deliver Systemic and Neem oil to my area anymore so I purchased from my local nursery which suprisingly was $10 less! 🎉! And yes I sprinkle a little in my leca. I lost some beautiful hoyas when I first started with Hoya letting them dry out to dry rot! My most difficult to grow is the linearis and Hindu rope, really bummed about that. The UT039 is one of those I lost... I've learned on my own and Dave, I am so glad you started this channel. I'm in synch with your techniques and opinions. I take my hoyas very seriously, it's a hobby and an investment. Wait s minute, fuscomarginata is now vitellina? I have both and they look nothing alike! These name changes 🤦‍♀️🤷‍♂️! Thanks for sharing👍🏽! Dee, NY

[@soberplantguy]

Thanks, Dee! I thought I might push some buttons, but so far only one thumbs down 😆 And no, I cannot wrap my ahead around someone defiantly not using systemics for soil health. There are other legitimate reason, obviously. But that one ain't on the list--not mine anyway 😂

[@soberplantguy]

Oh, and thank you for the encouragement! That means so very much

[@deeb2000]

@@soberplantguy Exactly! Like the expression goes, 'You do you, I do me"!

[@deeb2000]

@@soberplantguy Of course!

[@rebeccahenderson7761]

I really like what you said about the substrate worked for her greenhouse conditions, but not for mine. I have been 'really tempted' to try your mix, but I keep coming back to how fast it would dry out. I am a chronic under-waterer. I have a 200+ wide variety & actually have to use name tags & list the month & day it was watered or guaranteed they will croak! Previously, I mentioned I was going to try diy pon with a reservoir, you wished me luck & I went for it. I now have a lot of hoyas, epipremnums, ferns, calatheas, philos, etc. in my diy pon & I'm so happy!!! They're all thriving & growing like crazy! The hoyas especially are loving it! Best decision ever :) Thanks for your encouragement.

[@soberplantguy]

Wahooooo! I have a friend who asks for a lot of very specific advice on each individual plant, and I'm trying to get him to think about *his conditions, style, time commitment ...* so on and so forth. It ain't working so far 😂

[@rebeccahenderson7761]

@@soberplantguy Oh man, I can only be concerned with the genus. But now, I just lift the inner pot up & if no water w/ a bit food drips I put some in. It's a life changer. They get to take what they want through water roots. It couldn't be more simple. But now comes the job of repotting all the rest, and I have alot, except ofc my ficus trees, succulents, cactus - I'm not crazy, lol. Cheers!

[@paxleidig5327]

@@soberplantguy 🤔 Hmmm, I wonder if he means me! Please keep trying, it will sink in eventually. 😉

[@soberplantguy]

@@paxleidig5327 I'm not, but I think you should always assume that I am 🤣😂🤣

[@wootlesswocks]

When I first started I would never check them , now its the first thing I do. Take it out of the peat bog it came in, check the roots , repot .

[@soberplantguy]

"The peat bog"--enough said 😆

[@lisaanglim9588]

I put so much stuff in my mix. Coco coir, coco husk, coarse #4 perlite, worm castings, leca, orchiata, charcoal, and I think theres something else but I can’t remember. I just have small bins under my planting table that I add.

[@hnelson5609]

Orchiata? Why don't I know about this. Going to Amazon now!

[@soberplantguy]

I used to. Then I started using less and less, and my plants grew better and better ....

[@lisaanglim9588]

@@soberplantguy I’m Not sure why I use both orchiata and coco chips. They seem very similar. Now I’m question why I am doing that. I think that’s the only organic matter I put in the mix.

[@hanstera_deliciosa]

@@lisaanglim9588I am in the same boat as you! But I’ve just decided to give Dave’s mix a try w/MSU fertilizer. Looking forward to growing my Hoya better! I don’t think I’ve been mixing my substrate in the proper proportions and have noticed a lot of issues with moisture retention. I’m sure you know what you’re doing with all of that stuff! 🥰 And it feels good to do everything we can to make sure our plants thrive.

[@lisaanglim9588]

@@hanstera_deliciosa no, I just guessed about proportions. And some times it feels like the water runs right thru it. If I let it go too dry, thats when I have the problem.

[@Wubblyt]

You are so right about “beginners” and beginner hobbyists! The reason for wanting plants and what people are willing to do for plants can vary so much. My 2 cents: beginner hobbyists should not get a lot of plants at once.. Take the time to figure out the care for a bunch, preferably for a year or so to get all seasons, and then decide what to get next

[@soberplantguy]

I feel the same, and I also feel that maybe don't hand out care tips until you've done exactly that: kept a plant alive through every season (assuming that applies). Good to hear from you, as always ☺

[@Wubblyt]

@@soberplantguy haha agreed I started some years ago in spring with about 50 plants in the living room…. Then autumn, less sunlight and cold airflow arrived, most of the plants had to suddenly move upstairs and growlights and a humidifier had to be installed there. It was very stressful and I wouldn’t wish that to happen to anyone. After getting through that year (very successfully surprisingly) I had learned where I could put plants and where I couldn’t put finicky plants and what signs to look for to notice if a plant needs to be moved. Its easy to keep many more now. But about 50 for sure was too many to start with 😅 half of that or less would have been way less stressful! Hmm maybe unless when starting off with a cabinet 🤔😂

[@soberplantguy]

@@Wubblyt For me, it was the first year of a brutal, dark winter and no grow lights, and a way-to-dense substrate. The pots stayed cold and wet until ... well until the roots rotted away 🤣 Live and learn, as they say

[@Wubblyt]

@@soberplantguy awwe that sounds like a stressful winter! I am glad you stuck with the hobby after that

[@soberplantguy]

@@Wubblyt As I said ... high tolerance for "failure" 🤣😂🤣

[@shirleycovey7309]

I began my hoya journey last January and, boy, was I doing everything wrong in the beginning for what a hoya likes. But, I think I am on the right path now as I'm seeing some lovely new growth on most, but some, not so much (maybe they are telling me something I have to figure out). I really want to thank you for sharing your journey and experiences. One of my favorite tips of yours is the soap/alcohol/hydrogen peroxide cleansing that I do once a month....I think they love it and hoping it's preventing a bug infestation. Also, repotting soon after purchase,,,,it's a welcome home!

[@hanstera_deliciosa]

Me too! So cheap and manageable

[@soberplantguy]

It is a bit of an alcohol blast, to be sure, but after that dissipates, things start to smell a whole lot better 😁 I hope to never deal with a genuine pest outbreak. While nothing is guaranteed, staying on top of it has to be best practice.

[@kelsey9384]

Another great video Dave!! A few chuckles as well! I just checked out Doug’s page, very cool. 😎

[@soberplantguy]

What a resource he is! That man will go to *any* length to bloom a Hoya 😆 (Oh, and thank you!)

[@unfilthy]

I relate to your attitude, despite being new to all this. I like to understand how things work, and if possible, why. This all basically means that I'm not trying to grow a perfect plant, or even provide the ideal environment. I'm trying to learn about taking care of plants, so, if I perceive a problem, and try to figure out how to correct it, that's part of the learning process, whether my attempts at a solution work or not. I view everything I do as an experiment at this point. If possible, I'll take two or more instances of the same plant and do different things with them. I'll likely learn something, however the plants respond (also better chances of at least one going reasonably well). Sometimes all I learn is that what I've been doing didn't make much difference to the plant, and that's something too. Some humility is in order. Other than learning about plants and about the environment I have to offer them, I'm learning what type of plant person I am, which I find especially useful. I'm not just finding out what I value in a plant (give me ten drama queens I can respond to over one stoic plant that'll just die one day or drop all its leaves or some such any day, also, flowers are nice but I don't trust them, they come and go;I like pleasing foliage), I'm also learning what tendencies I have and how to mitigate them as necessary (I tend toward wanting to water more, so I use a more drainage-friendly mix, and yes, that does mean re-potting new arrivals unless I have real good reason not to. Also,I need to see what's in that there pot, and if that happens to kill the plant, so be it, though, so far, it hasn't, but the day is young). Well, that came out all contemplative. Here's an Unnamed Half-Dead Hoya update! I decided to not do what my mother said and just let it recover on its own in her pot with her soil and her weird double-sided rooting thing going on. I trust she's perfectly correct, but then what was the point of me having it? I dug it up, I chopped it up, I got rid of anything that looked even remotely suspiciously unhealthy to me, and the cleansed remains are now in water. I may pot half in my mix and leave half to root in water, just so I can see what it does, as I'm nosy like that. I just hope they survive till my (late!) resupply order gets here. I doubt that would've been in your Ultimate Hoya 101 as a first thing to do when you get a Hoya, but oh, well. Gotta learn somehow.

[@soberplantguy]

I'm pretty hands-on. I might have done that 😁 I appreciate your inquisitive spirit. You'll sure learn more. As I said, my tolerance for mistakes is very, very high.

[@anawithplants]

okay I swear I wrote this out but maybe forgot to post it lol.😂 I totally agree about the watering tips! "what is relevant to me, may not be to you" growing conditions and methods are so individualized, so watering tips should be too. not satisfying, but it's the truth.

[@soberplantguy]

We can just preach to each back on forth on our channels 😁 But fault our logic....

[@lisaanglim9588]

I don’t want to buy big baskets if plants but I do like 3-4 inch plants. My preferred size.

[@soberplantguy]

That is a nice size starter, agreed

[@lisaanglim9588]

Scindapsis looks beautiful

[@soberplantguy]

I hope it stays that way 😆

[@Christinesees]

Great video ...

[@soberplantguy]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it...!

[@lisaanglim9588]

I like the trellis that the Flores island is climbing. Where did you get it? I’ve not seen one like that before

[@soberplantguy]

I made that here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j2moY4aDltGMd5Ysi=JWWMaFVafvgKKEQa

[@sindu3]

Can you/do you ever add soil to your substrate?

[@soberplantguy]

If you mean peat, never. I stopped using that quite some time back. Side benefit: drastically reduced those annoying soil gnats by not having that really rich material potted up!

[@northernplantucky]

Video idea. Why hoya may or may not be the right plant genus for you. And are there any lower light tolerant hoya?

[@soberplantguy]

Ah, yes! Good ideas. I especially like the idea of lower light Hoya, because I own many--how convenient 😁 Thanks much!

[@litalfrenkel1024]

Thank yod Dave. what did you do with the root mealy bugs? BY the way, your repot was fairly easy😅, your friend mix is great! sometimes i encounter horrible, cheap, hydrophobic, peat based soil that i can take off...any suggestions🙃?

[@heatherstephens9295]

A cactus collector/grower that I watch adds diatomaceous earth around the roots where she does her repotting. I’ve been doing this now with all my plants & a little sprinkle on top of the potting mix 👍

[@litalfrenkel1024]

@heatherstephens9295 from my understanding the dia doesn't work when it's wet so I don't really use it, at least not with Hoyas

[@heatherstephens9295]

@@litalfrenkel1024 I had absolutely zero pest issues last summer using it, so that’s good for me to continue 👍

[@litalfrenkel1024]

@@heatherstephens9295 wonderful!

[@soberplantguy]

I tried out PureCrop1, and it has worked as advertised. Those things can be a nightmare. Doug from Vermont Hoyas was absolutely despondent after his collection was infested, but this worked for him on all his plants. I used it as a foliar spray in a test as well. Great stuff.

[@jonathonpotts5666]

hi dave, thank you for another great video. Thinking of edema, dry rot root rot i absolutely want to keep the substrate from drying out during the growing season when its warm. In winter when they are dormant and the house is on the chilly side i find it convenient to let the plant get a little 'taco' like to ensure its got some good suck to remove excess water. Am i risking harming my hoya? what do you do when its cold?

[@soberplantguy]

I'd do that, if it has worked for you in the past. For me, I often times have to--wait for it--water *more* often because it's so very dry here. Otherwise, I truly change nothing. I water as the plant requires it, in the same way I always do. I stopped losing plants when I added grow lights. Back then, yes, I had wet, cold plants, and that ain't good.

[@jonathonpotts5666]

@@soberplantguy thanks for the reply. It seemed to work last year, in the uk we do have a humid clime ( metre sys 73% currently) must make for differing requirements. Iv'e a few grow lights, maybe one day i'll get a grow tent and it'll be party time all year long!

[@soberplantguy]

@@jonathonpotts5666 Tent par-tay!!!

[@maggiemay2878]

Love this video… hard 😂

[@soberplantguy]

This comment may win 🤣😂🤣

[@lisaanglim9588]

Me neither. I find it nearly impossible yo understand water or let the plants dry out.

[@Austengirl89]

I hate sphagnum! I cringe when I order plants and they arrive in moss. My linearis was in a plug and I had to work to get it free because I was worried that it was going to rot

[@soberplantguy]

I have a friend who is repotting tons of Hoya growing in moss. The root systems are failing fast, and all at once. She's lost quite a few just trying to keep up. Not for me. Or you 😁

[@saramiller1371]

I’ve heard on the Let’s Talk Hoya podcast that they ph balance their water. Is the only necessary if you grow in semi hydro? Or should I be ph balancing my water if I grow in a chunky soil mix?

[@soberplantguy]

Personally, I've never even considered it. I have heard of the semi-hydro peeps doing it. btw, love that podcast!

[@hanstera_deliciosa]

Ooops.

[@soberplantguy]

Thank you! And just know, Kathleen and I will warmly welcome you to Iowa. The spare bedroom is the tent room, but a sleeping bag might work? It'll be tight. (But sincerely, thank you.)

[@hanstera_deliciosa]

@@soberplantguy it’s my final hurrah before I’m banned from plants forever. (Max 2 weeks?)

[@soberplantguy]

@@hanstera_deliciosa Just note that I did not offer up any of the larger, more comfortable rooms in the house. Know who I am ... really am....

[@hanstera_deliciosa]

@@soberplantguy I see you. Understood. I’ll bring my own pillow

[@margaretcalifano1617]

How much do I have to worry about washing and buffering the coco chips? I bought the Legigo brand and it said it was already washed

[@soberplantguy]

I don't usually worry about it--that was a one time thing. And a hassle 😆

[@hanstera_deliciosa]

Yeeeeeesss! Thanks for asking the question I forgot I wanted to ask! 🥰

[@soberplantguy]

@@hanstera_deliciosa This sounds very much like a made-up name 🙃

[@hanstera_deliciosa]

@@soberplantguy 🫠

[@hanstera_deliciosa]

It’s the beverage Dave. Must be steamy and contained within a porcelain vessel (preferably with a witty saying about fall or how wonderful/miserable life is). Bonus if it has lavender undertones. 🥰 ok now I will restart the video for the second time.

[@soberplantguy]

You know, I thought about that! That beautiful footage at the beginning of the video. I'm honestly not patient enough to film it. So..... Just spicy Dave I guess 😆

[@hanstera_deliciosa]

@@soberplantguy instead of a slow pan of steaming liquid, I’d accept cats/dogs being cute.

[@soberplantguy]

@@hanstera_deliciosa This I can do 🤩

[@lisaanglim9588]

36:42 is this Hoya,( I forget the name) healthy. The leaves look very yellowish. And bruised appearing too.

[@soberplantguy]

100% healthy. That's sun stress you're seeing.

[@Planty-Mandy]

Just kinda medium. Medium hard. 😂

[@soberplantguy]

I nearly slipped into a Patreon video there for sec 😆

[@rosalieboutin4663]

Thanks! So much great info. 🪴

[@soberplantguy]

I'm glad that you enjoyed it! 😀

[@jacquelinedaniels87]

Another question lol-where does all the damn soil go when the roots take over?! Aliens? My answer is aliens.

[@soberplantguy]

Some of it break down and gets flushed, the remainder goes to …. aliens.

[@Diane-ex1os]

Good Morning Dave 😎, I miss your video last night🫣 but I grabbed my coffee early this morning and there you were 👌🏽made my day Thanks 😊 funny I had only just repotted a few Hoyas yesterday so you’re video was comforting to see I’m on the right track with my repotting. One Question I been using a bit of Tree Bark Fiber in the mix do you have any opinions on this ?? And by the way love how you take care of your wife’s Scindapsus it’s one of my Favorites Beautiful Plant 🌱. Have a wonderful day Mr. Dave with the soothing Voice and Great Smile 😊🫶

[@soberplantguy]

That was a pretty late post--the video took almost five hours to process from editing to final product. Yikes. I did a video with various substrates, and tree fern fiber was one of them. I was impressed, the price notwithstanding (and given how it's collected, no wonder it's pricey). From sheer laziness, I'd left a siltepacano cuttings in both fluval stratum, and TFF. The cutting in FS didn't do much beyond the initial rooting in those few weeks, but the cuttings in TFF went absolute bonkers. Like, crazy. I had to plant the whole fiber plug into my substrate 🤣 So, with the leftover TFF, I ended up mixing it in with the substrate for my more rare Hoya props. I understand why it's so expensive, but if it weren't, I'd be using it often.

[@Diane-ex1os]

Thanks Dave 😎🐞

[@paxleidig5327]

Still teasing us with that tent video, eh? 🤔

[@soberplantguy]

What tent video 😐

[@paxleidig5327]

Oh sure, now try to play dumb. You know very well that your Mars tent has been a repeat topic in the community comments. I'm beginning to think you might have something incriminating in there that has to be cleaned out first.... Like...a dead body. 😱😱 (Que the menacing organ music)

[@dianebennett4440]

You recently showed up in a Facebook post about your Hoya problems. That is why you had a bunch of views. I enjoy your videos so i had already watched that one. About taking out no more than 1/3 of a plant when pruning applies to outdoor bushes and trees. I do not understand how it would ever apply to houseplants. It’s what Master Gardener teaches.

[@soberplantguy]

I'm sorry? Was someone preventing you from watching it again?? 🤣😂🤣 I knew about the 1/3 for outdoor gardening. Maybe that's where people came up with it. Who knows where these idea get started, and then repeated ad nauseam?

[@dianebennett4440]

@@soberplantguyno one prevented me from watching it again. You are right one the of the few I actually watch because you are a hoya person. Most others I just have on as background noise. I have too little time to watch the same videos. You have been spotted as a good resource on Facebook in one of my Hoya groups . Keep up the good work. My facebook is loaded with plant groups and dogs no people. I like it now. I bought some Potsii seeds on Etsy. You gave me the idea I could do this. Any tips on growing them?

[@soberplantguy]

@@dianebennett4440 I'm really happy that this time around I used those individual cups. No more separating seedlings. Keep 'em warm, humid, but offer ventilation. I start feeding them quite young. And that's about it. Good luck, and have fun!

[@jacquelinedaniels87]

This may be a bit too personal and if so, please don’t answer, and I hope it isn’t offensive. I’m asking bc of personal experience-but did you find when you got sober you moved the addiction to plants? Idk if this is even a legit worry but I’m worried I didn’t kill the root of the issue and just moved it over to a “healthier” addiction

[@daveoverstreet5148]

Im an open book. I didn’t move my addiction to plants. I’d been sober a while before I got into them seriously. But no, I don’t feel that compulsion to buy buy buy 😊 my video coming out tonight is on the day of my eighth sobriety birthday 🎉

[@hanstera_deliciosa]

Hey! A healthier addiction is better than… the alternative? I keep telling myself.

[@soberplantguy]

@@hanstera_deliciosa I prefer to use the term "serious hobbyist." Feel free.

[@hanstera_deliciosa]

@@soberplantguy I like to call plants my “Special Interest.” So people leave me TF alone about it already. 😊 🤗

[@hanstera_deliciosa]

@@soberplantguy you are seriously something.

[@deeb2000]

PS: What is a beginner's plant? Some do well starting off with a rare plant and some struggle with a common plant. It all depends...

[@soberplantguy]

Oh that's easy. Name any boring office plant that everyone has seen a million times and will inspire passion in exactly no one. How'd I do? 🤣😂🤣

[@deeb2000]

@@soberplantguy Lol! So true!

[@debh3404]

You know why people like you? Because you are YOU. That's all.

[@soberplantguy]

Dave over here blushing at 5 am 😊

[@debh3404]

@@soberplantguy Lol. Oh, to answer your question about measuring alcohol. That's for us tiny girls who have to be very careful and measure consumption or things get out of hand very quickly!

[@soberplantguy]

@@debh3404 You lost me at "measure" 🤣😂🤣

[@hanstera_deliciosa]

Microphone fondling isn’t something the plant community is willing to tolerate. Keep the fondling to pubescent foliage please.

[@soberplantguy]

True, true. That's really more of a Patreon thing, I suppose 🤣😂🤣