MOVING HOYAS TO PON - Trying An Inorganic Growing Medium - Hoya carnosa 'Compacta', Hoya leucantha

[@cecilejsamuel7223]

Watching from quebec, Canada

[@PlantedInRI]

Thanks for watching and commenting with your location.

[@Cristina-H]

Thank you for all the helpful information. I’ve moved most of my Hoyas and other plants to pon. I love it because I’m horrible at watering and I noticed less pests. Also, with 150+ plants self watering planter with pon has made it so much easier to water. Yes, I’ve killed a few plants in pin but way less than those in soil.

[@deeb2000]

Thank you! Thank you! That was a fantastic tutorial and explanation of what we need to know. The reminder on rinsing the pon was very important! I learned from another KZbinr few years back that she caused a plumbing problem when she rinsed fluval stratum down her drain! Since then I've been very careful to take the steps you've mentioned which includes red volcanic rock and charcoal. Unfortunately, pon and stratum worked for a short period with the few I've tried. I've tried so many different substrates and each time I'm taken right back to leca but I want something finer grade for the small cuttings so I'm going to try pon again. Thanks for sharing👍🏽! Dee, NY

[@PlantedInRI]

Stratum seems to break down somewhat readily, and is not as robust nor as large as most pon, so I think in the end it clogs the "airyness" of pon. I know a lot of people swear by it, but I'm not impressed. The pon I've been using is a slightly finer grade than the brand name stuff, and I've had really good success rooting in it. It's also available in smaller quantities. Thanks, Dee, for watching and adding your comment.

[@deeb2000]

@@PlantedInRI You're welcome! Yes, I'm not impressed with stratum. I'm going on your Amazon store soon after I have breakfast!

[@shirleycovey7309]

That was the best transfer to pon that I've seen. Thank you! Now I know what to do if I choose to try it. Excellent!

[@PlantedInRI]

Thanks for the kind words. Thanks, too, for watching and adding your comment. Let us know if you give pon a try.

[@mn4169]

I am in Sweden and love to watch plant chats about everything. pretty hoyas too.❣

[@PlantedInRI]

Thank you. Thanks, too, for watching and adding your comment.

[@mn4169]

❤👍​@@PlantedInRI

[@anon.ne.n]

Thank you for sharing the tips and tricks of planting in pon! I specifically liked the idea and logic behind holding the planter and placing pon more on the side, so the roots could be placed in a better position, I'm definitely trying that next time 🤔 Oh and 'm watching from Lithuania, with a cup of coffee in hand ☕

[@PlantedInRI]

I'm glad if that idea is helpful. Thanks for watching and commenting with your location.

[@shelleyv2403]

Watching from Nelson British Columbia in Canada, I'm new to hoyas and appreciate all of the info :)

[@amberschmidt278]

Hi Neighbour! I’m in Revelstoke. 👋 Happy to see someone so close! 😄

[@PlantedInRI]

Welcome to the Hoya rabbit hole! I'm happy i the videos are helpful. Thanks for watching and adding your comment.

[@planttherapy1860]

I love watching you work! The Leucantha is adorable.

[@PlantedInRI]

Thanks, Mona. The H leucantha, yeah, it was an "oh I need one of those" moments. Now watch, those cute little leaves will turn into monsters.

[@planttherapy1860]

@PlantedInRI I know! 🤣😀

[@da9890]

I grow some of my Hoyas in organic mix and some in pon, and my Hoyas are doing just fine. I was afraid of using pon, but I took a chance and it was worth it. Happy Holidays to you.

[@PlantedInRI]

I felt the same way. I was afraid of making the move, but now I'm glad I did. I still have Hoyas in organic, and I still consider it one of my options. Thanks for watching and adding your comment.

[@stadtkind030]

very informative. Great production. greetings from Berlin, Germany

[@PlantedInRI]

Thank you. Thanks, too, for watching and commenting with your location.

[@BeckyW-c9r]

So glad to hear you explain your reason for top watering, especially with new plant establishing roots. That is EXACTLY what I've done as it makes sense to me. I am glad to hear you have the same rationale. 💚

[@PlantedInRI]

It just made sense to me, too; especially with newly potted plants in inorganic. Why put the moisture where the roots can't reach it? Thanks for watching and adding your comment.

[@LisaMcs7i]

Hello from Waco, Texas. Thanks for putting out great videos!

[@PlantedInRI]

I'm glad you're enjoying them. Thank you for watching, and for adding your comment.

[@ellennovak5214]

Enjoying learning from eastern Nebraska.

[@PlantedInRI]

Thank you for watching and adding a comment with your location.

[@doreenb5327]

Good demo 👍🏻. I’ve been using same system for years on all my plants and it works great. Have never had a single pest.

[@PlantedInRI]

Thanks. Thanks, too, for watching and adding your comment.

[@peggya407]

Love your content! I watch from my computer in Theodore, Alabama in the good ole USA! Merry Christmas and Happy 2025!!!🙂

[@PlantedInRI]

Thanks for watching, for the Holiday Wishes, and for including your location in the comment. A Happy to you, too.

[@julierobertson148]

I enjoy your videos in Rochester, MN. I so appreciate your demonstrating the huge range of variation within the Hoya genus.

[@PlantedInRI]

For me, it's the variety in the Hoya genus that makes it so much fun. Thanks for watching and adding your comment and your location.

[@lucyogutu-lumuli7253]

Always happy to watch your videos, from Nairobi Kenya. Thank you for taking the time to share your beautiful plants with us. Happy holidays!

[@PlantedInRI]

Happy Holidays to you as well. Thanks for watching and adding your comment with your location.

[@ceciliamartinez6288]

I thank you for this video. I never knew when people said they growing in pon. I’m new to having Hoyas. This was very educational to me. Merry Christmas 🎄

[@PlantedInRI]

If the video was helpful, then I'm glad. Thanks for watching and adding your comment.

[@laurapoore6451]

excellent demonstration I grow almost all of my Hoya in pon I love the stuff. I really liked the part where you lay your pot on the side and kinda lay your roots in. That’s an excellent idea. I’m gonna try that. would you tell us what fertilizer you do use? I have kind of been experimenting with different ones and can’t decide which one I want. how long have you been growing house plants if you had to pick one, Hoya what would be your favorite?

[@PlantedInRI]

Thanks for the kinds words. Thanks, too, for watching and adding questions to your comment. They've been added to the list for next week.

[@soberplantguy]

Even with zero percent of my collection in PON, I get asked about this all the time. Now, there's a perfect reference video--and I thank you, sir. My question is boring, but... you used to be a shorts channel, it seems. What inspired the move to long form videos? Do you find it more satisfying?

[@PlantedInRI]

Thank you! You should try just one plant in pon and self-watering, just to have that experience in your repertoire. Not even a mention of wearing purple, huh? I expect you in green in the near future. Not a boring question at all, and I've added it to the list. Thanks for watching and adding your comment.

[@heksennest]

Hi, i'm from Spijkenisse in The Netherlands. I root and grow most of my Hoya, Anthurium and Alocasia in pon. Merry Christmas and a plantastic 2025.

[@PlantedInRI]

...and a Happy New Year to you as well. Thanks for watching and adding your comment with your location.

[@ttschrock7126]

Hi Rod, and Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and the best of the coming year. I started with organic, then went to pon. I have recently been considering moving a few back to organic. I have noticed that my hoyas which originate in China or cold places do fabulous in pon. My kroniana black is the first one that I am switching. I honestly second guess my self all the time. I bought some Naked Root pots, which I like but not at all with pon. They would be superb orchids pots. Just my input. I don't think that I totally have faith in my knowledge of hoyas, but I have come a long way. Be well!

[@PlantedInRI]

I saw those pots, and had the exact same thoughts. I have Hoyas in both organic and inorganic, but the majority are in pon. My Hoyas and Dischidia seem to like both or either; but I think it's the self-watering pots that really make the difference. Thanks for watching and adding your comment to the conversation. Happy Holidays and Best Wishes for the coming year.

[@kathrynvaughn359]

Watching from Cedar Hill Mo USA

[@PlantedInRI]

Thanks for watching and adding your comment with your location.

[@elizabethgreco-nieves]

One of the best tutorials that I’ve seen on transitioning from soil to pon⭐️. You were clear in your instructions and were so methodical when it came to getting off the last of the soil from the roots☺️. It can get so tricky with moss though, the roots get so entangled, so annoying. I have many of my hoya and alocasia and some anthuriums in pon and they are loving it. Merry Christmas and Happy New year to you and yours🎄. Long Island NY. Do you have a recommendation for a Hoya book?

[@PlantedInRI]

Thank you. I get the best result removing moss, by getting it soaking wet; literally dripping. The moss relaxes and it seems much easier to coax it out. No more Alocasia for me, but I have some Anthuriums in pon that are doing well, particularly the "strappy" ones. Thanks for watching and commenting, and I've added you question to the list.

[@elizabethgreco-nieves]

Great tip, thanks I have a few Hoyas that I need to switch over and was dreading it. Give them another try ( alocasia) your green thumb is amazing ! Yeah so glad I’m on the list🥹

[@kathrynrobinson670]

I would like to ask you what nutrient solution you use and some of your favorite sources to purchase Hoyas. Your channel is my Friday favorite 😉

[@PlantedInRI]

Thanks, I'm glad you enjoy it. Thanks, too, for watching and your questions. They're on the list for next week.

[@planttherapy1860]

Excellent video, Rod. Frederick Maryland is where I am. Q. What or who inspired you to collect plants?

[@PlantedInRI]

Thanks, again, Mona. Thanks as well for your location and your question; both have been added to the lists.

[@Michi-f1r8z]

Many greetings from Lower Bavaria, South Germany. Now you have a new follower, saw you the first time and like your video 👍 When did you get your first hoya and how many do you have now? Merry Christmas🎄

[@PlantedInRI]

Thanks for subscribing, I appreciate that. Thanks, too, for adding a comment with your location and with your question. Best of Holidays.

[@CherylannTurner-pr5bl]

Do you enjoy outdoor gardening? What other hobbies do you have? Merry Christmas and Happy, blessed New Year!

[@PlantedInRI]

Thanks for watching and commenting with your questions. They've been added to the list.

[@lisaanglim9588]

I would probably put in some perlite it stratum to get the water roots they need to grown in pon

[@PlantedInRI]

There is no such thing as "water roots" - it's a plant myth - roots are roots. Both perlite (which I don't use, perlite dust is carcinogenic) and stratum break down more readily than does pon. One of the points about pon is that it maintains it's airy nature and doesn't break down, so why add things that will clog it up; and why make it more complicated? Less is more, simpler is better.

[@CA12636]

Watching from Munkebo on Funen, Denmark :)

[@PlantedInRI]

Thanks for watching and adding a comment with your location.

[@alden636]

Michele from Buffalo, NY Merry Christmas 🎄

[@PlantedInRI]

Michele, thanks for watching and adding a comment with your location.

[@lisaanglim9588]

Some people mix perlite in the pon as well as some orchiata in the pon too.

[@PlantedInRI]

I don't see that perlite and/or orchiata bring anything to the party, but you should experiment and figure out what works best for you. Many growers develop complex recipes with lots of specialized ingredients, and I've seen commercially available growing mixes with twelve to fourteen ingredients. My approach is to keep it simple. More doesn't mean better.

[@donnaclark1300]

Pon is definitely an option, and it's not for me😮. Love the coco chucks, pumice, and charcoal mix I'm been using. My question; is there anywhere you would like take plant vacation? To explore and see plants in their natural habitat. I would like for some time in the near future, to make separate visits to 1.Costa Rica to see the rain forest. 2.Thailand to visit some Hoya Greenhouses and the Chatuchak Plant Market and 3.Madagascar to see some cactus and succulents in their natural habitat. Happy holidays, all the best for 2025, and happy gardening.

[@christa_explores101]

Hello from Providence ri 🎉

[@PlantedInRI]

...and "hello" to you from East Providence. Thanks for watching and adding your comment and location.

[@amberschmidt278]

Happy Friday! My question is- do you personally find the “shrubby” types of Hoyas such as multiflora and campanulata thrive in pon or organic mix? I’m an experienced grower. Prefer organic. Multiflora- well we fight? Happy Holidays! 😊

[@PlantedInRI]

"...well we fight..." LOL. Good question, and I've added it to the list for next week. Thanks for watching and Happy Holidays to you as well.

[@VanityVain-sf7nr]

Hoya collector here iv ben thinking about moving mine to pon..

[@PlantedInRI]

Every growing medium has its plusses and minuses. If you're interested in trying inorganic, just try/experiment/learn with one plant, don't move you entire collection. It has worked well for many of my Hoyas. Thanks for watching and adding your comment.

[@AnnaKalintseva]

Dallas, Texas

[@PlantedInRI]

Thanks for watching and adding a comment with your location.

[@Wubblyt]

Wishing you a wonderful Sunday I have another Hoya question: Do you know what is going on when on new leaves the inside is yellow for a while (almost like its inner variegated but it is not) and then eventually turns green? And something similar: Do you know what is going on when on new leaves parts are reddish for a long time and eventually turn green? (This can be all over the leaf, not just the inside)

[@PlantedInRI]

I'm not sure what's going on with the first case, though perhaps they could use a bit more nutrients, but if they eventually turn green then perhaps it's the nature of that Hoya. In the second case, that's not at all uncommon in my experience. Many new Hoya leaves come in rather red or bronze and slowly turn to green. If they're under a very strong light, that could slow the process a bit.

[@Wubblyt]

@ Haha me neither, especially since they do turn green in the end.. I was thinking it was temperature, except one out of 4 Hoyas that currently does this is a cold grower.. they are also all in different locations (always have been) and they are not all purchased from the same place… and have waaaaay different times in my care… cannot find the common denominator haha 🤷‍♀️ The red parts on new leaves… if it is the whole leaf, it makes sense to me, but I find it so strange that it is patches.. nothing seems wrong with the plants though For both occurrences,.. since the leaves turn green eventually and the plants grow well overall and have good root systems, I don’t think it is problematic…. But nevertheless, so strange! Thank you for your thoughts on it 😊

[@lisaanglim9588]

I’ve been toying with trying pon but have yet to pull the trigger.

[@PlantedInRI]

Do your research and reading, and figure out just what you'd need (supplies) to give it a try. It works well for some of my plants. Thanks for watching, Lisa, and adding your comment.

[@lovesyorkies3395]

Hi Rod! Merry Christmas! I tried growing a Hoya in pon, just in case, I wasn’t very successful and it started tanking so I immediately took a cutting and rooted it in sphagnum moss. I do grow some Anthurium in pon….I grow others in tree fern fiber with a lecca layer at the bottom. So far so good! To minimize shock and encourage strong root growth I water with mychorrizae fungi at first watering (top watering) and at least once a month afterwards. (sometimes once every 2-3 months) It does makes a difference. So, how many Hoya do you have in your collection at the moment and do you have an interest in any other genus? Just curious. I have more Hoya than any other house plant so I gravitate to Hoya content. They are by far my favorite! Miro is one of my favorites to watch as well! He’s got a good sense of humor! Who else do you watch?

[@PlantedInRI]

That's unfortunate, my Hoyas generally do very well in pon; but use what works best for you. Maybe try again someday. Thanks for watching and including your questions. They've been added to the list.

[@lisaanglim9588]

Other than long fiber spagnam is longer than other spagnam, is their other differences?

[@PlantedInRI]

It might be the brand I buy, but it seems cleaner (almost no sticks and duts/dirt), it's fluffier, it seems to hold more moisture, and on the whole is just a nicer product to work with. Once I tried it I never bought the regular, cheap stuff again.

[@linda3808]

How long have you grown plants? When did you get interested?

[@PlantedInRI]

Thanks for watching and adding your questions. They've been added to the list for next week.

[@judithkrmrs8533]

I love your kenyakumariana! 😍 I bought a cutting of it and endauensis half a year ago but beside root growth nothing. Sprayed them for mites several times, just to make sure they are not infested -still no growth. 😟 Do you have any tips based on your experience?

[@PlantedInRI]

Both of those Hoya can be a bit slow getting started, so hang in there. Feed them regularly and give them good light. What container/substrate combo are you using? Thanks for watching and adding your comment.

[@judithkrmrs8533]

I use seethrough plastic nursery cups and a perlite, coco coir, coco chip substrate. They are placed under a Growlight in a shelf in my living room (50-60% humidity, around 21°C. Maybe they want more humidity or warmth? At least they didn't croak yet 😅. Thanks you for your tips! ❤

[@PlantedInRI]

Those conditions should be fine, they are essentially the conditions in my Hoya Room. I might not use the coco coir since Hoyas tend to prefer an airy mix. Do the cups have drainage holes? If not, they should. Some cuttings can take a while (several weeks) to root. As long as they aren't dead, there's hope.

[@ccarroca1]

Shrewsbury , Massachusetts!

[@PlantedInRI]

Thanks for watching, neighbor, and commenting with your location.

[@heatherstephens9295]

Another great video - thank you very much 👏👏👏 My question is what is or was your paid career? Bye for now 🍸🍸 ☕️

[@PlantedInRI]

Thank you. Thanks, too, Heather, for watching and adding your question. It's been added to the list.

[@liafedra1636]

Porto, Portugal

[@PlantedInRI]

Olá para si em Portugal. Thansk for watching and commenting with your location.

[@lorettastyles5523]

Well NO pon for me. The two hoyas I tried in it died😒. Do you ever feel like downsizing your collection or stop purchasing more plants?🤔. Happy holiday to you 🎉

[@PlantedInRI]

Well that's unfortunate. Whenever I water - which is almost daily - I think about downsizing my collection. Thankfully that feeling soon passes, and there's always another Hoya I haven't tried yet. Thanksa for watching, Loretta, adn asking your question. Best of Holidays.

[@lisaanglim9588]

Wouldn’t you want to rinse the dirt off? Would be easier than manually removing the soil.

[@PlantedInRI]

It might seem easier, but it's not nearly as effective. Rinsing alone doesn't get rid of all the soil and other bits. You don't want any soil or organic material in your pon/self-watering, it defeats the puprpose. In most cases you're going to have to get in there and pick stuff out.

[@krissmann7611]

I would never use a toothbrush to dislodge soil from the roots.

[@shirleycovey7309]

But it seemed to work!

[@PlantedInRI]

OK, that's fine. People asked how I moved plants to pon, and that's my process. If you're uncomfortable with any part of it, then don't do it. Nobody has to do anything the way I do. The bristles of an old, used, "soft" toothbrush do get into places where fingers or even a chopstick cannot reach, and if you "brush", but not "scrub", it can be helpful. Roots can be a bit tougher than many people think. Thanks for watching and adding your comment.

[@pattituringan6745]

What’s your day job?

[@PlantedInRI]

Thanks for watching and including a question in your comment. It's on the list.

[@atrytone1834]

Moodus CT

[@PlantedInRI]

Howdy, neighbor. Thanks for watching and commenting with your location.

[@bloodysad]

It feels kind of strange that we do not know your first name. Why is that or am I being too personal@

[@PlantedInRI]

It was weird for me to think about being on the other side of the camera, and took a while to get there, so I never really introdced myself. My first name is Rod, short for Roderick. Thanks for watching and asking your question.

[@bloodysad]

@@PlantedInRI I like that name! I am glad I know it now! I know the names of all the other planty people on KZbin and that makes it seem like you are talking with a friend! I love your videos and have learned a lot ! Thank you!

[@Wubblyt]

“Pon is not the answer, its an option” 👍👏 This was a great explanation of the ingredients and rinsing etc, very complete. I really like that you also added precautions. Id advise to take a cutting of a plant that you already have to try (anything) for the first time Since you already know the plant and it wont matter if it doesn’t work (similar to what you advised) I really appreciate the respect you have for other growers and their mixes, just because you aren’t crazy about it doesn’t mean it wont work for another person, like you said “my mix works for me, your mix works for you” 😊 Do you have any Hoyas that you deliberately not grow in pon, if so for what reason? Just a heads up, tree fern in self watering works well for Hoyas 🪴🪴 Tree fern is my preferred growing medium, only a few Hoyas are in self watering though, I feel a bit out of touch with my plants when I put them in self watering pots 😅

[@PlantedInRI]

I like tree fern, and I've started adding it to my organic mix, I just wish it weren't so expensive here. Thanks for watching and adding your comments. I've added your question to the list for next week.

[@Wubblyt]

@ if I may ask, how are the prices there? Is it much more than pon? Here it is also expensive compared to just about anything else except pon, they are similarly priced

[@PlantedInRI]

Tree fern fiber is sold by volume here, and approximately three liters of tree fern fiber is about €30. The pon I use is sold by weight and 8kg of pon is about €40.

[@Wubblyt]

@ wow that price is very high indeed.. Im at about 17,50 for 5 liters currently, still high but doable for the amount of plants that I grow in it and the few repots that they need