Rainwater, Hoya verticillata and Root Mealybugs | Hoya Conundrums

[@heatherstephens9295]

I have found sprinkling diatomaceous earth on top of the potting mix really helpful & if I’m repotting I sprinkle it around the roots as well 👍👍

[@flirtygoddess]

Thanks for sharing that. Has diatomaceous earth help with other pests besides mealybugs? & how often do you have to reapply?

[@deborahmcsweeney3349]

I only use rainwater. But I have a big system of 4,500 gallons. When I had a greenhouse business the plants loved rainwater over our city water. In winter I fill up buckets and bring inside on warmer days. If I can't get my rainwater I use my filtered water. But I've found rain water is loved by plants!! Such a good talk!

[@howmygardengrows3080]

I have to admit, I don't see myself going through the trouble with special water at my house. It's ride or die around here! 🤣

[@martinanemcokova917]

I have had a verticillata for 2 years and it is huge and no peduncles yet. Good luck :)

[@elwood9408]

Thank you so much for the detailed rainwater discussion! I'm impressed by your dedication to your plants, collecting and storing all that water. I'm not sure I'm ready to collect rainwater... but will revisit this in the spring. For now, I'll take the route of ph-adjusting my tap water, at least until the plants go outside again for the summer :). Also, I LOVE talking about hoyas, water, and potting mix, I can listen to these topics all day long!

[@enochunte9388]

The sand from the Sahara is a important nutrient to the Amazon rainforest so I would think the plants will love the sandy rain water. Since the Amazon is so wet most plants feed through there leaves. And they get it from the Sahara

[@rachaelnugent]

I have an admission: I'm really not into Hoya. I just like learning planty things, and find watching your videos very relaxing and entertaining :-)

[@BasiePlants]

😱 I must convert you. 😂 What plants are you into?

[@finestracheride]

Most of my hoyas have been growing in bark and moss in a self made net pot ever since you suggested it. For me it was the ultimate winning move to overcome our dark, cold, and humid winter conditions and the root rot they inevitably cause. I would not pick that option if I lived in a warm place though, it's a lot of watering in summer 😅

[@BasiePlants]

This! I forgot to say that for me, the mix is either great for winter or for summer 😂 LECA does well in summer because I can keep on top of my watering but in winter it is very hard to find the right amount of water to not rot the roots and the water gets cold in the reservoir even if it is 23+ degrees in the room. If I remove the reservoir, it is too dry, so the roots die back. If I add a little bit of water then I have to water very frequently. It is always something 😂

[@vintageintentions]

This was quite educational. Thanks for sharing!

[@jannamoen4370]

Since you mentioned it in this video, I would love to hear your thoughts on krohniana vs lacunosa! I have been seeing posts in my hoya groups lately that all of the krohnianas are actually lacunosa, while other people are convinced they are different cultivars that can be differentiated by leaf shape etc. I only have the krohniana silver in my collection at the moment so I can't really compare, but I am not convinced that leaf shape or texture is enough to differentiate between two species.

[@Magu-magic]

Love your sense of humor! I Think i want to buy you a drink ;)))

[@BasiePlants]

Cheers to that! 😂

[@flirtygoddess]

​@BasiePlants I second that idea of buying you a drink, Miro! 🥂 You're welcome to come to Reno, Nevada or Veracruz, Mexico whenever you like. 😄

[@flirtygoddess]

I love your sense of humor Miro! I keep watching your videos every chance I get & you always make me laugh with your unintended jokes. 😂 You really make my day. 😁 Learning about those malicious mealybugs freaks me out, so I'm wondering if you use any chemical sprays at all & what you'd recommend. I'm not sure if I'll eventually find that answer in your other videos. Thanks again for all the info! 💕 Sending greetings & hugs from Reno, Nevada. USA ☺️🫂

[@betsybegonia]

I want more Hoya verticillatas.

[@BasiePlants]

We must collect them all. 😂

[@Ruby-wt6bf]

Could you make a video on new Hoyas for 2022? Like what are new some new Hoya you’ve come across, that many don’t own or talk about that you believe are beautiful. Maybe share a few on your wishlist?

[@lisanowakow3688]

I always enjoy your videos.

[@mwoods4608]

I love these conundrums videos!!

[@nicolemorreau9977]

I am so excited that you used my question! Thank you!

[@lleo9703]

Great video! Could you go into a little more detail about why there is no Hoya Potsii?

[@804Ro]

Love your videos! My only problem is I struggle with envy when I see your cover pots! I think what I love is their shape and hate that they are not available in the USA. Lol 😓

[@nicolemorreau9977]

I wish they were available in the USA too!

[@jelenamitrovic9039]

I have to say that I really enjoy this Q&A format. It is very informative and practical. I will definitely revisit this one to let all the information sink in :)

[@BasiePlants]

Because I am not available to you daily. 😂

[@jelenamitrovic9039]

@@BasiePlants Hahahahaa, that is true, but being a good friend I will try not to ask you the same questions every two days :D

[@BasiePlants]

@@jelenamitrovic9039 instead I will do it daily 😂

[@jelenamitrovic9039]

@@BasiePlants I can do it hourly just keep being mean 😂

[@sharonbrown5238]

I so love watching your quirky funny personality so much. I picture if I had a son he would have had that type of a personality and keep me laughing. Enjoy you very much.

[@BasiePlants]

Haha 😂 Thank you! That is very sweet of you 💚 🥺

[@wandashaw3551]

I enjoyed this video so much and I enjoyed seeing you on a weekday! 😁

[@justmejo9008]

Thanks for all the info👍🏻

[@BasiePlants]

You are welcome 💚

[@arie_rogers87]

I have recently found you and I'm officially in love. Your videos have everything I need lmao 🤣 😂 you are very funny and so damn knowledgeable soooooo.....thank you. Your plants are incredible and so beautiful I 😍 I can not wait to binge all of your videos

[@BasiePlants]

Thank you, those are very sweet words 💚 I am glad you like the videos. :D Watch how far back you go though, there are some weird ones. 🤣

[@arie_rogers87]

@Basie Plants the weird ones are some of my favorites with other accounts I'm sure I'll find ones that are awesome. Im a weird person myself ha ha

[@karenb136]

You mentioned using water from your dehumidifier to water your plants. I started to do that and then read somewhere not to use it because of the bacteria in it. I live in Florida so almost always have it running. Do you have any comments about that?

[@sherryporsch9349]

Love the video 💚 Tip, if your collecting rain water in buckets please put netting ect over the top. A chip monk fell in mine an it drowned. Still feel bad about it.

[@mostlyorchids]

Mealybugs are easy to get rid of IF you have access to the systemic imidacloprid, otherwise they are a pain to get rid of. I spray the whole plant down with 70% isopropyl instead of using the cotton swab so the isopropyl can get into the crevices where they hide.

[@danihu03]

I collect Rain water that I collected with an intermediate bulk container, ibc tank, ibc tote, refurbished ibc tote, previously used ibc. It runs off my gutters. It's translucent white. I've had water in it all winter and decided to use it on my indoor plants. I do not see any signs of it as spoiled. I figure the sun keeps it from doing anything funky. I'm on week 2 and my plants seem to be responding well. I bought it very cheaply on FB marketplace from a farmer. I paid $50( I think). I justvreplentiahed my container in my house and I wish you could see all the tiny bubbles in the water. That has to be a good thing.

[@carolinacarrie2247]

I have an ro unit and a Fishtank. My plants drink from one or the other. Thanks for the information 👍

[@connie.g2048]

Awesome video as always x

[@pamgustaveson3735]

Hi Miro, I rewatched your video yesterday on growing the hoya obovata. In the comments a person wrote about using some kind of gel on the leaves and nodes of their hoyas. Now, of course, I can't find the video and would like to order some and after looking on Amazon, I still confused about what they were talking about. So, in your wisdom, do you know. Thank you.

[@BasiePlants]

If I remember correctly, they mentioned keiki paste :) I know a lot of people experiment with it - I haven't tried it yet. I think the general idea is put a small bit on the node.

[@pamgustaveson3735]

@@BasiePlants Thanks so much. I found it on Amazon.

[@ashleynicole9036]

It’s like you read my mind. I was wondering this the other day.😅

[@BasiePlants]

😂 I should add mindreader to my bio 😂

[@yvonnela4979]

It took me 6 month to get rid of mealy bugs ( it was only 1 plant!). First I didn't take it serious. I sprayed every week with a solution I bought for this purpose. It didn't work. After repotting and spraying every week with an oil water , solution I get rid of it. It took a while. But even after a year I do a closer look ...don't trust the peace... Maybe you can do an update on your orchids? Happy growing 🌺🌸🌼

[@BasiePlants]

They are really persistent! I can't believe people say they are easy to get rid off. That has not been my recent experience. I don't have as many orchids anymore. I had a virus spread from one of my garden center Phalenopsis and I had to toss over 20 plants. I might collect them again, but I think I will try with miniature orchids in some terrarium. :)

[@Osminoqtos]

I have 3 verticillatas. But they look so different. I can't believe they are the same species. I bought them as Hoya parasitica heart leaf, Hoya parasitica "black margin", and Hoya acuta variegata (inner variegation). I believed that Hoya V. "black margin" could be Hoya Sp. "Anjuk ladang". I have to bring them to bloom to see if there is any difference between them.

[@BasiePlants]

I can't wait to see it in bloom too! I did put it here under the name verticillata because it was sold under the name parasitica (which is verticillata) but I need to see the flowers. :)

[@justmejo9008]

Hey Miro 🤗 how do you get all the peat off a plant from the big box stores. I have a couple non exciting. Hoyas and a pepperomia hope that are surviving beautifully but it is like cement and I want to repot them. They are about a year and half old in my care so this spring I need to do something for them 🙏🏼

[@lindad5948]

I put 5 gallon buckets on the deck to collect rain water. I then put cheesecloth in a sieve and strain it into plastic jugs which I store in the garage.

[@BasiePlants]

Yes, I sometimes sift it through a cheesecloth myself. But, it is a bit tasking. :) The things we do for our plants. 😂

[@TheQueensWish]

Hi Miro, here is my Hoya question. I have a Hoya Brevialata that I bought through the internet and it’s doing well. Right now it’s been working on new leaves. All the new leaves are healthy but they are a different shape than the normal leaves of the Brevialata. The leaves are longer and more narrow. Why is it behaving this way? It sits in a window.

[@cindyswanepoel617]

Hi my hoyas leaves turned yellow and it is dying please help

[@zanyzana66]

My theory - root mealybugs are those special commando mealies that can breathe through a hollowed out piece of dead root underneath the soil. They are easily recognised by the ninja-like black masks used to hold this root in place. Look again, you’ll see them.

[@BasiePlants]

Ninja mealybugs is what we needed 😂

[@nicolekuster6215]

Miro, you‘re wonderful! Therefore I‘ll gladly share my experience with mealybugs with you and this lovely community. Probably you may have already noticed this as well but: they hide in the nukes of the pots and saucers for a verrry long time. You should rub and clean all the utensils thoroughly, too if you have or had an infestation. Cheers

[@BasiePlants]

Oh definitely! I boil the cover pots, the saucers, etc. 😂 But I have found them on the wheels of my shelves too, when I disassembled them. They hide everywhere. 👀

[@coneyrocca7834]

Ugh! Hate mealy bugs! Just when you thought you’ve gotten rid of every bit of them, they appear on your new growths! Every nook and cranny is a mealy bug rescuer! Annoying bugger s

[@kpfno2]

Wow I just got immortalised in Miro's video. Can die in peace now lmao. Honestly I kinda forgot that I asked this question, but yeah, potting mixes are one of my favourite topics as well. I told myself I'll stop experimenting as I think I found perfect mix for me... BUT HEY, one more try can't hurt, right 😆. I'll cut some of my krimson princes. This -bish- _lovely plant_ has rotted in leca and doesn't want to root in my regular mix now soo, it's either that or compost bin 🤠. The semi hydro like part came from the fact I'd remember the times you'd take out net pot out of the cover pot and get water spilled all over loool. And yeah, by "semi hydro" I was basically meaning to say "self watering". Not my brightest moment 💀

[@BasiePlants]

I probably watered the plant just before the video so you don't see it being too dry. 💀 But don't die. 😂 I will never stop experimenting with mixes, pots, trellises and different setups. I think it is very clear now. Every 3 months I think of the new best thing. Really, my plants just tolerate me. Maybe in several years I will just realize I need to live in the tropics. 😂 I hope you can save your queen!

[@mom8597]

I’m not sure if you’ve heard this but I heard (and was under the impression) that most of the root mealies people have come from rainwater. If you don’t use rainwater it came from someone else when you bought a plant. This is the reason I won’t use rainwater. Any information on this? I’d love to know if you have heard this and debunked it or what you know regarding that “myth”.

[@liskalangdon6576]

We don’t get enough rain for this to work :-(. We actually got quite a bit of rain last summer.. that never happens 🤷‍♀️

[@BasiePlants]

I think we didn't have rain for over a month. More than that really. And it was close to 40 degrees Celsius. I hated summer. 😂

[@liskalangdon6576]

@@BasiePlants it got to be 115 F (46.1C) here last summer for a week before the rain came!!! YUCK!!!

[@artybea9316]

I always want to water with rainwater but I’m lazy. 🤷🏻‍♀️.

[@BasiePlants]

How do you get rid of mealybugs? You know, aside calling Drew Barrymore to smash them. 💀

[@karineberiault7988]

I use q-tips (cotton buds) and alcohol. Then I spray the whole plant with a diluted solution of neem oil. Over and over and over and over and… thankfully I only have two Hoyas that currently have them - wayetii and retusa - and it seems to be under control but it’s definitely not eradicated. In fact I noticed the mealybugs on my wayetii just today and I can’t for the life of me figure out they got to it. On a brighter note my little lacunosa has been on a flowering streak. Flower after flower after flower. What a show, and the smell!

[@WoodlandT]

I don’t. They never go away. As soon as I think I’m safe, I spot a little bit of white fuzz & the whole cycle treatment & despair begins again 😫

[@elenbrandt290]

White mealybugs -- I spray them with alcohol and then rinse the foliage. Nasty crap....ick.

[@BasiePlants]

Works for smaller infestations and for mealies on the leaves :) Sadly, not on the roots :(