Question
My jolla (hoya in English) has grown long tendrils (4+ feet) with new leaves towards the ends, a result of being wrapped around each other for years in a hanging pot.  Do I need to trim these back for newer growth and how do I do that?  Should I repot?  I inherited the plant at work from a rental company who's contract was not renewed, I've had it in excess of 10 years and it has always blossomed well.  I want to save it.  Thanks.

Answer
W.C.,

So the tendrils had leaves at one time but they fell off for one reason or another. This is not a good time of year to do anything unless you feel the plant is in imminent danger of dying. The days are getting shorter and the plant is semidormant. The roots will not grow well until the days are getting longer. The best time to do my following suggestions are between April 1st and June 30th.

If you feel you need to do it now you need to put it under a 2 tube florescent light fixture that is on a timer and is on for 14 hours a day and the plant needs to be within 12 inches of the light. I would cut all the stems back to 6-12 inches long on the original plant and hang it in a bright location or under the florescent light fixture.

I would take the ends with leaves and cut them to 6-12 inches long then dip the ends in rooting hormone and insert them in a pot of fresh potting soil. The best mix for potting soil for Hoya is 1 part potting soil, 1 part sand and 1 part perlite. If you do not have access to sand you can pick up a bag of play sand to Home Depot, Lowes or Menards when you get the rooting hormone, potting soil and perlite.

As I said this is best done in the spring but if you do it now and use the florescent light for 14 hours a day your plan will think it is spring. If you have any questions feel free to write again and tell your friends about our service! Good luck!

Darlene