Question
My hoya is now blooming, it has three blooms, it also has a layer of dust on it, and has recently had some type of insect infestation, I took some plant leaves to our local garden center and they could not identify the what insect  but gave me a systemic to use, which I used about 3 weeks ago and will be giving another treatment in 1 to 2 weeks.  I read it a plant book not to disturb the plant in any way when blooming, I would like to know if I can take my plant outside and give it a shower or should I just wait until my plant is no longer in bloom.  Thank you in advance for your help.

Answer
Hi Anna,

You can certainly give your flowing Hoya a shower. When it is in bloom, you only have to avoid relocating it and repotting it or exposing it to temperature extremes.

Systemic pesticides take a while to work there way through the plant to the pests. The garden center should not have sold you any pesticide without first knowing what pest needed treating. The systemic you have may or may not be appropriate for the pests on your Hoya. There are also safer ways to treat houseplant pests.

If you would like to send me a photo, I can probably ID the pest for you and give you a better treatment plan that is faster and safer. Use my email address below.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

If this information has been helpful, please click the Rate Volunteer bar below and enter a rating and nomination for me. I am a volunteer on this site so Ratings are the only compensation I receive for answering plant questions.

Visit my website at  www.HorticulturalHelp.com
  
Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]