Question
FLOWERING PLANT _ 1st
I am trying to determine what kind of plant this is, I am thinking it is a stephanotis floribunda, the leaves on by plant are very similar to the stephanotis but the flowers are much different, the bloom in bunches like a bouquet and the flowers are flat, white with a perfect shaped flat star in the middle of the flower and then a pink circle inside that. I have attached a picture if that helps. THe plant is well over 35 years old and has never flowered to my knowledge. Can you tell me anthing about this??
AnswerHi Tracy,
Thanx for your question. I'm not a houseplant expert but the first thought that came to mind was some type of Hoya.
Here's a pic.
http://www.asclepiad-exhibition.org/Hoya_lanceolata_ssp_bella_Hooker_Kent.JPG
Plant requires regular waterings. Don't let the soil dry out in between watering but don't allow roots to sit in water. Pot should be free draining. Good morning sun and protect from hot afternoon sun. Hardy only to Zone 11 so this is definitely a tropical plant with no cold tolerance. Fertilize once a month with 12-12-12 balanced houseplant fertilizer. Likes high humidity and warmth. In the winter, place a dish of water near radiator or heat vent to keep up humidity.
You can see some other pictures of hoya at this site.
http://www.hoyaplants.com/index.htm
http://www.robsviolet.com/hoyas.htm
I hope this helps and thanx for sending the pic for me to compare.
Tom
