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AN OLD FAMILIAR FRIEND “When the weather outside is frightful,” what’s a gardener to do? Grow houseplants, of course. There are lots of choices at florists and big box stores. But one of my favorites is rarely seen for sale. And yet it is quite common in homes, often inherited from a great-aunt or grandmother, or gifted by a friend in the form of a cutting. Hoya carnosa or wax plant, also known as porcelain plant, was named after Thomas Hoy, an eighteenth century British gardener to the Duke of Northumberland. This native of southern China has been gracing homes for centuries, scenting the air with tiny starburst flowers, and according to a recent study from the University of Georgia, also purifying polluted indoor air. The hoya family boasts over 200 varieties, but by far the most frequently-grown species in northern climes, and the very best of all the hoyas, is wax plant -- with 10-foot trailing stems, succulent green silver-flecked leaves, and clustered sweet-scented florets in white and cameo pink. The floral umbels in fact hint at an extended family member of the hoya, the common milkweed of North American fields, both of whose nectars attract warring hummingbirds. In its native climate, wax plant tends to bloom in summer, but in our heated homes, and given indirect or curtain-filtered light, it has been known to flower year round. Leafless spurs or stubs, that often tendril or vine, bear the delicate flowers, so make sure not to remove these unruly shoots as they emerge. The flowers are quite fragrant and can perfume an entire room, particularly at night. Sticky, maple syrup-like nectar oozes from each flower and is easiest to wipe up if the plant sits on a washable surface such as a window sill, with wood or tile flooring beneath -- and do remove the sweetish sap before a foraging ant colony takes up residence. Propagate wax plant by rooting stem cuttings in water or damp sand, then potting in soil, allowing lots of time to establish an ample root system – indeed, pot-bound is its favorite living arrangement. Manage pests like aphids, mealy bugs, or red spider mites with a mist of diluted rubbing alcohol. Then just sit back and enjoy this green household heirloom. _____________________________________ After 15 years of neglect, and following serious pruning and generous repotting, my old friend is taking a break this winter from its job trailing a curtain of blooming green down from my cathedral ceiling alcove. How I do miss its familiar presence! Kathleen Arcuri Published in The Benton News, January 3, 2010 |
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Kathy’s Garden Writing |