How to care for the longevity flower (Friends' experience): "Friends share their experience in caring for the longevity flower"

How to care for Hoya carnosaToday, I will introduce to you the planting content of the succulent plant Hoya carnosa. How to care for Hoya carnosa? Keep reading!This article is for those who have just started caring for Hoya carnosa. Many gardening enthusiasts are unaware of how to care for it. The following is a summary of personal experience shared by gardening enthusiasts, which is easy for beginners to understand.Watering: I choose to use the leaf-touch method. When touching the leaves of Hoya carnosa and they feel firm and hard, there is no need to water. If the leaves feel soft, water immediately. When watering, be moderate and avoid overwatering at once, as excessive watering in poor-quality soil can cause waterlogging in the pot. I think a better method is to water a little first, then water some more after the soil has absorbed the water, repeating this process several times.Overwintering: As long as it is not extremely cold in winter, you can survive by closing the balcony or pulling down all the curtains. It is normal for the leaves of Hoya carnosa to become soft in winter, and they will become firm again as the temperature rises. It is best not to place them in an air-conditioned room, as the alternating cold and hot can be too much for the plant.Summer care: Place Hoya carnosa in a shaded area of the balcony to safely survive the summer. Pay attention to watering, as rainy seasons can cause root rot and stem rot. Do not stay far from windows with high humidity during the rainy season. Water well before the rainy season arrives, and avoid watering unless the soil is dry and the leaves become soft.Blossoming: If you want Hoya carnosa to bloom during the New Year to show off in front of your family, you can expose it to scattered light in the morning in October, cover it with a black plastic bag around noon, and remove it at night. Hoya carnosa is a short-daylight plant, and excessive sunlight can affect the formation of flower buds, causing delayed blooming and fewer flower buds. This method is applicable throughout the year.Pest control: The only pest problem I've encountered while growing flowers is caterpillars, which can be devastating. It is important to observe the leaves regularly, as caterpillars can cause damage quickly. If you don't have time to check, you can spray insecticide in summer and autumn, which is available at flower markets.Pot: Hoya carnosa has few roots, so a small pot is sufficient. However, it should not be too small; pots of 12 or 15 centimeters are fine.Soil: Mixing soil yourself can be too complicated and high-end for casual gardening. I recommend buying special soil for Clivia Miniata at the flower market. It's best to buy loose soil to see if there are too many coconut fibers. Avoid those with too many coconut fibers and mix it with garden soil in a 5:5 ratio. This mix retains moisture and allows for good drainage, preventing waterlogging in the pot. When digging garden soil, be careful not to dig up loess or clay soil. Test it by wetting your hands and seeing if it sticks; if it doesn't, you can use it.Propagation: I usually choose autumn for Hoya carnosa propagation. Of course, I have also transplanted in the dog days of summer (do not attempt this randomly). To maintain a good shape, I usually choose 3-node branches, remove the top, insert them into the aforementioned soil, and then water thoroughly. Place them in a well-lit area inside for 4 to 5 days before moving them to a shaded area on the balcony. Once new buds appear, you can manage them normally, and water immediately when the soil is dry.Wilting flowers: After the flowers wilt, cut them off immediately, removing the pair of leaves below the flower stem.If Hoya carnosa exhibits symptoms such as dull leaves, soft leaves, aerial roots, and blackened stems, it is likely to have root problems. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to these issues in advance.The above content on how to care for Hoya carnosa (based on gardening enthusiasts' experience) is for reference by green plant enthusiasts and may help solve problems in green plant management.