So, I’ve been getting into houseplants lately, and I recently picked up a Hoya Chelsea. It’s a really cool-looking plant, and I was super excited to add it to my collection. But, honestly, I didn’t know much about how to take care of it. I did a bit of digging online and found some tips, but it’s always better to try things out yourself, right?
Getting Started
First off, I repotted the Hoya Chelsea into a slightly bigger pot. It came in a pretty small nursery pot, and I figured it could use some more room to grow. I used a well-draining potting mix, something with a lot of perlite and orchid bark, ’cause I read that these plants don’t like to sit in water.
Figuring Out the Light
Next up was figuring out where to put it. I knew they liked bright, indirect light, so I placed it near a south-facing window, but not directly in the sunbeams. I didn’t want to scorch those pretty leaves. I moved it around a few times to see how it reacted, and it seemed happiest a few feet away from the window.
Watering Woes
Watering was a bit tricky at first. I read that you should let the soil dry out completely between waterings, but I was so worried about underwatering it. I ended up sticking my finger in the soil every few days to check the moisture level. If it felt dry to the touch, I gave it a good soak. Also I found that using lukewarm water is better than cold water, as this won’t shock the plant.
Humidity Help
These plants are native to tropical areas, so they like a bit of humidity. I live in a pretty dry climate, so I decided to give it a boost. I started grouping it with other plants, and I also placed a small tray of water near it. I even misted the leaves a couple of times a week, although I’m not sure how much that really helped.
Feeding Time
During the growing season (spring and summer), I fed the Hoya Chelsea with a diluted liquid fertilizer about once a month. I used a balanced fertilizer, nothing too fancy. In the fall and winter, I stopped fertilizing altogether, ’cause the plant wasn’t actively growing.
Watching It Grow
It took a while, but I finally started to see some new growth! It was so satisfying to see those little leaves unfurl. I noticed that the new growth was a bit lighter in color, but it darkened up as it matured.
Pests and Problems
Luckily, I haven’t had any major pest problems. I did spot a few mealybugs once, but I quickly wiped them off with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. It is important to inspect the plant regularly for any signs of pests or disease.
Overall Success
All in all, I’d say my Hoya Chelsea care experiment has been a success! It’s been a few months now, and the plant is thriving. It’s definitely not the easiest plant to care for, but it’s so rewarding to see it grow and flourish. I am so excited to see more growth in the future! I’ll keep you guys posted for sure!
