How to grow ball orchid and what to pay attention to

Hoya growth habits

Hoya likes high temperature, high humidity and semi-shady environment. It needs to maintain a high environmental humidity in summer and autumn and avoid exposure to the sun. If the sunlight is too strong, the leaves will turn yellow. The suitable growth temperature is between 18 and 28 degrees. The temperature in winter needs to be above 1 degree. It grows vigorously in well-drained and humus-rich soil.

Light requirements: The ball orchid needs to be given plenty of sunlight and placed in a bright sunny place indoors to fully enjoy the light. However, it cannot withstand strong light, so the hot summer sun needs to be avoided to avoid burning the leaves.

How to grow Hoya

The soil for growing Hoya can be prepared by mixing leaf mold and coarse sand, and adding superphosphate as base fertilizer. Place it in a semi-shaded environment during cultivation. Take shade measures in summer to maintain the most suitable growth temperature at 15-28 degrees. The temperature in winter should not be lower than 5 degrees. Apply decomposed organic fertilizer once every half a month, and apply phosphorus and potassium fertilizers during the bud formation period in summer.

Watering of Hoya: Hoya likes a humid environment. You can spray water in the morning and evening in summer and in the morning in winter. If you water too much, the plant will have symptoms such as yellow leaves, wilting, burnt tips, and dull leaves. You must control the amount of watering, water thoroughly each time, and control the amount of water in winter.

Fertilization of Hoya: The growing period of Hoya is from May to August. It can be fertilized 1-2 times a month, mainly fertilizers containing nitrogen and phosphorus. In summer, fertilizers should be applied every 15-20 days, mainly fertilizers containing phosphorus and potassium. In autumn, when the temperature drops, fertilizers can be applied every 40 to 45 days. Phosphorus and potassium fertilizers can be added before flowering.

Pruning of Hoya: During the growth period of Hoya, it is necessary to pinch the top of the plant to weaken the apical dominance and promote the germination of axillary buds. It is also necessary to promptly prune dead branches, poor branches, and unnecessary branches that hinder the plant shape. Proper pruning can reduce diseases and pests and also make the plant beautiful.

Hoya cuttings: Cut 8-10 cm long branches with leaves and insert them into a cutting bed consisting mainly of coarse sand. Seal with plastic film, maintain high air humidity and slightly moist medium, at around 20°C. It will take about 4-6 weeks for roots to take root.

Precautions for ball orchid care

During the growth period of Hoya, rot spot disease and leaf spot disease may occur, which will affect the growth of the plant and its ornamental value. Once discovered, it is necessary to spray pesticides in time and increase ventilation.