HOW AND WHERE I GROW

 
Summer 2013 Set Up

By the beginning of March I was ready to begin the move to the lanai, I proceeded slowly but at least I was making some progress. I chose the plants that I had documented as cool weather plant and positioned them on the plant shelf. Also, I thought it would be safe to bring out the majority of the hanging plants since they hang near the house they are not exposed to the cooler temperatures of the wide open space.  Little did I know, on or about the 3rd week of March the nighttime temperatures were forecast to drop down into the 30°s and the days would only warm to 50° during the day.  To protect the plants I had already acclimated to the shelf, I brought out the blankets and tucked them around the plants and anchored then with hooks.  I left the plants covered like that day and night for the entire week.  Unfortunately the winds were very strong as they whipped through the lanai and exposed many of the plants at the ends of the coverings.
 
 
 
This is not a welcomed sight but it was necessary and the result was I did not lose any plants but a large number of plants did suffer extensive leaf damage.  As I removed the blankets for the last time which happened to be during a family visit, they gladly assisted in bringing the entire stock of plants outside to the now sunny and warm lanai.  What a difference a week can make here in the south.  My goal was to take all of the "Mother Plants" outside and continue to grow the 'Babies' inside under the T5 lights until they had been sold. They had grown so much during the winter that they were fairly large, very tangled and in alphabetical order, I did not have the energy to tackle moving them out to nature. But, my sister and nieces insisted they be brought out back also so I would be able to turn off the lights inside...a 'Green' thing to do :0)
 

These are the plants I have available for sale. Most of them were started from cuttings last summer and some are even getting ready to bloom.  When these have been purchased and shipped to their new homes, cuttings will be all I am able to offer this season.
 
 
 
'Imperialis Row'
If you grow this species you know that this one grows tall and prefers a secure base. But instead of repotting into a large pot which may result in root rot...just sit the smaller pot inside the heavier pot and fill will rocks or the like.
 
 
 
This was the result of needing more space to hang the new stock so that it would be exposed to many hours of sunshine each day.
I can always find more space for new hoyas!!!
 
 
The shelf suspended from the pool cage supports. What a tangled web the hoyas weave being this closely positioned.
But they are very very happy with the 8 hours of light they receive most days.