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Hello, my name is Dave and I'm getting back into Hoyas after a long hiatus. This seems like such a nice bunch here at the cubit, that I thought I would like to introduce myself and start participating.
I grew a bit of a collection of Hoyas back in the mid-70's when I was a pimpley-faced teenager (eventually loosing most of the plants during my college years), and have kept up on the genus in a casual way since. I have traveled to several countries in their range and seen them in habitat in Australia, Fiji, and Thailand. I was fortunate enough to visit one Ted Green on a happy afternoon and got quite an education at his place.
Recently i have been diving back into the Hoya jungle - I've been reading scientific papers, back-issues of journals, and loads of websites. Its great to witness how the hobby has grown since I was young.
I got my first Hoya start from a family-member (doesn't everyone?) and quickly became fascinated with the group. There was a lady near my town that had a greenhouse with some Hoyas, and after a year or so I had most of the 40-some types she grew, and more. I cultivated my plants under fluorescent lights and carefully trained them on little hoops I made. Most every one flowered at some point. I sure wish I had pictures from that era... especially that imperialis...
I am in the horticultural field, and do see lots of H. carnosa, and the other commoners. I was really surprised to learn of the recent research that showed good-old carnosa was one of the best plants for cleaning the indoor air! It gave me new respect and sort of sparked my renewed interest. I've been re-building a collection and I think I have about 35 sp. and about 70 cv.s. Currently, I live in a cold climate (San Francisco Bay area) so I'm growing everything indoors. Most are under T-5 lights.
Anyway, I tend to get long-winded; so I'll edit myself and end here.
Its been so great to read the posts here and see the knowlege, talents, and generosity of the people. I sort of feel as though I know many of you already. I hope I can contribute a little bit too.
I only have a few pictures of Hoyas in habitat; back when I was traveling a lot I shot mostly slide film - I haven't scanned much of this material. I will also confess I was not much of a photographer back then, and I'm not very proud of those images. Also, most of the time when Hoyas are found there are no flowers, and so it was not worth taking a shot - film and developing were expensive...
I do have some prints and stuff from Hawai`i and Australia that includes Hoyas growing in situ, but not really wild. I'll scan some of that tomorrow, and show you some.
Welcome Dave! It is great to have you here. I look forward to learning from someone who has been in the hobby for so many years. I have only been seriously trying to grow these wonderful plants for around five years, and I am always trying to learn new things. I too grow many of these plants under T-5 lights, and am very pleased with the results!
Welcome to the Cubits hoya forum Dave. You've found the right place to feed your refreshed interest in these wonderful plants. I've been collecting seriously for under 10 years, but have always had at least one hoya in my home for more than 30 years now.
Welcome, Dave. How fortunate to have seen hoyas growing in their natural settings. Glad your renewed interest has brought you around our way. Looking forward to your input. Have a great holiday season!
I grow a lot of things from your islands because the climates are very similar (although you are generally warmer). Pride-of-Madiera is everywhere on the hills here and Canary Is. Date Palms line the streets. We cannot get away with Hoyas outside though... Que lastima
