It started out as a random memory of leaves. I don’t remember where I saw it, who had it, or where it was. It must have been a friend of my parents, a relative, or a neighbor. I just have a memory of the big leaves with the bright yellow edges. It was many years before I was able to match a memory to a picture; and of course I had to find one.
My search for a Hoya latifolia (formerly macrophylla) took some time; for a while they were pricey. Strangely enough, as soon as I got one, I started seeing them everywhere. I found the second plant tucked away at a local nursery, and decided that the one I had needed a friend, and I wanted a fuller plant.
Late last summer, the boys got potted together with a more substantial trellis. They settled in through the fall, and enjoyed a sunny window through the winter. But as soon as the days got longer and the temperatures warmer, vines started reaching out. They’re both growing rather aggressively now, enjoying the early morning and late afternoon sun, and new leaves are starting to appear.
My goal is the picture I still have in my head; the tall, full plant with the big green and yellow leaves. It’s nice to see that the boys and I are working toward the same goal.
I’ll keep you posted.
