This was the first hoya I saw that I really wanted. I really wanted Hoya sigillatis when I first bought it. And when I second bought it. And when I third bought it. And when I fourth bought it. This is number four.
It’s not that sigillatis is a difficult hoya, but it can be rather unforgiving. For the first, I was still new to the hoya game and thought I knew more than I did. For the second, I still hadn’t learned anything. By the time of the third, well it should have stayed alive, but for that one I’m blaming flat mites. By the time this one arrived I had done very much more research about sigillatis.
When I learned about mites, he got treated right away. Doug at Vermont Hoyas said if you find a spot it likes, don’t move it. I did and I haven’t. Miro @basieplants said they like a bit more water, so he’s been getting that – the plant, not Miro – though Miro, you, too, should remember to stay hydrated. And for almost a year now this sigillatis and I have been getting along.
It was always about the leaves, their shape and splash. From the first time I saw it, I needed it in my collection. It’s why, after several abysmal attempts, I tried yet again. So though sigillatis hasn’t always forgiven me, I keep forgiving him.
I’ll keep you posted.
