Something I continue to struggle with 3 years into houseplants is watering frequency. Using different grow mediums have a major influence on watering schedules. Previously, I used a soil mix of pumice, Foxfarm ocean forest, and bark. Click here to be taken to the recipe. This mix dried out fairly quick in my environment and I could get away with watering weekly without having much of a problem. This mix in particular was great for my over watering tendencies. I experienced very minimal root rot. I tried a lighter airy mix consisting of coco coir croutons, charcoal, coco coir, worm castings, and pumice. Click here to be taken to the recipe. I found that I only had to water every 10-14 days with this mix. However, due to my watering tendencies I had a hard time waiting that long and eventually transitioned out of that mix due to root rot issues. After my soil experiences, I decided to go completely semi-hydroponic. Most of my collection is still in DIY pon. Click here to be taken to the recipe. I haven’t quite decided after 4+ months of using it if I love it. I think for anyone who tends to overwater, pon is probably not the best medium. My current watering routine involves using a reservoir and watering every 10-14 days depending on size of leaves. Small leaf Hoyas need more frequent watering because they can’t hold as much water in the leaves. I let the water sit for a day or two and then I dump out the reservoirs. I have experienced quite a bit of root rot using pon and switching up my watering habits to 10-14 days has definitely helped. I also recently bought “the perfect pot for semi-hydroponics” by Planty Queens. I have been using them for a few weeks and so far, I like them. I haven’t noticed root rot which was my main concern with the wick system. I have only had to refill the basin up once and I did let it completely dry for a week just to help prevent root rot. I have heard of people adding in a drop or two of hydrogen peroxide to the reservoir for root rot prevention but I have not personally tested that out. Additionally, I use LECA but not as a permanent grow medium. I find great success in using LECA for cuttings. I use a reservoir and keep it filled up to a certain point on a heat mat. Click here to read about LECA propagation. I have been meaning to try LECA as more of a long-term medium but haven’t done so yet. I have also been experimenting with transitioning from pon to plain coco coir. I figured since I do over water if I switch to coco coir it will dry out fairly fast and I can water more on a weekly basis. I would say 95% of the Hoyas I transferred took to the coir really well and are going strong. I did use a heat mat during the initial few weeks post transfer to promote root growth. If you find yourself overwatering your plants consider switch from a plastic nursery pot to a terracotta pot. Terracotta is moisture wicking and will help suck up some of the water. Regardless, watering is something highly variable with your environment and grow mediums. Click here if you need help with root rot.
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