Succulent Mystery

[garyws]

Hi. I have had this plant - which I think is a succulent - for over twelve years now, still in the same pot I received it in, and still flowering year after year. My wife and I love this beautiful, but very slow growing plant which blossoms with the most wonderful little "porceline" flowers whenever it feels like it! We have moved it throughout the years, from shade to sun, depending on where we are - we move alot! - and it seems to tolerate us. I only water it whenever it appears dry, not regularly as I do my other house plants. My question which no one so far has been able to answer for me is- what type of plant is it? I have this great fear of it dieing one day and not knowing what to replace it with! I have attached two pictures which hopefully will help in identifying it. Looking forward to hearing from someone in the forum! Gary Steward, Ottawa

[kHT]

garyws, that is a Hoya called Bella, if my memory serves me.

http://www.myhoyas.com/Hoya%20bella.htm

Here is where you can find some information.

I used to have one that I lost due to temps dropping in the greenhouse.
This one is the best of them until you see the latest at Logee's called Hoya lauterbachii.

http://www.logees.com/prodinfo.asp?number=R1635-2

[garyws]

Thanks for the link and answer! Yes that certainly is my Hoya lanceolata ssp bella! On the site it was mentioned this particular plant likes lots of water yet I keep mine pretty dry - only then will it bloom! Thanks again and come visit me at www.garyandmarie.blogspot.com

[kHT]

I agree with you on keeping that one dry, hoyas do not like a lot of water.

[KellieD]

Hoyas also like to be a bit potbound. Between that and keeping then drier they bloom profusely.

[petal*pusher]

One other important thing to know about a hoya is NOT to take the flower-stalk off after it has bloomed. Each time if blossoms, it will do so on the same stem. They have a wonderful smell too!......Pam

[kHT]

petal*pusher, thank you for posting this as some folks remove them and can't figure out why
theirs don't bloom.