A Whole Lot of Hoyas

Mac wit his Hoya merchandise

Large potted Hoyas

It is Philippine Labor Day - a local holiday therefore ideal to meet up with a few friends since the Metro Manila streets are not congested with cars and people. It  is probably the reason why on this day a few plant hobbyists led by Ed Agdeppa tried to revive interest for plants from the genus Hoya by convening in far away Fairview to share infos and swap Hoya cuttings.  They chose La Mesa Eco Park as venue for the exchange.

Perusing through Mac's stuff

Small propagations

Hoya kerrii

Attendance comprised a small group, but it included people coming from as far as Bicol.  Mac Pagsolingan who came from San Fabian in Pangasinan brought along a small truck of his Hoya propagations to sell, Chatuchak style.  The enthusiasts started to grab their species of interest, but mostly foreign ones like Hoya kerrii, deykei, verticillata, and much more.

Mac shows us how he makes his cuttings

Ed with my H.halconensis

My loot

I myself, who for years have forgotten my first love (Hoya), could not resist getting a few pots.  Hopefully they could reestablish themselves again in my garden. Even Ed Agdeppa, who I gifted with Hoya halconensis in 2009 (and has grown and propagated it very successfully in his garden), has regifted me with a specimen to return back under the shelter of my deck's trellis.

Hoya australis

The meeting was capped with a short talk from Mac, who gave tips on how he propagated his hoyas with high percentage of success. He uses floral foam for the small cuttings, which he also dips in rooting hormone. Bigger specimens are grown in coco coir and husks. 

The participants all went home with smiles, especially the ones who won very nice pots of different Hoya plants courtesy of Mac and some other attendees.  There was a whole lot of Hoya joy to share!  

Happy faces with sweet smiles!