Monthly Archives: July 2025

Back from Vacation? Here’s What to Do if Your Container Plants Didn’t Survive the Trip

Back from Vacation? Here’s What to Do if Your Container Plants Didn’t Survive the Trip
And how to perk things up until it’s time for your fall refresh

There’s nothing quite like walking through your front door after a summer getaway—bags in hand, sun-kissed skin, and a head full of vacation memories. But then you look at your front porch containers… and the reality sets in. While you were soaking up the sun, some of your plants were baking in it. A few look tired. A couple look downright crispy. Don’t worry—it happens to the best of us. The good news? There’s an easy midseason fix to get things back on track until your fall refresh around Labor Day.

First, Assess the Damage

Before you toss anything, check for signs of life. Scrape the stems gently with your fingernail—green underneath means there’s still hope. If it’s dry and brown all the way through, it’s time to say goodbye. Cut back any dead or struggling plants, pull out what’s beyond help, and fluff the soil.

Enter the Filler Flower: A Quick Fix for Instant Charm

Now’s the perfect time to tuck in a cheerful filler flower or two. They’ll instantly perk up the whole container and give it fresh color and texture to carry you through the next few weeks.

Some great filler flowers for late summer:

  • Marigold– Bright, bold, and heat-loving, they bloom nonstop and come in so many colors.
  • Angelonia – Also known as “summer snapdragon,” this one thrives in heat and humidity and keeps blooming without fuss.
  • Mandevilla– So easy, It thrives in the sun and doesn’t mind missing a watering or two.
  • Alternathera– For containers in the sun or shade, it adds a pop of color with its vibrant foliage and bounces back quickly.
  • Calibrachoa – Like mini petunias, these cascading charmers are ideal for filling in gaps.

Pop in a couple of fresh fillers, give everything a good watering, and voilà—your containers are back to life.

Boost What’s Left with Jack’s Blossom Booster

Even if some of your plants made it through the vacation without a scratch, they likely used up a lot of energy while you were away. A dose of Jack’s Blossom Booster fertilizer can give everything a much-needed pick-me-up. It’s specially formulated to encourage vibrant blooms and stronger growth, helping your containers look their best for the rest of the summer.

We recommend feeding once a week for best results—especially after a stressful period like drought, missed watering, or extreme heat.

Save the Big Refresh for Labor Day

Think of this midseason clean-up as a mini makeover. Just enough to get you through the next few weeks with a smile. Then, when Labor Day rolls around and temperatures start to shift, you can go all-in on your fall containers—with mums, ornamental kale, pansies, and pumpkins galore.

So don’t be discouraged if your containers took a vacation of their own while you were away. A little trimming, a splash of color, and some well-timed plant food is all it takes to turn things around.

Stop by the garden center—we’ve got late-summer filler flowers stocked and plenty of Jack’s Blossom Booster on the shelf. Let’s bring your containers back to life—and get ready for that gorgeous fall season ahead. 

Our Favorite Houseplant Products for Guaranteed Success

Our Favorite Houseplant Products for Guaranteed Success

Tried-and-True Tools Every Indoor Gardener Needs

Whether you’re just starting your houseplant journey or your living room is a lush jungle of leafy greens, having the right tools makes all the difference. At our garden center, we’ve tested and trusted a variety of products over the years—and we’re sharing our go-to favorites that help houseplants not only survive but truly thrive.

Here’s a roundup of our top houseplant products that set you (and your plants!) up for success:

🌱 1. The Right Soil Matters – Coco Loco & Sol Soils Chunky Mix

A plant is only as healthy as the soil it’s rooted in. That’s why we’re picky about what we recommend—and these two mixes are the cream of the crop.

Coco Loco by FoxFarm

Our go-to for most houseplants, Coco Loco is a rich, coconut coir-based mix that holds just the right amount of moisture without becoming soggy. It’s loaded with beneficial ingredients like earthworm castings and bat guano (yes, really!) for a light, fluffy texture and nutrient-rich environment.

Perfect for: Snake Plants, ZZ Plants, Peace Lilies, Spider Plants, and more.

Sol Soils Houseplant Chunky Mix

This specialty blend is a must-have for aroids and epiphytic plants that crave airflow around their roots. It’s made with chunky bark, pumice, and coconut husk to mimic the natural environments of rainforest dwellers like Monsteras and Hoyas.

Perfect for: Monstera, Philodendron, Hoya, Pothos, Anthurium, and even Christmas Cactus.

Why we love them both:
Together, these two mixes cover just about every houseplant in your collection. If you’re not sure which one is right, just ask—we’re happy to help match the mix to your plant’s personality.

💧 2. Moisture Meter – No More Guesswork!

If you’ve ever killed a plant by loving it a little too much, a moisture meter is a must. It takes the guesswork out of watering and helps you avoid root rot or crispy leaves.

Why we love it:
Just stick it in the soil and get an instant reading. No batteries, no fuss. It’s one of the best tools for learning each plant’s unique watering needs.

Perfect for: New plant parents, or anyone with finicky tropicals like Calatheas or Alocasias.

🌿 3. Leaf Shine & Insect Control – Bonide Neem Oil Spray

Healthy leaves are happy leaves. Neem oil is a natural and effective solution that both cleans foliage and helps prevent or treat common pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids.

Why we love it:
It’s organic, multipurpose, and safe for indoor use. Plus, it gives leaves a subtle, healthy glow without clogging pores.

Perfect for: All houseplants, especially ferns, ivy, and other bug-prone varieties.

🪴 4. The Right Container – Pots with Drainage + Stylish Cachepots

Drainage is non-negotiable. A pretty pot without a drainage hole is a recipe for disaster—but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style.

Why we love it:
We carry a curated selection of pots with built-in drainage and chic outer cachepots so you get both function and beauty. Just lift the inner pot to check for moisture or let excess water drain, then slip it back into the decorative cover.

Perfect for: Customers who want a seamless look without plant drama.

🌸 5. Feed for Success – Jack’s Houseplant Special Fertilizer (15-30-15)

During the active growing season, most houseplants benefit from a steady supply of nutrients to support lush growth and vibrant color. Our top pick? Jack’s Houseplant Special Fertilizer—a balanced, water-soluble formula trusted by professionals and home growers alike.

Why we love it:
This 15-30-15 blend is easy to mix, gentle on roots, and packed with essential nutrients to encourage strong stems, healthy foliage, and even blooming in flowering houseplants. It’s especially great for indoor conditions where plants aren’t getting nutrients from outdoor elements.

Perfect for:
Peace Lilies, Pothos, Philodendrons, Spider Plants, Orchids, and more.

How to use it:
Just mix with water and feed every 2–4 weeks during spring and summer. For best results, always water thoroughly and apply to moist soil.

Pro tip:
Consistency is key—regular feeding leads to stronger, more resilient plants with fewer issues. It’s one of the easiest ways to keep your indoor jungle looking vibrant year-round.

🧼 6. ARS Snips

Cleaning up yellowed leaves or giving your plant a shape-up is part of good plant care. Dull scissors can crush stems and introduce disease, so a sharp, dedicated pair is essential.

Why we love it:
We stock soft-grip snips and bypass pruners that are small enough to maneuver between leaves but tough enough for thick stems.

Perfect for: Monstera, Philodendron, Spider Plants, or any houseplant in need of a refresh.

💚 7. Humidity Helpers – Pebble Trays & Mini Misters

Many houseplants hail from tropical regions and appreciate extra humidity. But if a whole-room humidifier feels like overkill, a few small accessories can go a long way.

Why we love it:
Pebble trays are low-maintenance: just fill the tray with water and sit your plant on top (not in the water) to increase ambient moisture. Pair with a fine-mist sprayer for quick refreshes on dry days.

Perfect for: Ferns, Calatheas, Prayer Plants, and orchids.

🪴 8. Sticky Traps – A Simple Solution for Fungus Gnats

Fungus gnats can pop up any time you have moist soil, but sticky traps help break the life cycle fast—no sprays required.

Why we love it:
These discreet yellow traps are safe for use around kids and pets, and they catch gnats quickly before they can lay more eggs in your soil.

Perfect for: Any plant in a consistently moist environment.

🐛 9. Long-Term Pest Protection – Bonide Systemic Houseplant Insect Control

While foliar sprays like neem oil are great for spot-treating pests, sometimes you need extra protection from the inside out. That’s where Bonide Systemic Houseplant Insect Control comes in.

Why we love it:
It’s a granular treatment that you mix into the top layer of soil and water in. The active ingredient is absorbed by the roots and works from within to control pests like fungus gnats, mealybugs, aphids, whiteflies, and more—for up to 8 weeks.

Perfect for:
Orchids, Peace Lilies, Palms, Snake Plants, and any plant that’s prone to recurring pest problems or lives in consistently moist soil.

Pro tip:
Use it as a preventive measure during spring and summer, when pest activity is at its peak. It’s especially helpful for customers who don’t want to spray or those dealing with persistent infestations.

💡 Bonus: Grow Lights for Low-Light Rooms

Don’t let shady corners stop you from growing plants. We carry sleek, energy-efficient grow lights that can supplement natural light in darker rooms or boost growth during winter months.

Why we love it:
Our most popular styles blend into home décor and clip easily onto shelves or stands—no ugly industrial setups required.

Perfect for: ZZ Plants, Snake Plants, and Succulents needing a little extra help.

Ready to Grow Like a Pro?

All of these houseplant helpers are available right here at the garden center—just ask one of our plant specialists to help you get set up. Whether you’re building a windowsill oasis or maintaining your growing collection, these trusted products will help you grow with confidence.

Need a custom potting mix blend? Want a plant diagnosis? We’re here to help—because houseplants shouldn’t be hard. They should be joyful.

Summer Houseplant Refresh Guide

Summer Houseplant Refresh Guide

Breathe New Life Into Your Indoor Jungle

Just like us, houseplants feel the effects of the changing seasons. As summer arrives in full force, your indoor greenery can benefit from a seasonal refresh to help them thrive through longer days and warmer temperatures. Whether you’re a seasoned plant parent or a budding enthusiast, here’s your step-by-step guide to giving your houseplants a summer glow-up.

1. Check In: How Are Your Plants Doing?

Start with a simple checkup. Inspect each plant closely for signs of stress:

  • Yellowing leaves might indicate overwatering or poor drainage.

  • Brown, crispy edges can be a sign of underwatering, low humidity, or too much direct sun.

  • Stretched or leggy growth could mean your plant needs more light.

  • Sticky leaves or webs? You may have unwanted guests like aphids or spider mites.

Take notes and move forward accordingly!

2. Give Them a Good Wash

Dust can build up on foliage, blocking sunlight and reducing photosynthesis. Use a damp, soft cloth or give your plants a gentle shower in the sink or bathtub.

Bonus: Rinsing off foliage also helps remove minor pests before they become a problem.

3. Reassess Light Placement

Summer sun is more intense and shifts slightly from winter and spring. A plant that loved a sunny window in February might need a break from the harsh afternoon rays now.

  • Bright indirect light lovers (like pothos, philodendron, and prayer plants) may need to be pulled back a few feet from windows.

  • Rotate your pots every couple of weeks to keep growth even and balanced.

  • If your plants are stretching or leaning, try moving them to a brighter location.

4. Time for a Trim

Snip off dead or yellowing leaves to clean up your plants. Summer is a great time to prune houseplants that have outgrown their space or become leggy.

  • Use clean, sharp scissors or pruners.

  • Cut just above a leaf node to encourage fuller growth.

  • Vining plants like ivy and pothos respond especially well to a summer haircut.

5. Repot if Needed

Roots growing out of drainage holes? Soil drying out way too fast? Your plant might be rootbound and ready for a new home.

  • Choose a pot 1–2 inches wider in diameter.

  • Always use fresh, high-quality potting mix.

  • Water well after repotting and give your plant a few days to adjust.

Not sure? Gently slide the plant out of its pot and check for crowded roots circling the bottom.

6. Feed for Growth

Most houseplants actively grow in summer and will appreciate a boost.

  • Use a balanced houseplant fertilizer every 2–4 weeks.

  • Slow-release granules work well for low-maintenance care.

  • Always follow label instructions to avoid overfeeding, which can burn roots.

Pro tip: If you’ve just repotted, wait a few weeks before fertilizing to avoid stressing the plant.

7. Mind the Heat and Humidity

Air conditioning, heatwaves, and indoor drafts can create less-than-ideal conditions for your tropical friends.

  • Humidity trays, grouped plants, or a small humidifier can help.

  • Avoid placing plants near air vents or radiators.

  • Mist lightly in the morning (only for plants that don’t mind wet leaves, like ferns or calatheas).

8. Pest Patrol

Warm temps and high humidity can lead to a rise in pests like fungus gnats, spider mites, and mealybugs.

  • Wipe leaves regularly and inspect soil.

  • Use insecticidal soap or neem oil for organic control.

  • Let soil dry between waterings to prevent fungus gnat infestations.

Catch issues early and treat consistently for best results.

9. Try a New Look

Sometimes a refresh is as simple as restyling your space:

  • Try clustering smaller plants on a tray or shelf.

  • Use plant stands to add vertical interest.

  • Upgrade to decorative pots or baskets that match your seasonal style.

  • Add a statement plant—like a Fiddle Leaf Fig or Bird of Paradise—for a fresh focal point.

10. Take Some Outside (With Care)

Many houseplants enjoy a summer vacation outdoors on a covered porch or shaded patio.

  • Introduce them gradually to avoid sun shock.

  • Choose morning light and avoid harsh afternoon sun.

  • Watch for outdoor pests and bring them back in before nighttime temps drop in fall.

Wrap-Up: A Happy Summer for You and Your Plants

Refreshing your houseplants for summer doesn’t require a complete overhaul—just a little attention, intention, and care. In return, your indoor oasis will reward you with lush growth and fresh green energy all season long.

Need potting soil, stylish containers, or help diagnosing a plant problem? Stop by your local garden center—we’re here to help you grow!

Top 5 Perennials That Steal the Show in Late Summer

💐 Top 5 Perennials That Steal the Show in Late Summer

Meet the unsung heroes of August gardens.

When much of the garden starts to droop under the weight of midsummer heat, a select few perennials rise to the occasion—unfazed, vibrant, and full of life. These late-summer superstars don’t just survive the season’s swelter—they thrive in it, bringing bold color, graceful movement, and essential food for pollinators when it’s needed most.

Whether you’re designing a border, refreshing your landscape, or adding seasonal interest to existing beds, these five tough-but-beautiful perennials deserve a prime spot in your August garden.

🌸 1. Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ or ‘Autumn Fire’

Why we love it:
This sculptural, sun-loving succulent is the definition of low-maintenance charm. ‘Autumn Joy’ emerges in spring with blue-green foliage and forms tidy, upright clumps that gradually transform into clusters of dusty rose blooms as summer fades to fall.

Late-summer perks:
Its flowers deepen from pink to russet bronze over time, providing rich autumn color even after most perennials are done blooming. Drought-tolerant and beloved by bees and butterflies, it’s a beacon for pollinators when other nectar sources are drying up.

Companion planting:
Try pairing with ornamental grasses like Miscanthus ‘Morning Light’, Russian sage, or threadleaf coreopsis. Its chunky texture plays beautifully off fine, wispy foliage.

Garden tip:
Leave the seed heads up for winter—they look striking frosted with snow and offer food for birds.

🌼 2. Black-Eyed Susan 

Why we love it:
This cheerful classic lights up the garden with bold golden petals and chocolatey centers. A true workhorse, ‘Goldsturm’ blooms nonstop from July through September, often well into October with a little deadheading.

Late-summer perks:
Heat-tolerant, deer-resistant, and a favorite of pollinators, Black-Eyed Susans are practically indestructible once established. They create an eye-catching swath of color in perennial borders or naturalized meadows.

Companion planting:
Looks stunning with purple coneflowers, Russian sage, and blue salvia. The contrast of gold and violet tones creates dynamic visual harmony.

Garden tip:
Divide every 3–4 years in early spring or fall to keep plants vigorous and tidy.

🌿 3. Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia)

Why we love it:
Airy and architectural, Russian sage is a heat-loving beauty with soft gray-green foliage and clouds of lavender-blue blooms. It lends a loose, flowing form to the garden and perfumes the air with a subtle sagey scent.

Late-summer perks:
Thrives in hot, dry sites where other plants wilt. Russian sage doesn’t just endure—it flourishes. Bees adore its long bloom season, and it adds structure and movement when most flowers are winding down.

Companion planting:
Pairs wonderfully with warm-toned flowers like rudbeckia or echinacea, and adds a cooling effect when paired with ornamental grasses or pink cosmos.

Garden tip:
Cut back in late winter or early spring to encourage fresh, bushy growth. In poor soils, it’s especially happy—don’t over-fertilize!

🌸 4. Joe Pye Weed

Why we love it:
A towering native perennial that’s a magnet for monarchs and other butterflies. Joe Pye Weed boasts big, fluffy domes of mauve-pink flowers atop tall, sturdy stems—often reaching 4 to 6 feet or more!

Late-summer perks:
Blooms from mid-summer into fall, just when pollinators need it most. Despite its impressive height, it never feels overbearing thanks to its airy form and soft colors.

Companion planting:
Plant near the back of the border with coneflowers, swamp milkweed, and grasses like Panicum ‘Shenandoah’. Also a great statement plant in rain gardens and naturalized zones.

Garden tip:
For smaller spaces, choose ‘Little Joe’—a compact cultivar that tops out around 3–4 feet.

🌸 5. Japanese Anemone (Anemone x hybrida)

Why we love it:
Elegant and ethereal, Japanese anemones bloom when almost nothing else does. Tall stems hold delicate pink or white blossoms that flutter in the breeze, bringing a cottage-garden feel to shady or part-sun spots.

Late-summer perks:
Blooms from late August through October, adding a romantic flair just as other beds fade. Their soft hues pair perfectly with fall’s earthy palette.

Companion planting:
Combine with ferns, hostas, and coral bells in shady beds, or use with sedges and bugbane (Actaea) for a textural woodland vignette.

Garden tip:
Anemones spread slowly by rhizomes—give them room, and they’ll reward you with increasingly showy displays each year.

🌿 Why Late-Summer Perennials Matter

Late summer is a critical window in the garden. It’s when pollinators need extra support, birds begin scouting for seeds, and gardeners crave fresh color and interest. Planting perennials that shine in August and September helps bridge the gap between high summer and autumn glory.

These late-bloomers are also investment plants—hardy, low-maintenance, and reliable year after year. With smart companion planting, they form the backbone of a beautiful, resilient landscape.

🛒 Add Them to Your Garden Now

The best time to plant perennials for fall impact? Right now! Late summer and early fall give plants time to root in before winter, so they can come back even stronger next spring.

August Garden To-Do List: Keep the Color Going

🌻 August Garden To-Do List: Keep the Color Going

Welcome to the lazy, hazy days of late summer! While August might feel like a winding-down season, there’s still plenty of beauty and life in the garden—and just a bit of care now can keep it looking vibrant well into fall. Here’s your August checklist to help your garden thrive in the heat and transition gracefully into the next season.

✅ 1. Deadhead for More Blooms

Snip off spent flowers from coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, zinnias, petunias, and dahlias to encourage fresh blooms. This simple task tells the plant to keep producing instead of setting seed.

Bonus tip: Leave some seed heads (like echinacea or rudbeckia) if you want to feed birds later in the season!

💦 2. Water Deeply and Consistently

August heat can be tough on plants. Water in the early morning, soaking the soil at the base of plants rather than overhead. Container gardens especially need daily attention—sometimes even twice a day in extreme heat.

Pro tip: Use soaker hoses or try a Tree Hugger Sprinkler to make watering more efficient.

🌱 3. Feed Your Containers

By now, your potted plants may be hungry! Give them a mid-season boost with a water-soluble fertilizer every 1–2 weeks. Look for formulas geared toward blooming plants, like a 10-30-20, Us professionals use Jacks Blossom Booster!

🧹 4. Weed Before Seeds Drop

Those weeds you’ve been ignoring? They’re going to seed soon! A quick weeding session now can save you from a headache in fall and spring. Pull them before they multiply.

✂️ 5. Divide Daylilies and Other Perennials

If your daylilies, irises, or hostas have outgrown their space or aren’t blooming like they used to, August is a great time to divide and replant them. Give them a good drink after transplanting to help them settle in. For best transplant success utilize Bio-Tone Fertilizer at the time of planting. Then treat them like young plants continuing to water them through fall.

🥬 6. Plant a Late-Season Veggie Crop

It’s not too late! Start a fall veggie patch with cool-weather crops like:

  • Lettuce

  • Kale

  • Spinach

  • Carrots

  • Beets

These can be directly sown into the garden in early to mid-August for a tasty autumn harvest.

🍁 7. Start Planning for Fall Planting

Walk your garden with a critical eye and jot down notes: Where is there a gap in late-season color? What shrubs could use replacing? Fall is one of the best times to plant trees, shrubs, and perennials—so use this time to plan!

🎨 8. Refresh Containers for Late Summer

Tired of droopy petunias? Swap in bold late-summer favorites like coleus, ornamental peppers, crotons, or mums. Tuck in a mini pumpkin for an early autumn vibe!

🐝 9. Support Pollinators

Keep pollinators happy by letting some herbs like basil and oregano flower, and leave a few echinacea and zinnias blooming. Butterflies and bees are still hard at work this time of year.

💚 Final Thought

August might bring the heat, but it also brings opportunity—a chance to tidy, re-energize, and prepare for the glorious days of fall gardening just ahead. A little effort now keeps your garden thriving, blooming, and buzzing with life.

The Ultimate Hoya Cultivation Guide Indoor & Outdoor Porch Care Tips for Thriving Wax Plants

The Ultimate Hoya Cultivation Guide
Indoor & Outdoor Porch Care Tips for Thriving Wax Plants
By D.R. Snell Nursery

If you’ve fallen in love with Hoyas (we certainly have!), you’re in good company. With their thick, glossy leaves, elegant vines, and sweet-smelling blooms, Hoyas—also known as wax plants—are the darlings of houseplant collections everywhere.

Whether you’re new to Hoyas or want to refine your care routine, this guide will help you grow thriving plants indoors and on your summer porch.

🌞 Hoya Basics at a Glance

Category Details
Light Bright, indirect light (indoors or outdoors)
Water Let soil dry out halfway between waterings
Humidity Prefers moderate to high humidity
Soil Well-draining, airy potting mix
Fertilizer Monthly during spring/summer with balanced liquid food
Pet Friendly? No—Hoyas are not safe for pets to chew on

🏡 Indoor Hoya Care Tips

💡 Light:
Hoyas love bright, indirect light—think east- or west-facing windows. Direct sun can scorch their leaves, but too little light results in slow growth and few (if any) blooms. Variegated varieties like Krimson Queen need a bit more light to maintain their bright coloring.

🪴 Watering:
Allow the top 2–3 inches of soil to dry out before watering. Hoyas store moisture in their leaves, so they’re better off a little dry than too wet. Always use pots with drainage holes to prevent root rot.

🌬️ Humidity:
While Hoyas are adaptable to average household humidity, they’ll thrive with a little extra moisture in the air—especially varieties like Lacunosa. Try a pebble tray, grouping plants together, or running a small humidifier nearby.

Load image into Gallery viewer, Houseplant Chunky Mix

🌱 Potting Mix:
We love the ready to go Sol Soils Houseplant Chunky Mix which is designed for epiphytes & aroids.

If you needed to make your own we recommend:

  • 1 part orchid bark
  • 1 part perlite
  • 1–2 parts high-quality potting soi

 

🌸 Encourage Blooming:
Hoyas typically bloom in spring and summer once they’re well established. Keep them slightly root-bound, give them plenty of light, and feed monthly during the growing season. Be patient—some won’t flower for 1–2 years.

✨ Don’t prune the bloom spurs (peduncles)! Hoyas rebloom from the same spot year after year.

🪟 Porch & Outdoor Summer Care

Hoyas love summer vacation outdoors—if conditions are right.

✅ Safe to Move Outside When:

  • Night temps stay consistently above 55°F
  • You have a shaded or filtered light porch or patio (no direct midday sun)

     

🌤️ Outdoor Light Requirements:
Dappled morning sun or a bright, covered porch is ideal. A north or east-facing porch is usually safe. Too much direct light will bleach or burn the leaves, especially on variegated types.

💧 Watering Outside:
Outdoor conditions dry out pots faster. Check daily, but only water when the top few inches of soil are dry. Be cautious during heavy rains—consider pulling pots under shelter during storms.

🌬️ Wind Protection:
If your porch is breezy, rotate pots and keep them near walls or windbreaks to prevent damage to long vines or delicate leaves.

🐜 Watch for Pests:
Outdoors, Hoyas can attract aphids, mealybugs, and ants. Inspect regularly and spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil if needed. Always check plants thoroughly before bringing them back inside in fall.

✂️ Pruning & Propagation

  • Pruning: Trim vines to shape the plant or encourage branching. Avoid cutting the bloom spurs!
  • Propagation: Hoyas root easily in water or moss from stem cuttings with at least one node. Best done in spring/summer when the plant is actively growing.

🧊 When to Bring Hoyas Back Inside

Move Hoyas indoors before temperatures drop below 50°F at night—typically mid September in Maryland. Acclimate them slowly to avoid shock by bringing them in for a few hours a day for a week before fully transitioning them.

🛍️ Visit D.R. Snell Nursery for Beautiful Hoyas!

We stock a wide range of healthy, rooted Hoyas ready for your windowsill or porch:

  • Krimson Queen
  • Lacunosa ‘Laos’
  • Reef Rider
  • Carnosa ‘Freckled Splash’

Our staff can help you choose the perfect pot, mix, and even macramé hangers to show off your plant with style.

Love plants that trail, climb, and bloom? Hoyas are the way to grow!
Come see our selection in person and let us help you create your own wax plant wonderland.

Designing in the Home with Hoyas: Style, Structure & Easy Companions

Designing in the Home with Hoyas: Style, Structure & Easy Companions
By D.R. Snell Nursery

Hoyas are having their moment—and for good reason. These tropical vines and trailing houseplants are not only easy to care for, but their sculptural forms and waxy, often variegated leaves make them natural interior design accents. Whether you’re a seasoned plant parent or just getting into houseplants, designing with Hoyas adds a fresh and timeless element to any room.

Why Hoyas?

Hoyas, also called wax plants, are known for their thick, semi-succulent foliage and long trailing vines. With proper light and care, they can even bloom—producing fragrant, star-shaped flowers in clusters. They’re low-maintenance, forgiving, and incredibly versatile when it comes to styling.

Popular Varieties You’ll Find at Our Garden Center:

  • 🌿 Hoya Krimson Queen – Bright white and green variegated leaves with hints of pink on new growth.
  • 🌿 Hoya Lacunosa ‘Laos’ – Compact, with tiny, pebbled leaves and sweet-smelling flowers.
  • 🌿 Hoya ‘Reef Rider’ – A collector’s favorite with bold texture and sculptural appeal.
  • 🌿 Hoya Carnosa ‘Freckled Splash’ – Silver-speckled leaves that shimmer in the light.

Where to Style Hoyas Indoors

1. Hanging Baskets & Macramé Holders
Let your Hoyas trail! Krimson Queen and Freckled Splash are particularly striking when they spill out of hanging pots. Perfect for sunrooms, kitchens, or bathrooms with bright light.

2. Trained on a Trellis or Hoop
Shape a more upright form by training your Hoya around a wire trellis or moss hoop. This works beautifully in modern or minimalist interiors where vertical interest is key.

3. Shelf Accents & Plant Ledges
Compact varieties like Lacunosa ‘Laos’ look great nestled among books, picture frames, and decorative objects. Just be sure your shelf gets bright, indirect light.

4. Tabletop or Desk Plants
Need something to brighten up your work-from-home space? A Hoya in a stylish ceramic pot adds energy without taking up much real estate.

Companion Houseplants for Hoyas

Hoyas prefer bright, indirect light and like to dry out a bit between waterings. When choosing companion plants, look for others with similar light and moisture needs:

🌿 Great Companion Plants:

  • Pothos – A classic trailing plant with many variegated forms that pairs beautifully with Hoyas.
  • Philodendron ‘Brasil’ or ‘Lemon Lime’ – Similar care needs and bold contrasting colors.
  • Peperomia – A compact, low-water plant that complements Hoya texture and size.
  • Snake Plant (Sansevieria) – Adds strong vertical structure and thrives on neglect.
  • ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) – Ultra low-maintenance and sleek next to a lush, vining Hoya.
  • String of Hearts (Ceropegia woodii) – Another vining beauty with dainty, heart-shaped leaves—perfect for a soft, romantic pairing.

Tips for Styling & Care

  • Light: Bright, indirect light is best. Too little light = slow growth and no blooms.
  • Water: Let the soil dry out about halfway before watering. They hate soggy roots.
  • Humidity: They’ll appreciate higher humidity (especially Lacunosa), but most are adaptable to average household levels.
  • Pot Choice: Terra cotta works well for airflow; or choose ceramic for a cleaner, polished look.
  • Fertilizer: Feed lightly during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 4–6 weeks.

Ready to Refresh Your Indoor Jungle?

Stop by D.R. Snell Nursery to explore our full collection of Hoyas and houseplants. Our team will help you design your dream indoor plant display—from finding the perfect companion plants to picking stylish pots and plant stands.

👉 Visit us today or call to reserve your favorite variety!
Let your home grow wild, beautiful, and uniquely you—with Hoyas leading the way.