Fitch's Copper Stars

Day 105: Each time Hoya fitchii (affectionately known as "Fitch") has bloomed, its clusters of coppery stars have been more lush and more numerous. This time, there are enough flowers that I can detect the scent: lily-like, with an overtone of cinnamon. Fitch produces blossoms several times throughout the year as an "intermittent" bloomer, as opposed to a number of other Hoyas which flower in particular seasons. Each species has its cycle, and that information is generally provided by the grower if you are purchasing commercially-raised plants. It's up to you to give your Hoyas the exposure and temperature range they require for flowering, and that may not be as easy as it sounds despite the fact that they are nearly foolproof as houseplants. Fitch is obviously quite happy in a north window, and prefers watering only when his potting soil has become quite dry. When the pot becomes light to lift, I take it down from the hanger, flush the dirt with water until it runs out the drainage holes, and allow it to stop dripping before returning it to the saucer.