Troubleshooting
MacGillivray's Wax Plant problems — and how to fix them
MacGillivray's Wax Plant (Hoya macgillivrayi) is generally low-drama, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Failure to rebloom if peduncles removed
Hoya macgillivrayi blooms on the same spurs (peduncles) year after year; never cut spent flower stalks off or you will lose future flowering sites.
Mealybugs
Dense leaf axils and the undersides of thick leaves provide refuge for mealybugs; inspect regularly and treat early with isopropyl alcohol swabs followed by neem oil.
Prevent macgillivray's wax plant problems before they start
Most macgillivray's wax plant issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
MacGillivray's Wax Plant problems — FAQ
Why is my macgillivray's wax plant failure to rebloom if peduncles removed?
Hoya macgillivrayi blooms on the same spurs (peduncles) year after year; never cut spent flower stalks off or you will lose future flowering sites.
Why is my macgillivray's wax plant mealybugs?
Dense leaf axils and the undersides of thick leaves provide refuge for mealybugs; inspect regularly and treat early with isopropyl alcohol swabs followed by neem oil.