Hoya Leaf Spot Fungus: Rain, Repotting, and Recovery

30-year-old Hoya in Melbourne (Australia, summer) has mottled brown leaves after drought broke (heavy rain). Repotted (old pot disintegrated). Flowers prolifically.

Diagnosis: Leaf Spot Fungus

• Trigger: Increased rain/winter moisture
• Hoya preference: Complete dry-out between waterings
• Old pot = soggy pockets → worse
• Flowers unaffected = cosmetic leaf issue

Treatment

1. Systemic fungicide (e.g., Daconil/chlorothalonil if available)
2. Thorough spray + soil drench
3. Repeat 1-2 weekly for months
4. New pot helps—better drainage

Leaf Management

• DO NOT cut back Hoya—stems unaffected
• Gradually remove oldest spotted leaves as new healthy ones emerge
• Wait for full canopy renewal before removing all spotted

Key Insight

Profuse flowering = plant NOT severely stressed. Cosmetic issue caught early = full recovery expected.