Cutting back Mauna Loa

Can Mauna Loa be cut back?

• Print
• Email
• comment

**FULL QUESTION** Dear *Gardening Life*, I have a *Hoya compacta* 'Mauna Loa' that has outgrown its space. Can this be cut back? Will the cuttings root? *— Virginia Gahagan*

(continued below)

**FULL ANSWER** Virginia, Yes, this fascinating tropical plant can be cut back, ideally after it has flowered. Use cuttings with two or three leaf nodes and remove the bottom set of leaves. Cuttings will root in water quite easily or in a light, tropical-plant soil mix. Once rooted, transplant them into small pots, which will fill more quickly with roots than a larger pot would. This will help prevent root rot and promote rapid growth. Being potbound also encourages blooming. Hope that helps! *— Karen York, Botanical Editor* Other questions recently answered by the GL team: When to move irises Maintaining blue spruces The best way to grow gunneras Getting rid of sawfly larvae on roses Eliminating earwigs from clematis flowers Beetle damage to spruce trees Removing whiteflies from hibiscus leaves Building a cactus garden Maintaining redbud trees Maintaining Boston ivy growth Using black walnut leaves for mulch Stopping powdery mildew on maples Planting trees near a swale Growing on a septic field How to battle weeds between flagstone and alternative options Mysterious orange powder on the lawn What to do with end-of-season potatoes on the vine How to control Japanese knotweed What to grow in a dry area The proper way to plant astrantia What is the star flower and how do I manage it? How do I eliminate my ant problem? Preventing red beetles from attacking lilies Vine types to grow on a new pergola Maintaining purple fountain grass Keeping bougainvilllea healthy throughout the winer How to rid invasive green goutweed Good garden uses for fireplace ashes Growing grape hyacinth indoors The best way to convert a lawn into a meadow The proper way to grow rhododendrons Eliminating beetle damage to spruce trees Annual resembling Japanese maple Planting ivy near cedar trees In search of the 'Sundance Kid' sunflower Caring for canna bulbs A supplier for barren strawberry ground cover Winter care for roses

Your name:

Comment:

Shop

Find plants, flowers, garden tools, designers and hardware in your area: West | Prairies | Central or Atlantic

Ask a Pro

"How do I keep bougainvillea healthy and strong throughout the winter?"

• Read the answer
• Ask a question

video

• Hook-Up a Rain Barrel
• Creating Container Magic
• Eco-Friendly Garden Ideas
• Top Outdoor Living Trends