What is a Hoya plant and where can I get it?
A beloved plant of many houseplant collectors and enthusiasts, the Hoya is a tropical originating from Southeast Asia. The plant is cherished and lover for the beautiful wax-like flowers in star and heart shapes that bloom like an umbrella. The plant is sometimes know as a "porcelain flower" plant because of the unique look of the flowers that appear almost unreal with very small fuzzy hair that give it a porcelain or finished material look the leaves are normally thick and waxy giving it another nickname the "wax plant."
What types of Hoya plants are there?
There are many different types of Hoya plants. The varieties are all cherished for their leaves or for their flowers, some varieties can also be fragrant hoya plants include the following species:
- Hoya carnosa (including, Hoya Compacta, Tricolor, Krimson Princess etc)
- Hoya kerrii (Variegated, Splash, and Regular varieties)
- Hoya australis
- Hoya kentiana
- Hoya multiflora
- Hoya coronaria
- Hoya pubicalyx
- Hoya lacunosa
- Hoya retusa
- And many others not listed here
Why do people like Hoya plants?
People like Hoya plants because they are easy to maintain, hardy and have a dreamy kind of beauty. When they bloom it is like a little bit of magic to watch the blooms unfurl into the signature porcelain flowers with an umbrella shape.
What does a Hoya plant look like?
Hoyas range in shape and size but are all a vining plant with gorgeous blooms. Each hoya bloom looks like a 5-point star wrapped up in a ball. It is one of the most beautiful flowers you will ever behold, with its wax-like appearance.
What soil is best for a Hoya plant?
Hoya plants like a well draining soil. A combination of perlite, orchid and cactus with regular potting mix is best. They do like a dry period between watering and when they are being forced to bloom an extended try period will get you good blooms in the spring and summer. We like to use the "taco" test to see if they need watering, when the leaves can fold easily into a taco shape when pressed gentely at the edges then it is time to water.
What plant is the rope Hoya plant?
The rope Hoya plant is the Hoya carnosa compacta, also called the Hindu Rope plant or Krinkle kurl. It may be given the name because of its curly leaves and origins in the Indian region.
Do Hoya plants get pests?
Hoya plants are one of the most beautiful plants and yes, they are just as attractive to pests such as aphids, mealybugs and spider mites. Sometimes those pests try to get into the crevices of the plants and on new leaves so regular maintenance and checks can prevent larger issues. We recommend using our Plant Shield & Shine once every 10 days for prevention and to maintain stunning leaves.
About Hoya plant
The Hoya plant, also called the wax plant, wax flower, Indian rope plant, porcelain plant or honey plant is a native plant of Australia, Asia and the Pacific islands. It belongs to the Apocynaceae (dogbane) family, according to recent taxonomy. It was initially in the Asclepiadaceae (milkweed) family.
The beautiful flowering plant grows in clusters with a ball or star or heart shape which shares striking semblance to the mophead hydrangeas with each bunch holding close to 50 single flowers closely wound together. The flowers appear perfect like they are made from wax or porcelain. Hence, the common names for the Hoya plants.
Hoya plants have evergreen, waxy leaves and woody stems and can grow as a vine or trail from a pot or hanging basket.
How to take care of your Hoya plant
Hoya plants are generally easy to care for with the right environment. They don't like it too cold and have other care requirements discussed below.
Watering Hoya plants
It is preferable to under-water your Hoya plant than to excessively water it because a wilt on this plant is easier to manage than root rot. The water used should also be at room temperature. You can achieve this by allowing the water in your watering can to sit for about 30 minutes before watering the Hoya plant. In Spring and Summer, between watering intervals, allow the first inch of soil to dry out. For other seasons, allow more drying out between watering. If you are trying to promote or force blooming really drying them out can help but once there are blooms be sure to not let it get totally dry otherwise the blooms will be the first to go.
Lighting needs of Hoya plants
Hoyas need a good balance or bright and indirect light to give optimal growth. The Hoya wax flower would still grow in low light conditions, but it may not produce ideal blooms in those conditions. Hoya plants grow best in dappled light or under a tree. If you are growing your hoya indoors, you can use LED light with a short wavelength.
Temperature needs of Hoya plants
As tropical plants, Hoya plants require temperatures of at least 60F to thrive. When the temperature outside is cold, keep the branches from stretching outside the window. As a rule, keep the plant entirely inside. If you prefer to grow your Hoya outdoors, you should consider transplanting them at the end of winter. Also, keep it away from direct contact with AC vents.
Humidity needs of Hoya plants
Hoyas are a tropical plant and do light higher levels of humidity. Mist your Hoya plant regularly to allow it to grow optimally. You can either use a humidifier or put the pot in a dish with water and pebbles. Hoya plants grow healthily in warm, humid environments similar in condition to their natural habitat so try to replicate these conditions and your Hoya plant will thank you for it with gorgeous blooms.
What is the best fertilizer for the Hoya plant?
Hoya plants thrive better with NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium) fertilizers, according to the International Hoya Association. You should apply fertilizers with NPK monthly using a ratio of either 2-1-2 or 3-1-2. You can also use liquid fertilizers as needed for your Hoya variety, beginning application in spring and ending in autumn. We recommend monthly fertilizer applications in Spring and Summer, and every other month in the Fall and Winter months.
Soil needs of Hoya plants
Hoya plants need a soil that drains properly to allow for good aeration. You can make a suitable mix from equal portions of orchid and cactus mix with perlite.
Troubleshooting your hoya plant issues
Why does my Hoya plant have yellow leaves?
Your Hoya plant may be wilting or have yellow leaves if you’re not giving it ample water. Try to water it often. You may loose a couple of leaves in this process but it should bounce back when you are on a good watering schedule.
Why is my Hoya plant not flowering?
Hoya plants bloom when they have the best of environmental conditions. Your Hoya plant may not flower when they don’t receive adequate water or light. Another possible cause may be deficiency in phosphorus or over-pruning in spring. Increase the lighting condition or frequency of watering. You can also use NPK-based fertilizers.
What pests disturb the Hoya plant?
Many different pests can get to the Hoya plant. Some of them include aphids, spider mites, mealybugs, thrips and whiteflies. It is a great idea to check your plant thoroughly before bringing it in. A mixture of equal parts water and vinegar or neem oil sprayed on the plant will also get rid of most plants. If you are interested we do have a great preventative care product called Plant Shield & Shine for use once every two weeks on your plant.
Check out our entire assortment of stunning Hoya plants to purchase for yourself.