A popular indoor plant called Hoya carnosa is grown for its lovely waxy foliage and fragrant blossoms. It produces smooth, light gray shoots that have a somewhat juicy appearance and writhe and ascend. Leaves have shiny, waxy surfaces and a mildly succulent texture. They are up to 5.2 inches (13 cm) long, up to 2 inches (5 cm) wide, and have a petiole that is 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) long. They are ovate or elliptic. From early spring through late summer, the plant blooms. On the same peduncle, it can produce umbels of 10 to 30 tiny star-shaped blooms that open gradually over the course of 2 to 3 weeks. They can range from near-white to dark pink but are commonly light pink. The blossoms have a fuzzy shine due to the microscopic hairs that coat their surface.
Do Hoya carnosas count as succulents?
I’ve amassed a sizable collection of Hoya species during the past year. Hoyas are a genus of tropical succulents that are native to Asia and Australia. There are over 300 species in the genus, in addition to several hybrids and cultivars. Hoyas are generally recognized for their waxy flower clusters and thicker, succulent-like leaves (also known as umbels). They are linked to Dischidia and common milkweed since they are members of the Apocynaceae family and the Asclepiadoideae subfamily. I could go on and on about how fascinating I find the world of hoyas, but the focus of this essay is on misperceptions about hoya care. Considering that I have only been cultivating them for a little over a year, I am by NO MEANS an expert. However, I seem to naturally be good at them, therefore I want to share my struggles and missteps with anyone else who might be interested in Hoyas. You’ll rapidly discover that they’re quite “addictive” and that it’s simple to get sucked into collecting them! Having said that, let me reiterate that I lack expertise. Just wanted to share my experience with you. The top 5 Hoya care blunders and how to fix them are shown here. I’ve killed a few, but kept most of them alive.
1.) Assuming that all Hoyas have the same maintenance requirements – Although many Hoyas, as I said above, require a comparable level of maintenance, there are more than 500 different species, cultivars, and hybrids of Hoyas. When you begin to collect various Hoyas, learn about their distinct requirements. Some people prefer warm, muggy weather, while others prefer cooler, dry conditions. Some people prefer a little touch of dryness, while others want a lot of wetness. As a general rule, hoyas with thicker leaves can withstand drought better than those with thin leaves, which are more thirsty. Additionally, there are a variety of elements that affect blooming, including light, age, roots, and temperature. A particular favorite resource of mine is Vermont Hoyas, and there are a ton of useful Hoya groups on Facebook.
2.) Not using a well-draining potting media – Even if a particular Hoya species like to stay on the damp side, a well-draining substrate is KEY and may even be more crucial than anything else when caring for Hoyas. Standard cactus/succulent soil can be used in a pinch, but I’ve discovered that even soils designed for plants that resemble succulents are insufficiently well-draining and require amendment. However, I prefer to use soil that has been heavily amended with perlite, charcoal, and pine bark, such as Fox Farms or Black Gold. In place of packaged potting soil, I recently started using coco coir, and thus far, things are going nicely. There are numerous ways to produce hoyas, including growing them exclusively in pine bark, semi-hydro utilizing clay balls that have been inflated, and amending with sand. The substrate’s ability to quickly drain is all that matters. Healthy roots are necessary for Hoya growth and flowering, therefore lacking them could cause the plants to suffer from root rot.
3.) Overwatering – This links in somewhat with the earlier recommendation to use a fast-draining mix. A substrate that drains efficiently is crucial because it can prevent overwatering. Although Hoyas like a moist environment, plants are nonetheless vulnerable to overwatering. Don’t let the Hoya sit in water (like a tray), let the substrate dry out sufficiently between waterings, and don’t plant it in a pot that is too large. In fact, a tight-fitting pot can occasionally promote blooming in addition to preventing damp roots.
4.) Not giving enough humidity and air flow – When people first learn about Hoyas, they are frequently shocked to discover that they LOVE humidity. In fact, several species depend entirely on humidity for growth. Hoyas are not desert-dwelling succulents; rather, they are native to humid tropical and subtropical environments. Hoya growth is notoriously slow for many species (I’m looking at you, Hoya kerrii variegata), but humidity can actually help. In reality, if the humidity is high, Hoyas can still grow quickly in more moderate light. Now, because of all the humidity, fungus can frequently be an issue; for this reason, it’s crucial to have sufficient air flow. Hoyas shouldn’t be packed too close together with insufficient space between them or in stagnant, humid air. If you have a lot of plants, you should space your Hoyas out more.
5.) Don’t expose them to bright light – This may seem like the most basic gardening advice, yet many people mistake Hoyas for low-light plants. Actually, they aren’t. Many cultivars of H. carnosa and some non-variegated species can definitely withstand more mild light coming from a window that faces east (in the northern hemisphere) or even directly in front of a window that faces north. But placing a Hoya in a corner or on top of a dark bookshelf is one of the worst things you could do. Hoyas climb up trees in tropical regions, so consider where they are native to and how they develop. They so require that brilliant, dappled light. Light from a west or south-facing window is best for Hoya indoor growth. This winter, I’m utilizing T5 HO lights, which many growers strongly recommend. Artificial lighting is undoubtedly beneficial for hoyas. Outside, indirect lighting is preferable because too much direct sunlight can make the leaves wilt and become yellow. The Hoya plant grows better when the light is kept up, and it also prevents the soil from being too wet. Wet potting soil shouldn’t be used with Hoyas, as is common knowledge.
Is the hoya a succulent plant?
Tropical succulent vines known as Hoya kerrii, or Hoya Hearts, are frequently grown and sold as leaf cuttings. They are a member of the Apocynaceae family, which also contains the Dogbane, Oleander, Plumeria, Periwinkle, Golden Trumpet, and Mandevilla.
Do Hoyas prefer spongy soil?
Hoyas are widespread indoor plants that thrive in a range of soil conditions. Some people have had remarkable luck growing Hoyas in bags of African Violet dirt. Some produce stunning Hoya specimens in succulent soil that drains nicely, while others swear by their own organic potting soil blend.
Like an orchid cactus, hoyas are an epiphytic plant. Hoya roots require ventilation to thrive.
What Kind Of Soil Do Hoya Plants Like?
As soon as you begin to gather Hoya plants, you quickly learn that there are numerous varieties of this plant. When it comes to preferred soil, each Hoya type has slightly distinct needs.
Whatever type of soil you use to plant your Hoyas, it needs to be well-draining, have adequate air circulation, and not retain a lot of water. After the water has been drained, the soil should continue to be damp or moist but never completely dry.
From my experience, I try to keep the soil mix basic when growing a lot of plants like Hoyas and many different kinds of “collection plants” (Anthurium, Alocasia, Philodendrons, Aglaonemas).
I use the following basic Hoya potting soil mixture.
- 2 components peat moss
- Perlite, one part
Sand can be added or substituted for perlite, according to some. Sand has the drawback of decreasing the airflow that roots require since it fills up the empty spaces. The dirt becomes compacted over time. Avoid the sand because compacted soil causes root damage.
Orchid bark, fir bark, coco coir, pumice soil amendment, charcoal, pine bark, and vermiculite can all be utilized to make a custom soil blend if manufacturing homemade potting soil is what you want.
Your choice of soil mixture for Hoya plants should:
- Drain quickly
- not remain soaked and sloppy
- Lightweight enough not to compact
- allowing air to reach the roots
NOTE: Take into account the growth environment’s humidity levels. The soil may need to hold more water in dry conditions. Consider using a coarser soil in humid places so that it can dry out more quickly.
What is the best bagged potting mix for Hoya Rope Plants?
For planting and growing wax plants, the soil for succulent plants or African violets should work well.
The roots will have more air room if you add a little extra perlite and pumice.
- The perlite facilitates quicker water drainage.
- The roots can retain some moisture in the soil thanks to the pumice.
Your Hoya will benefit from soil in bags with added perlite and/or pumice if:
- the elements that plants require
- provides drainage to maintain healthy roots.
- It prevents the plant from rotting and the soil from becoming overly damp.
NOTE: Peat moss has a tendency to slightly acidify soil mixtures. To balance the acid in the soil, some growers advise adding a calcium source like Dolomite lime.
What Kind Of Pots Do Hoyas LikePlasticTerra Cotta?
Make sure the pot has drainage holes if you’re planting hoyas. All of the Hoya crops are grown commercially by many growers in plastic pots. However, terra cotta pots can be an option for a homeowner with a few little plants or a Hoya collection.
In a 4 inch clay container with a tiny trellis to climb, the majority of plants will thrive. Hoyas also make lovely little hanging basket plants.
Clay pots have a wider top, which helps the water drain more effectively.
Move up to a pot that is the next size up when repotting, which is not frequently. Don’t forget to transplant delicately. Hoyas dislike having their roots disturbed.
AVOID overcooking. Hoyas enjoy being somewhat root-bound. Root rot is also less likely to occur in smaller pots.
Can You Start a Hoya Cutting in Water?
Yes, keeping track of and enjoying the rooting process is made possible by allowing a Hoya cutting to re-root in water.
When Hoyas are actively developing, which is in the spring or summer, is the optimal time to propagate them.
Take 4-6 inch cuttings with two leaves from healthy, growing Hoyas for the best results. Root production is accelerated by active plant development compared to cuttings made in the winter.
- A cutting with a long stem will fit the glass better, so try to take one of those.
- The cutting should be placed in a glass of purified water.
- Wait…
- When the water turns cloudy, replace it.
- roots that are 2-4 inches long when the cutting begins to grow.
- With your preferred well-draining potting soil, plant the newly rooted cutting in a 3 inch container.
- Your new plant should require a larger pot in roughly two years.
NOTE: To allow any chlorine in tap water to dissolve, leave it out for 24 hours before using it.
What kind of plant is hoya?
A tropical indoor plant known as the Hoya Carnosa Green or Jade Wax Plant displays its waxy oval-shaped leaves while trailing or climbing up a pole. Unquestionably essential for any indoor jungle.
How is a Hoya carnosa plant cared for?
Hoyas have been a favorite indoor plant for many years, and with good reason. They have a traditional, deep green, vining foliage and produce fragrant, light pink and scarlet star-shaped flowers. They also have a very long lifespan. They are frequently referred to as porcelain flowers or wax plants because of the thick, waxy foliage that surrounds them.
There are a few conditions for these tropical vining plants to grow, but nothing too demanding. Give them dampness, bright, indirect light, and a light hand while watering. Use a potting mixture that enables adequate airflow around the roots. For the ideal recipe for success, continue reading.
Choose a location with plenty of indirect light. Don’t be fooled by their waxy foliage. They cannot tolerate the intense afternoon sun since they are not succulents. Lower light conditions will allow them to develop, but it’s unlikely that they will bloom.
For Hoya, potting soil with sufficient air circulation is crucial. Espoma’s organic Cactus Mix, Orchid Mix, and Perlite should be combined in an exact ratio to achieve the right combination. Hoya prefer to be confined to or crammed within of their pots. Only every two to three years will they need to be replanted.
From spring through summer, water should be used often at room temperature. Between waterings, allow the top layer of soil to dry. Growth naturally slows down in the fall and winter, so they won’t need as much water. During the fall and winter, give them just enough water to prevent the soil from drying out completely. Flowers may wither if given too much water.
Hoyas are tropical plants that do well in moist environments. Increase the humidity by using a humidifier, especially during the winter when indoor air tends to be dry. As the water evaporates in a saucer filled with pebbles and water, humidity is also produced. Avoid spraying the flowers; rather, mist them with water that is at room temperature.
Try not to let the room temperature fall below 60 degrees Fahrenheit all year long. Additionally, it’s ideal to keep plants away from heating and cooling vents and from contacting chilly windows.
Prune in the spring before active growth starts. Spurs are stems that don’t have leaves, and they shouldn’t be cut off. Year after year, the same spurs produce flowers. Hoyas are vining plants that will gladly droop from a window sill or shelf. On the other hand, they are frequently trained into circular or vertical trellises, giving the impression of a stronger plant.
Hoya thrives on Espoma’s Orchid! liquid fertilizer. Feed from spring to fall once a month.
How is a Hoya succulent cared for?
- Are the lengthy tendrils that don’t have any leaves on them something you should remove? Just leave them alone. The plant simply develops in that manner. They first spread bare tendrils, and then those tendrils later develop into leaves and flowers.
- During the spring, summer, and fall growing seasons, fertilize the plant. Hold off throughout the winter when they are dormant.
- Hoya plants are hardy and rarely succumb to houseplant pests, unless you already have them in other surrounding houseplants.
- Check out our future guide to advanced houseplant care for more information on indoor cultivation!
Hoya plants can give your house the flavor of a tropical spring. When they begin to bloom, they burst with lush, juicy leaves and release a delicious fragrance. They are easy to maintain and non-toxic to animals. The secret to hoya maintenance is to give them plenty of bright, indirect light and to allow them dry out between waterings. Download our Winter Garden Guide and stop by our garden centers in Bloomingdale and Carpentersville for more seasonal inspo!