Hoya Care guide

Hoya

Family: Asclepiadaceae
Latin name: Hoya

Numerous varieties, each with unique colors and shapes! Their beauty is not only focused on their flowering but also on their foliage.

They are popular indoor plants that can bloom from the first year.

Known as 'wax plants' and 'porcelain flowers'.

Many times it is difficult to distinguish one variety from another, and this distinction is usually made by their flowers. With experience, one can also discern differences in the morphology of the leaves.

Sorting:

Hoyas belong to the family Apocynaceae. The first Hoya was classified in its genus in 1810. Since 2015, more than 500 Latin names have been published, and new species are continuously being discovered and classified. According to botanists and experts in the genus, there are 600-700 species of Hoya, many of which have not yet been described and named. Nevertheless, they are not among the easiest plants to collect, as many of them grow epiphytically in the treetops. 

Most varieties are found in subtropical and tropical Asia, mainly in the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Papua New Guinea. They can also be found in Thailand, China, Singapore, India, Colombia, Japan, and Australia.

Most varieties are found at altitudes below 1000m, but some others can be found very close to sea level. The varieties that are found at high altitudes (such as the Hoya linearThey need more knowledge for their survival indoors, as they usually require lower temperatures at night and frequent spraying with water.

Requirements:

• Underlay: They require soil rich in nutrients, with good aeration and drainage. Transplanting should not be frequent as the plant prefers to be 'crowded' in its pot due to its epiphytic nature. A mixture of 1/3 peat, 1/3 perlite, and 1/3 pine bark is satisfactory for most Hoyas.
• Fertilization: Like all plants, they require regular fertilization during their growing season, with a liquid or granular fertilizer. Fertilization should stop during the winter months with low temperatures.
• Watering: During the growth period, they need regular watering, but only after the soil has dried out. In the winter months, watering should be significantly reduced.
• Lighting: Very important for the Hoya as insufficient lighting does not lead to proper flowering. Direct exposure to sunlight should be avoided, as it can cause burns on the leaves.
• Temperature: As tropical plants, they should avoid low temperatures. A typical room temperature is ideal.
  
  

Multiplication:

It is usually done with cuttings at least 10cm long, taken from the plant early in the Spring. This allows the new plant to develop roots during the growing season. The cutting can be placed in water until it roots or in soil which should remain moist until new growth appears.

Enemies and diseases:

Aphids, spider mites, and ants can infest the Hoya plants, as they are attracted to their sweet and fragrant nectar. Control can be done either naturally (water pressure, spraying with a diluted mixture of water and soap), or with the appropriate insecticide.

The hoyas are generally very easy plants for indoor spaces. With the right care, you can have a tropical plant in your home!

Problems:

• The leaves are turning brown/red – the plant is in direct sunlight. It should be placed in another spot.
• The leaves are shriveling - the plant is not getting the water it needs (or the moisture), there may be root necrosis or infestation by mealybugs.
• The plant looks weak and stunted - the roots may have been damaged either by overwatering or by lack of water. Check the roots and if this is the problem, cut a healthy cutting for propagation.
• The internodes of the stem between the leaves are very long – The plant is seeking light as the lighting in its current position is insufficient. Place it in a brighter spot.
• The plant does not bloom – lack of sufficient light. However, some varieties of Hoya require a type of 'stress' to promote blooming (e.g. low temperature or a period without watering). This is usually determined by the type of Hoya and the ecosystem in the place where it grows in nature.
• The buds fall before they open – the substrate remained dry for a long time or too wet for a long time.
• The leaves fall abruptly - it usually means that the plant has suddenly been exposed to very low temperatures.
• The leaves are sticky – If the plant is not in bloom, then it likely has an insect infestation. Check for insects on the leaves and act accordingly.