Hoya (Hoya carnosa)
Hoya (Hoya carnosa)
MONTHLY THEME: Hooray for Hoyas!
Hoya plants (Hoya carnosa) are commonly called Wax Plants (because of its waxy leaves), Porcelain Flower (you guessed it - because the flowers look like porcelain) or Honey Plant (because the flowers smell sweet as honey). Hoyas are excellent houseplants that are easy to grow and require low-maintenance. The plant produces runners that can be trained to climb or trail around the pot. My plant is happily twisting around the mini-blinds tilt wand. Besides the lovely foliage and vines, the flowers are mindboggling. Similar to the leaves, the flowers look wax-like. Frankly, they appear to be fake and smell like a delicious mixture of chocolate and vanilla. To me, they look like an upside-down pink and white umbrella.
Hoyas are native to Australia and Asia’s subtropical climates so they prefer 50-70% humidity (the average house is between 50-60% humidity). Basically, if you feel the temperature in your house is comfort, your Hoya will be comfortable too. It can handle temperatures of 60-85 F degrees.
Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum should put my Hoya plant on display because it’s my oldest houseplant to date. This plant was in my bedroom when I was just a girl growing up in the 70’s! When my mother passed in 2015, I brought it to my house. Like me, mom loved indoor and outdoor plants, but she didn’t give them any extra TLC. No fertilizer, no special soil, no repotting – just some tap water once a week whether they needed it or not. The plant was so rootbound the roots had surrounded and literally encased the clay pot. I had to use a hammer to breakaway the pot from the tangled roots. After I repotted it in a larger pot with new soil, it started to thrive. In fact, it has bloomed twice since it got its new home, which is a major feat since they don’t flower often. To confirm my findings, I’ve read that Hoya plants have one of the longest lifespans and if taken care of properly, will live for decades!
Hoya plants enjoy indirect/filtered sunlight. However, some growers give them additional light in order to force more flowers to grow. Conversely, if they get too much sunlight, they will become sun-stressed, and the leaves will change color.
Are you asking, “Judith, how do I get my Hoya to grow flowers?” Yes, everyone wants to see and smell their Hoya flower (including me) and hoyas seem stingy about producing flowers. First, the Hoya plant need to be a mature plant before they will flower. Second, you will need to fertilize often (twice a month) to encourage blossoms. I’ve read that some growers use Orchid spray on the Hoya leaves to foster flowers. Third, they need proper humidity and sunlight levels. Fourth, if it drops below 68 F degrees, it will go dormant and not flower Firth, be patient because it is worth the wait once you see those gorgeous flowers.
I recommend watering every 10-15 days. They do not like wet feet so allow the soil to dry out before watering again. Those waxy leaves are filled with water. Try the “Taco Test” to see if your plant needs more water. Gently press the leave into the shape of a taco. If it easily bends, it needs more water.
Hoya’s like a loose soil that drains easily and allows for air circulation. You can blend perlite or bark into the tropical potting mix to improve drainage. They are slow-growing and have a small root system, so you won’t need to repot them often (approximately every 3-years).
I was surprised to learn that there are some 200 varieties in the Hoya genus. The Hoya Bella has smaller leaves while the Hoya linearis has long needle-like leaves. These two varieties require less water since the leaves are smaller and won’t hold as much moisture within the leaves. Hoya kerrii variegate has heart-shaped leaves with a white trim on the edges. These have been nicknamed the sweetheart plant or Valentine Hoya. I would like to purchase a Hoya carnosa variegata 'Tricolor' with those fabulous tri-colored leaves in cream and pink hues.
Smarty Plants Fun Facts
Hoya is in the plant family Apocynaceae
Depending on the variety, they can grow from 4” to 12’ high
Aromatic flowers come in orange, pink, purple, red, white, cream, and yellow
Fertile with a pH from 6.1-7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
The More You Grow
Hoyas were named after Thomas Hoy. Hoy was an 18th-century botanist who fervently studied this plant.
If the stems die, leaves drop-off or leave turn black, you are either overwatering or using excessive fertilizer. Remember you don’t want the soil so wet that the roots begin to rot. Nevertheless, don’t let this warning scare you away because Hoyas can actually tolerant some neglect and bounce back (unlike me).
Hoyas is actually a trailing tropical succulent. If you haven’t heard, succulents are all the rage nowadays!
As an added bonus, Hoyas are easy to propagate. Simply take cuttings with two nodes and place in water or in a jar with wet sphagnum moss to root. After a couple of weeks, the root system should be robust enough to plant in pots.
It’s good to know that Hoyas are non-toxic, pet-friendly plants. So, my grand-dogs Sir Boddington and Cash won’t get hurt if they eat them!
Don't cut back the flower stalk too fast after the flower dies because you might just get a secondary flower to bloom.
Check plants for aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites. If you find any insects nesting under the leaves, wipe them with a wet cloth or neem oil. These common pest dislike neem oil!
Hoyas are great air purifiers, but because of this feature they do collect a lot of dust on the leaves. To keep your plant healthy, please do wash or wipe the dust off the leaves.
In closing, the Haya plant is a stunning addition to any home, and with proper care, it can last for years and years and YEARS to come (no exaggeration)! With its attractive foliage and scented star-shaped flowers, it will quickly become one of your favorite houseplants. Call me when it blooms or post a photo in the comment section!