Hoya
Hoyas are exceptional houseplants – climbing or trailing, almost always overflowing from the pots. Also known as wax plants, varieties range from the curly dreadlock-ish Hindu rope (Hoya carnosa compacta) to the grassy-leafed Hoya retusa. They make great collector plants as there are so many stunning varieties.
In their native habitat, hoyas are epiphytic, growing in trees without damaging its host.
Most Popular Types
There are so many hoyas on our popularity list! Hoya kerryi has heart-shaped leaves, and the variegated macrophylla has beautiful large leaves. The Hindu rope variety can boast standard green or variegated leaves that start out bright red before turning to a beautiful pink.
Light
These plants prefer bright indirect sunlight.
Temperatures
Hoyas like warmth and humidity. We keep ours at a minimum temperature of 60 degrees F.
Watering
Hoyas can be watered soon after the top inch or so of soil is dry. Frequent watering will speed growth, as long as the plant isn’t kept in soggy soil.
Toxicity
These plants are non-toxic to people and pets.
Growth
Hoyas will climb a trellis or drape from a hanging pot, easily reaching 4 ft in length.
Clusters of small star-shaped flowers are common. Some varieties need to be kept in cool, dry spaces during winter to promote summer flowers.
Origin
They are native to Asia and Australia.
Propagation
The easiest method of propagating hoya is by stem cutting. Make sure you select a spot on the stem with at least one node, preferably two, to ensure growth.
The heart-shaped kerryi are often available for Valentine’s Day, but it’s difficult to tell if they will develop into a full plant or just remain a leaf. It’s all in the cutting technique.
Dormancy
They are winter dormant.
Hoya wax plant
Hoya is also known as a wax plant.
hoya retusa
The Hoya retusa has uncommon needle-like leaves. As with most Hoya, it does well in hanging baskets.
hoya publicalyx
Hoya publicalyx
hoya macrophylla
Hoya macrophylla is a larger leaf variety. The variegated form is very eye-catching.
Hoya Kerryi
The Hoya Kerryi is often available during February for Valentine’s Day gifts.
hoya kentiana bamboo leaf
Hoya kentiana bamboo leaf is a great plant for Hoya collectors.
hoya Hindu Rope regular and variegated
Comparison of Hoya Hindu Rope regular and variegated. In the sun, the variegated variety will have a hint of pink.
Hoya flowers
Hoya flowers are small, but the effect of the ball of star-shaped blooms catches attention.
hoya curtisii string of hearts
The Hoya curtisii is similar to a string of hearts ceropegia, but it has spade-like leaves.
hoya carnosa Krimson Queen
The Krimson Queen Hoya carnosa is stunning when kept in direct sunlight. The variegated leaves take on a strong pink color.
Hoya carnosa Hindu Rope variegated
Hoya carnosa Hindu Rope – variegated variety
Hoya carnosa compacta Hindu rope
Hoya carnosa compacta Hindu Rope starts as a clump of curved leaves to later take on a trailing pattern.
Workshops at Growing Hobby
Workshop schedule set for after work hours and on Sunday afternoons. We now have central heating and air to make you more comfortable while you shop and attend workshops.