Hoya 201: How can I make my hoya happy?

As my hoya collection grows, I've discovered that not all hoyas are the same. While they vary in shapes and sizes, their care requirements differ significantly between species. Cheryl, a fellow hoya enthusiast, emphasises the importance of understanding their origin to mimic their natural habitat and make them happy. It's essential to think strategically about where to place your hoya for optimal growth.

For example, Hoya kerri enjoys warm spots with plenty of indirect sunlight, while Hoya serpens and Hoya bella prefer cooler locations. It's worth taking some time to research their native environments and preferences.

From left: Hoya serpens, Hoya carnosa, Hoya lacunosa

As a general rule, if a hoya has thick, succulent-like leaves, it contains water and doesn’t require much moisture. In contrast, if a leaf is thin and large, it typically needs more water than other hoyas. Most of my indoor plants thrive in morning sunlight, but I find that intense afternoon sun can burn the leaves. The challenge is finding spots where morning sun is plentiful, as those locations are limited. I often have to place some hoyas in areas with a little afternoon sunlight or in shaded spots where sunlight is insufficient. Moving them around periodically can help optimise their exposure. I have placed my Hoya kerri in a sunlit area during the day while keeping my Hoya bella in a cool, shaded spot.

If you are new to growing hoyas, I recommend starting with Hoya carnosa. Many hoya variants are hybrids of Hoya carnosa, such as Hoya Hindu Rope, Krimson Princess, and Hoya Minibelle. In Auckland, Hoya carnosa thrives well in outdoor shade and is easy to care for, growing relatively quickly. Once you successfully nurture a Hoya carnosa, you can explore other species for their diverse flower colours, shapes, and leaf types. With over 500 recognised Hoya species worldwide, the variety is fascinating.

Imagine walking through a Southeast Asian rainforest and discovering a hoya plant growing under the canopy of a large tree or nestled among rocks in the Himalayas. Their beautiful leaves and flowers can evoke that serene atmosphere. However, this leads to the challenge of increasing humidity to mimic a rainforest environment. I usually place all my hoyas together, as they create some humidity among themselves. For those that require higher humidity, I place them on a pebble tray so that water can evaporate from beneath. 

Hope some of these tips are helpful for your Hoya care. I enjoy looking at their leaves and smelling their flowers. I hope you enjoy growing Hoya and find joy and fun in nature.