Hoyas 101: Everything you need to know about these amazing plants
Hoyas are one of the most fascinating and diverse groups of plants in the world. They belong to the family Apocynaceae, which includes over 300 species of vines, shrubs and trees. Hoyas are also known as wax plants or porcelain flowers, because of their unique and beautiful flowers that look like they are made of wax. Hoyas are native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Australia and the Pacific Islands, but they can be grown indoors as houseplants in most climates. In this blog, you will learn everything you need to know about hoyas, such how to care for them, how to identify problems and how to enjoy their stunning blooms. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, you will find something new and interesting about hoyas in this blog. So join me as I explore the wonderful world of hoyas!
From left: Hoya multiflora, Hoya shepherdii, Hoya lacunosa
Care tips
Hoyas are easy to care for as long as you provide them with the right conditions. They are also rewarding plants that produce beautiful and fragrant flowers. Here are some tips on how to care for hoyas:
- Light: Hoyas need bright, indirect sunlight throughout the day, and some direct sunlight for two to four hours. A spot near a north- or east-facing window is ideal. If your hoya is not blooming, it may need more light.
- Water: Hoyas like to be watered when the soil is almost completely dry. Use room-temperature water that has been aged for at least 24 hours to avoid chlorine and fluorine. Water your hoya in the morning and pour the water evenly over the soil until it drains from the bottom of the pot. Empty the catch basin afterwards to prevent root rot.
- Soil: Hoyas need a well-draining soil mix that is rich and aerated. You can use a mix designed for indoor potting mix or orchid mix. Hoyas do not like to be repotted often, so choose a pot that is slightly larger than the root ball and leave it undisturbed for many years.
- Fertiliser: Hoyas benefit from a balanced, water-soluble houseplant fertilizer every three to four weeks during spring and summer. Adjust the frequency based on the plant’s health. If the leaves and stems become pale, the plant may need more fertilizer. If the leaves become dark green and soft, the plant may need less fertiliser. Always water your hoya before fertilising to avoid burning the roots.
- Pruning: Hoyas do not need much pruning, except to remove dead or diseased parts. Do not cut off the flower spurs or stubs, as they will produce new flowers in the next season. You can train your hoya to grow up a trellis or let it hang down from a basket.
Way to enjoy hoya blooms
Hoya blooms are one of the most rewarding aspects of growing these plants. They are stunning, fragrant, and long-lasting. Here are some ways to enjoy hoya blooms:
- Display them in a prominent spot: Hoyas bloom best when they are exposed to bright, indirect light and some direct sun. Place your hoya plant in a spot where you can see and appreciate its flowers, such as near a window, on a shelf, or in a hanging basket. Avoid moving your hoya plant when it is blooming, as this may cause the flowers to drop.
- Smell their fragrance: Hoyas have different scents depending on the species and cultivar. Some smell sweet, spicy, fruity, or chocolate-like. Some are more fragrant at night or in the morning. Sniff your hoya flowers and enjoy their aroma. You can also cut off a flower cluster and place it in a vase with water to bring the fragrance indoors.
- Learn more about them: Hoyas have interesting and diverse characteristics that make them fascinating plants. Learn more about your hoya species and cultivar, such as its origin, history, name, and meaning. You can also research other hoya varieties and see how they differ in appearance and fragrance. You may discover new hoyas that you want to add to your collection.
Any problems
Hoyas are generally low-maintenance plants, but they can still encounter some problems if they are not cared for properly. Some of the common problems are:
- Root rot: This is caused by overwatering or poor drainage. The roots become mushy and brown, and the plant wilts and dies. To prevent this, water your hoya only when the soil is almost dry, and use a pot with drainage holes and a well-draining soil mix. If your hoya has root rot, you may need to cut off the healthy parts and propagate them again.
- Discoloration of leaves: This can be caused by various factors, such as sunburn, nutrient deficiency, pests, diseases, or environmental stress. The leaves may turn yellow, brown, black, or red. To prevent this, provide your hoya with adequate light, water, fertilizer, and humidity. Check for signs of pests or diseases and treat them accordingly. Remove any damaged leaves and adjust the growing conditions as needed.
- Leaf drop: This can be caused by sudden changes in temperature, humidity, light, or water. The plant may lose some or all of its leaves as a result. To prevent this, avoid moving your hoya plant when it is blooming or adjusting to a new environment. Keep your hoya in a stable and suitable climate. Water your hoya consistently and avoid overwatering or underwatering.
- Bud blast: This is when the flower buds fall off before opening. This can be caused by insufficient light, water, humidity, or fertilizer. It can also be caused by pests, diseases, or physical damage. To prevent this, provide your hoya with enough light exposure and some direct sun. Water your hoya regularly but not excessively. Increase the humidity around your hoya by misting it or using a humidifier. Feed your hoya with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season. Protect your hoya from pests, diseases, and injuries.