What is a Hoya Plant? A Beginners Guide

Hoya plants are native to tropical and subtropical Asia, Australia, and Polynesia, and are characterized by their beautiful and unique foliage, vining stems, and flowers, which are often fragrant and star-shaped. 

In this beginner's guide to Hoya, we'll dive into the world of Hoyas, covering everything from their origin and types of Hoya care requirements and propagation techniques. 

Hoyas: A Perfect Houseplant

Hoya plants are unique in a number of ways, which is why they have become so popular among indoor gardeners. I personally developed an affinity for Hoyas due to their low-maintenance care requirements, as well as the impressive diversity of species they offer.

If you're not a fan of flowers, some varieties feature captivating foliage that more than make up for the lack of blooms. The leaves can range widely in size and shape, and they come in a range of colors, from deep greens, to bright silver!

Adding to their natural beauty are hoya varieties with variegation - multi colored leaves with splashes or streaks of different colors.

Some varieties of hoya can even change color under bright light, much like a human getting a tan. For these plants, "sunstressing" can produce vivid reds, oranges, and pinks, depending on the variety, and makes growing them a delight. Each leaf of your plant is truly a unique work of art.

Another reason that Hoya plants are special is their flowers. Hoya flowers are often described as otherworldly, with a wax-like texture, and delicate and intricate structure that is unlike any other plant. They come in a variety of colors, from pure white to deep burgundy.

Additionally, many species boast deliciously fragrant flowers; a single pot of blooming Hoya lacunosa can fill even an entire room with aromas reminiscent of coconut, butterscotch, jasmine, bubblegum, chocolate and more!

Finally, it's easy to care for Hoya. Most varieties don't require a lot of special attention or maintenance, making them a great choice for beginners or anyone who wants a low-maintenance indoor plant.

First time Hoya owners usually begin with beginner-friendly varieties, and then experiment with rarer, harder to find varieties later on.

Key characteristics of Hoyas:

Hoyas are also known as wax plants, and are a type of flowering plant that is popular among gardeners for their unique and attractive appearance. Here are some of the characteristics of Hoyas:

What are the different Hoya varieties?

There are over 300 different types of Hoyas, each with its own unique characteristics, but some of the most popular types include:

• Hoya fungii: This is perhaps one of my favorite hoyas, and it is known for its glossy, dark green leaves and clusters of waxy, pink or white flowers.

• Hoya lacunosa: A hoya with small, round, light green leaves and fragrant, white or pink flowers.

• Hoya kerrii: This Hoya species is known for its heart-shaped leaves also known as the sweetheart hoya, make it a popular gift for Valentine's Day or Mother's Day. It produces small clusters of pink or white flowers.

• Hoya obovata: This Hoya species is prized for its large, round leaves and clusters of white or pale pink flowers.

• Hoya globulosa: is a species of Hoya native to the Philippines. It is a climbing plant with elongated, narrow leaves that can reach up to 12 inches (30 cm) in length. The leaves are deep green in color and have a glossy surface.
• Hoya latifolia: this is a good one! It has so many different clones, grows massive leaves, and some can sunstress to deep purple color! Also, the clusters of flowers are something else!

Hoya plant care - Perfect for beginners

Now that we know what makes Hoya plants so special, let's talk about plant care for beginners. As we mentioned, Hoya plants are generally low-maintenance, but there are a few care tips you need to keep in mind to keep your Hoya thriving.

• Light: Hoyas prefer medium to bright indirect light, so place them near a window that receives plenty of sunlight. Avoid direct sunlight, as this can scorch the leaves.

• Watering: Hoyas are drought-tolerant and can go for several weeks without water. However, it's important to make sure that you let the soil dry out completely before watering your Hoya again. Overwatering can cause root rot.

• Soil: Hoyas prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. You can use a potting soil or mix that is specifically formulated for Hoyas, or make your own mix by combining equal parts peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. In the greenhouse, we actually prefer coco husk and coco coir best. 

• Humidity: While a lot of Hoyas can tolerate drier climates, most still love high humidity levels, so consider placing a humidifier near your plant, grouping it with other houseplants, or misting it regularly. You can also place a tray of water near your Hoya to increase humidity levels.

• Fertilizer: Hoyas don't need a lot of fertilizer, but you can feed them with a balanced, liquid fertilizer once a month during the growing season (spring and summer).

How to propagate Hoya Plants

One of the great things about Hoyas is that they are easy to propagate, which means you can share them with your friends and family or create new plants for yourself.

Propagating in the greenhouse is one of my most rewarding activities, as it entails selecting the ideal cuttings and carefully nurturing them until fully grown. It serves as a reminder for me that patience and hard work can lead to a truly fruitful outcome when done with care and love!

Here are some propagation techniques you can try:

• Stem cuttings: Take a stem cutting that is at least 4 inches long and has at least one node (where the leaves attach to the stem). Remove the bottom leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a pot filled with well-draining soil and keep it in a bright, warm spot. In a few weeks, roots should begin to form, and you can transplant the new plant into its own pot.

• Leaf cuttings: Take a healthy, mature leaf and cut it in half along the veins. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant it.

• Air layering: Select a healthy, mature stem, and make a small cut in the bark of the stem. Apply rooting hormone to the wound, and wrap it with damp sphagnum moss. Cover the moss with plastic wrap, and secure it with twine or tape. Keep the moss damp, and wait for roots to form. Once roots have formed, you can cut the stem below the new roots and pot it up.

• Division: If your hoya has multiple stems, you can divide it by carefully removing the plant from its pot and separating the stems. Each stem should have its own set of roots. Pot up each stem in a well-draining soil mix, and water thoroughly.