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There are over 200 species of this easy to grow almost indestructible houseplant. Hoyas
are often referred to as wax plants because of the waxy nature of their leaves and
flowers. Most, but not all hoyas are succulents with long trailing vines that often intertwine. Under the proper conditions
all hoyas produce 5 pointed star shaped fragrant flowers that come in every color including red, white, pink, purple, yellow,
orange, and even black; the only exception is blue. This is the perfect plant to hang in front of a bright sunny window; even
a plant novice will be successful growing it.
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CARE OF HOYASLight: Hoyas do best and bloom more in very bright light: . They are one of the few indoor houseplants that can even thrive in direct sun. Although hoyas can adapt to lower
light, they will grow slower and not produce the fragrant porcelain like flowers that are so beautiful on these plants. Water: Hoyas need to completely dry out before they are watered. These plants
thrive on neglect. Increase your watering when they are in bloom; decrease your watering in the winter. Temperature: Hoyas can adapt to any temperature but do best when it is 60-65 at night and 70-80 during the day. Fertilizer: Feed your hoya monthly with a balanced houseplant food (15-15-15)
when it is actively growing. Propagation: Hoyas are easy to propagate using
stem clippings from the new vines. Pests: Hoyas are prone to mealy bugs, spider mites, and aphids. Spray the entire plant, reaching every little twisted section if possible, with the green solution. You can even spray with undiluted plain alcohol if the infestation is very bad.
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| Hoya Flowers |
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| Photo by Tau'olunga (GNU) |
HOYAS FAQ’S
1. I have had my hoya for a year and it still hasn’t bloomed.
Move your plant to a brighter location.
Also, hoyas bloom more the older they are so try to be a little patient.
2. Should
I cut off the blooms after they die on my hoya plant?
Absolutely not! This is one of the plants where the new
flowers grow out of the old flower area, which is called a spur. The flowers grow in an “umbel” like an upside
down umbrella and there may be one to 50 flowers in each umbel.
3. I have a beautiful
hoya with the long vines twisted around each other. The plant has mealy bugs and no matter how much I spray they keep coming
back in areas I can’t seem to reach.
Purchase a very small pesticide bomb at your local nursery. Put your
hoya in a plastic bag, release the bomb, and seal the bag. Leave your plant in the bag for 24 hours. This should get rid of
those little pests.
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