View all Hoya

The genus Hoya is part of the Asclepiadaceae family and includes between 200 and 300 different species. This plant has been popular with hobbyists and collectors for many generations. They are often nicknamed "porcelain flowers" or "wax flowers" due to the waxy appearance of their flowers.

Hoyas are easy to care for plants that simply require a draining soil and good light.

Hoya, also known as wax plants, wax flowers or porcelain flowers is a genus of evergreen plants belonging to the family Apocynaceae. These plants are native to Southeast Asia, Australia and the Pacific Islands.

If you're looking for a beautiful, easy-to-care-for plant, a Hoya could be the perfect choice for you. There are many different varieties, each with their own unique characteristics, so you're sure to find one that suits your taste and lifestyle.

Flowers

Hoya flowers are known for their waxy texture and stunning beauty. They are usually fragrant and can bloom for several weeks.

The flowers are usually star-shaped and come in a variety of colors, including pink, red, orange, yellow and white. They are usually quite large, measuring up to 3 inches in diameter. The center of the flower is usually a darker color than the petals, and the petals are often curled or twisted.

The flowers are usually grouped in clusters, called umbels, which can contain from a few to several dozen flowers. They are also known for their long peduncles that help them hang gracefully.

In general, Hoya flowers are quite unique and striking, and are sure to add visual interest to any interior space. They can be enjoyed as cut flowers or grown in a hanging basket or trained for climbing. They are also perfect for terrariums and planters.

Overall, Hoya flowers are a beautiful and easy to care for addition to any indoor garden. With their waxy texture and vibrant colors, they are sure to add beauty and fragrance to any room in your home.

Foliage

There are several types of foliage in Hoyas, which vary depending on the species. The leaves can be simple or compound, green or variegated, smooth or hairy, and can have a variety of shapes. Some Hoyas have thick, leathery leaves, while others have thinner, more delicate leaves. Some species have narrow, elongated leaves, while others have broader, rounded leaves. In general, Hoyas have green leaves, but some species have white, cream or yellow variegated leaves.

Irrigation

Hoyas are drought tolerant plants, so it is important not to water them too frequently. It is best to let them dry out slightly between waterings. In general, it is recommended to water Hoyas once a week or every two weeks, depending on the heat and humidity of the air. It is important not to let the roots soak in water, as this can cause root rot. It is also important not to water the foliage, as this can lead to fungal diseases. It is best to water the plant from the bottom.

It should be noted that the water requirements of Hoyas can vary depending on the season, the size of the plant and its location. It is therefore important to regularly monitor the condition of the plant and adjust watering accordingly.

Brightness

Hoyas generally prefer indirect light in partial shade, but some species can tolerate higher light levels. It is important not to expose Hoyas to direct sunlight, as this can cause leaf burn and faded colors.

Hoyas with white or cream variegated leaves may require a little more light to maintain their coloration, while dark green-leaved species can tolerate lower light levels.

It is important to note that the light requirements of Hoyas can vary depending on the species and age of the plant. It is therefore important to regularly monitor the condition of the plant and adjust accordingly.

Minimum temperature

Hoyas are tropical plants and prefer warm, high temperatures. Most Hoyas species can tolerate minimum temperatures of 10 to 15 degrees Celsius (50 to 59 degrees Fahrenheit). It is important to note that colder temperatures can damage the leaves and slow the growth of the plant. Therefore, it is best to keep Hoyas at temperatures as warm as possible, avoiding temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius (50 degrees Fahrenheit).

It is important to note that the temperature requirements of Hoyas can vary depending on the species and age of the plant. It is therefore important to regularly monitor the condition of the plant and adjust accordingly.

Type of soil

It is possible to use a soil mix for Hoya that includes pine bark, pumice, coconut fiber, activated charcoal, peat moss and earthworm terricula. However, it is important to note that these ingredients should be used in small amounts to avoid insufficient drainage or excessive water accumulation.

Pine bark can help maintain good drainage, aerate the soil and nourish the soil as it slowly decomposes. Pumice can also improve drainage, capture micronutrients and increase soil porosity. Coconut fiber can help maintain moisture in the soil, but should be used in small amounts. Activated charcoal can help with root development through carbon release. It also helps eliminate rots and fungi. Peat moss can help maintain moisture in the soil but should be used in small quantities. Earthworm castings can add nutrients and minerals to the soil, but should be used in small amounts.

Fertilization

Fertilization of Hoyas is generally necessary to maintain healthy and vigorous plant growth. It is recommended to use a balanced fertilizer (5-5-5 or similar) diluted to half the recommended strength and apply it every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). It is important not to over fertilize as this can cause yellow leaves and slow growth. It is also important not to fertilize Hoyas during the resting season (fall and winter), as this can cause damage to the plant.

It should be noted that the fertilization needs of Hoyas can vary depending on the species and age of the plant. Therefore, it is important to regularly monitor the condition of the plant and adjust accordingly. It is also important to follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding dilution and frequency of application of the fertilizer used.

Flowering

The flowering of Hoyas is often one of the most attractive aspects of these plants. Hoya flowers are usually large, fragrant and can be a variety of colors, such as white, pink, red or yellow. Flowering can occur at different times of the year depending on the species, but is usually most abundant in the summer or fall.

Hoyas can be difficult to get to bloom, as they need optimal growing conditions to bloom. Hoyas need adequate light, warm temperatures and good drainage to bloom. They also need good nutrition, regular watering and periodic resting to bloom.

Some Hoyas do not bloom easily in home cultivation, but rather in a wilderness situation. It is therefore important to find out the specific needs of the plant before ordering it.

Propagation

The technique for taking cuttings from hoya trees is fairly simple and can be done using a variety of methods. Here are some general steps to take a hoya cutting:

Choose a healthy, flexible stem from the mother plant. It is best to choose a stem that has nodes close to the base, as this indicates that the stem is mature enough for cuttings.
Cut the stem at a 45 degree angle just below a node with a clean, disinfected knife. Remove the lower leaves from the stem to reduce water evaporation.
Place the cut stem in a mixture of sand and peat or in water. Make sure the leaves do not touch the substrate or water to avoid rotting.
Cover the stem with a plastic bag or cloche to keep the humidity high and avoid drafts.
Place the cutting in a shaded area and keep the substrate moist. It may take several months for roots to appear.
Once the roots appear, remove the bell or plastic bag and place the cutting in full sun. Water regularly and fertilize once a month to promote growth.

It is important to note that some species of hoya may be more difficult to cut than others. Therefore, it is important to check the needs of the specific species before starting.

Sleeping

Most hoya species have a dormant or resting period, usually in winter or early spring. During this period, the plant's growth slows down considerably and it is important to reduce watering to avoid root rot problems. It is also important not to fertilize during this period, as this can damage the roots.

In general, it is best to keep hoyas in conditions of low light and cooler temperatures during the dormant period. This may mean placing them in a cooler room in the house or placing them outside during the winter months, if the climate permits.

It is important to note that specific dormancy requirements vary from species to species. Therefore, it is important to check the needs of the specific species before starting.

Toxicity

There is not much information on the toxicity of hoyas. Some species of hoya may cause mild skin irritation if handled frequently, but there is no evidence that hoyas are toxic to humans or pets. However, it is always important to keep plants out of the reach of children and pets to avoid any risk of illness or accidental ingestion. It is also best not to ingest the plant parts, as this could cause digestive problems.