Hoyas, “wax plants,” or “porcelain flowers,” are one of the hottest houseplants on the market, and these beauties have been on our radar for decades! Native to southern India, these plants found their way to North America and were trending in the 1970s houseplant craze. Hoyas produce clusters of fragrant, star-shaped flowers of various colors depending on the variety. They are also renowned for their gorgeous foliage, their ability to propagate, and general easy care.
We will cover some plant specifics and aim to have you rushing to your nearest local greenhouse to pick out one of your own or to add to your existing hoya collection!
How many types of hoya plants are there?
It is hard to narrow this exact number down, but sources can agree that there are hundreds between true hoyas, cultivars, and hybrids! These range in price on the market, and some like the Hoya carnosa ‘Compacta’ can sell for thousands of dollars! Don’t fret, beginners—a small hoya can start at only $10.
Which hoyas require the easiest care?
The hoya collection list goes on and on. Still, certain varieties are wonderful go-tos for the beginner hoya houseplant parents out there or for the houseplant fanatics that want to add something requiring a little less maintenance to their indoor crop.
Some easy-care varieties are:
- Hoya carnosa ‘Compacta’— this easy plant has the coolest foliage!
- Hoya carnosa — a trailing variety comes in green or variegated varieties such as ‘Krimson Queen’ or ‘Krimson Princess.’
- Hoya kerrii —AKA the ‘Sweetheart Hoya’ or ‘Valentine’s Hoya,’ which come in plain green and variegated varieties and are slow-growing.
- Hoya pubicalyx — is a fast vining variety; do not overwater.
- Hoya obovata —blooms at a young age, and the succulent leaves are tolerant of dry periods.
- Hoya curtisii — has trailing stems and is suitable for compact spaces.
Basic Hoya Care
Light
Most hoyas have waxy foliage, as demonstrated in their nickname, but they are not succulents. They do not like bright, direct sunlight but grow best with medium-bright, indirect light.
Water
In the growing season, water with room temperature water when the top layer of soil is dry to the touch. If you notice your blooms are dropping, you are likely overwatering.
Repotting & Soil
They do well in a crowded pot, so you will only need to re-pot once every 2-3 years. Use potting soil with good aeration and drainage—a succulent or cactus mix is a good choice.
Blooms
Never deadhead your hoya’s blooms! The next set of flowers will bloom from the spurs of the remaining structure. Lightly brush the petals off or let them fall on their own.
Humidity
Hoyas are tropicals, and they prefer relatively humid conditions. Misting can be beneficial but avoid spraying the blooms.
Fertilizer
A liquid, balanced fertilizer for indoor plants is perfect because the dropper included provides the perfect amount of nutrients consistently. Fertilize once a month from spring to fall.
General Hoya Winter Care
Not over-watering is even more important in the winter months because your hoya will take longer to dry out. If you’re unsure when to water, wait for the leaves to wrinkle slightly, which will ensure you don’t overdo it. You can add a humidifier to the room if you feel the air is too dry in the winter months, which will help regain its preferred conditions. There is no need to fertilize during the winter months.
If this blog didn’t get you as excited for hoyas as we are, then we don’t know what will! If you have any more questions about these easy-care legends or you want a more detailed list of our hoya collection, visit us at Ted Lare Garden Center, and we will help you find the right houseplant for you.
