With cheerful flowers and beautiful leaves, Hoya plants (Hoya genus) make excellent additions to indoor spaces and even some outdoor gardens in suitable climates. This group of plants includes over 200 species, so there’s a Hoya that works for just about every location and environment. By choosing the right variety and following a few Hoya care tips, you’ll find these plants are easy to grow.
The Hoya plant, often referred to as the “wax plant” due to its waxy foliage and flowers, has a rich history that traces back to its native habitats in Asia, Australia, and the Pacific islands. The genus was first named by botanist Robert Brown in 1810, in honor of his friend Thomas Hoy, a skilled gardener at Syon House in London. Hoyas were highly prized by Victorian plant collectors for their exotic appearance and sweetly scented, star-shaped flowers. Over the centuries, Hoyas have continued to capture the interest of horticulturists and plant enthusiasts worldwide, leading to the cultivation of many varieties and hybrids. Their resilience and adaptability have made them popular houseplants, symbolizing both historical botanical exploration and contemporary indoor gardening trends.
Outdoor Hoya Care
With their unique, star-shaped flowers and lush foliage, Hoyas can add an exotic touch to your outdoor garden beds and porch planters. If you’d like to include these lovely plants in your outdoor spaces, continue reading our top Hoya care tips.
Sun and Shade
Hoyas are versatile plants that can adapt to various light conditions. While most Hoyas prefer bright, indirect sunlight, some varieties can handle more sun. If you’re growing Hoyas outdoors, choose a spot that receives morning sun and afternoon shade to protect them from the harshest rays. In hotter climates, it’s crucial to provide shade during the peak sunlight hours to prevent leaf scorch. Check out our schefflera care guide to learn how to grow potentially nearby plants.
Water Needs
Hoyas thrive in soil that is well-draining and slightly on the drier side. Your goal is to find a balance that keeps the soil moist but not waterlogged. A good rule of thumb is to water when the top inch of soil feels dry. During hot and dry periods, you’ll need to water more frequently, while in cooler, more humid conditions, you can reduce watering. Always ensure your Hoya’s container has drainage holes to prevent root rot.
Where to Plant Them
One of the great things about Hoyas is their adaptability to different growing environments. Ensure you choose a location that meets the light requirements mentioned above and has good airflow. Hoyas can thrive in hanging baskets, planters, or even climbing structures where their vines can trail and cascade beautifully.
Pests and Diseases
Though relatively low-maintenance, Hoya plant care requires meticulous attention to prevent pests and diseases. Here are a few common issues to watch for:
Root Rot
Root rot is a common issue caused by overwatering. Ensure your Hoya’s soil dries out between waterings and avoid letting the plant sit in water. Signs of root rot include yellowing leaves and a mushy stem base.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are small, cotton-like insects that can infest Hoya plants. If you notice these pests, wipe them off with a damp cloth or use an insecticidal soap.
Aphids
Aphids can also target Hoyas, causing leaf distortion and sap loss. Spray affected areas with a strong stream of water or use an insecticidal soap to control these pests.
Annual or Perennial?
Hoyas are perennial plants in suitable climates, typically USDA zones 10-12. In cooler climates, they can be grown as annuals or brought indoors during the colder months to protect them from frost.
Indoor Hoya Care
While Hoyas can be grown outdoors in suitable climates, they are also excellent houseplants. With proper care, indoor Hoyas can thrive and even bloom, adding beauty and greenery to your home.
The Right Container
The ideal combination of substrate and pot type depends on your growing conditions and watering habits. We recommend a flexible substrate mix for Aroids and Hoyas that drains well, stays airy, retains water when needed, and reabsorbs moisture easily. Go for porous pots for plants that prefer to dry out more and impermeable pots for consistent moisture. For larger plants, we prefer terra cotta pots to facilitate even drying, while smaller plants go in glazed clay or plastic pots to slow drying. Pot size also affects substrate adjustments, with chunkier materials for larger plants and finer textures for smaller ones. The key is to balance pot and substrate choices to match your watering routine, so most plants need watering simultaneously.
Location, Location, Location
Hoyas prefer bright, indirect light when grown indoors. Place them near a window that receives filtered sunlight or use sheer curtains to diffuse the light. Avoid direct sun exposure, which can scorch the leaves. Hoyas also appreciate higher humidity, so consider placing them in bathrooms or kitchens, or use a humidifier to increase the moisture in the air.
Water Needs
Indoor Hoyas prefer soil that is allowed to dry out slightly between waterings. Water your Hoya when the top inch of soil feels dry, and always use a pot with drainage holes. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so err on the side of caution.
Popular Varieties
With over 200 species, Hoyas offer a wide range of shapes, colors, and sizes to choose from. You could also explore complimentary foliage and start caring for bird’s nest ferns. Here are a few popular varieties:
1. Hoya carnosa
Hoya carnosa is one of the most popular varieties, known for its thick, waxy leaves and clusters of star-shaped, fragrant flowers. This variety is very forgiving and can thrive in various light conditions, making it an excellent choice for beginners. It prefers bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. Water when the top inch of soil is dry.
2. Hoya kerrii
Hoya kerrii, often called the sweetheart Hoya, is famous for its unique heart-shaped leaves. This slow-growing plant is often sold as single-leaf cuttings and makes a charming gift. It thrives in bright, indirect light and requires well-draining soil. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot.
3. Hoya pubicalyx
Hoya pubicalyx features elongated, dark green leaves with silver flecks and produces fragrant flowers that can range from pink to deep purple. It is a vigorous grower, making it ideal for trellises or hanging baskets. Provide it with bright, indirect light and water when the top inch of soil is dry.
4. Hoya australis
Hoya australis is a robust variety known for its large, round leaves and clusters of sweetly scented white flowers with red centers. This fast-growing Hoya prefers bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. Water it moderately, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
5. Hoya obovata
Hoya obovata is distinguished by its round, thick leaves that often have silver speckles. This variety produces clusters of pink and white star-shaped flowers. It prefers bright, indirect light and should be watered when the top inch of soil is dry. Good airflow is essential to prevent fungal issues.
6. Hoya lacunosa
Hoya lacunosa, also known as the cinnamon-scented Hoya, has small, oval leaves and produces clusters of small, fragrant flowers that smell like cinnamon. It thrives in bright, indirect light and prefers well-draining soil. Water it regularly, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
7. Hoya multiflora
Hoya multiflora, or the shooting star Hoya, is known for its unique, star-shaped flowers that resemble shooting stars. This variety prefers bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. It enjoys slightly higher humidity, so misting the plant or using a humidifier can be beneficial. Water when the top inch of soil is dry.
Hoya Home Delivery
Now that you know all about Hoya plant care, it’s time to add a few of these beautiful plants to your home. Find hoyas, and more plants for delivery to create the perfect garden right in your backyard or windowsill. Choose the proper variety and provide the right environment, and you’ll be rewarded with stunning blooms and lush foliage. If you want to learn more about plant care, check out our tips for spider plant care and garden favorites.
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