If you’re looking for a special plant that is both as beautiful as it is easy to care for, look no further than the amazing world of the hoya plant. These stunning plants are commonly grown as tropical houseplants, but can also be found in temperate gardens and greenhouses around the world. They have captured the hearts of many plant parents with their thick fleshy leaves and star-shaped flowers.
What Is a Hoya Plant?
The hoya plant (also known as a just “Hoya” or a “Wax Plant”) is an evergreen perennial vine with fragrant flowers and thick stems, leaves, and roots. Hoyas have been found growing in a variety of tropical climates.
With its easy maintenance, the Hoya Plant has become rather trendy among houseplant lovers. Especially those who aim to add a touch of the exotic or a hint of jungle vibes to their living spaces. These plants are usually described as “light tendrils of waxy leaves” which gives them an instantly recognizable look.
Not only is the Hoya Plant aesthetically pleasing but it’s also incredibly easy to care for. It requires minimal water and moderate sunlight, which makes them especially perfect for those with busy lives or less-than-green thumbs. All that, plus its ability to even filter air pollutants, make this special little hardy character a must-have for any serious houseplant hobbyist!
What is the basic Care for a Hoya Plant?
Caring for a Hoya plant can be surprisingly easy and rewarding! In order to keep your Hoya looking its best, adequate light and moisture are key. Make sure your Hoya is planted in well-draining soil, preferably one that contains sand or perlite for good drainage.
For more information see the following post on Humidity, Grow lights, and Soil –
5 EASY WAYS TO IMPROVE HUMIDITY FOR YOUR HOUSE PLANTS
GROW LIGHTS: WHY, WHEN AND HOW TO USE THEM
DISH THE DIRT: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW FOR HEALTHY PLANTS!
During the growing season, keep the soil lightly moist and definitely not soggy! During the dormant season, allow it to dry out a bit more than usual between waterings. Additionally, you’ll want to make sure your plant gets plenty of bright indirect sunlight, or filtered sun if placed indoors. Lastly, don’t forget to give your Hoya occasional liquid fertilizer during the spring and summer months to give it a little boost! Treating your Hoya right will ensure lush green foliage, breathtaking flowers, and of course hours of delightful gardening pleasure.
Stop and smell the flowers!
Yes! Fragrant Flowers, Yellow Flowers, Pale pink flowers, Star shaped flowers, Its variable flowers are one of the unique traits that make the Hoya flower stand out from the rest.
Commonly known as wax flowers, the blooms can range from heavily fragranced large bells to umbels of small white stars with tiny light pink centers – all in various shades of pink and creamy whites. These waxy beauties have been known to bloom over a long period of time and require just a little bit more care than traditional plants. This extra attention can pay off in eye-catching clusters of delightful color, and blends that vary by species but are all stunning in their own right!
A history lesson on hoyas and class is in session
Hoyas have been on a bit of a popularity rollercoaster ride over the years. Long forgotten, The Hoya plant was discovered and studied in the 1950s by an astute botanist who named the plant in honor of his former professor Thomas Hoya. The small white blooms of this leafy specimen are surprisingly fragrant during certain times of day, attracting butterflies with their heavenly scent. A perfect addition to any indoor area, why not add a little wax to your decor? Robust and reliable, it may just be leaving us breathless for years to come.
So many choices
The hoya has many different cultivars, making it a popular choice for those looking to add some unique beauty to their homes and possibly gardens. It is estimated that hoya is a genus of over 500 accepted species of tropical plants in the dogbane family, Apocynaceae.
Here are Ten of my Favorite Hoya Species.
The shortlist:
- Hoya Australis
- Hoya Carnosa
- Hoya Kerrii
- Hoya Obovata
- Hoya Wayetii
- Hoya Macrophylla – Albo-marginata
- Hoya Shepherdii
- Hoya Pachyclada
- Hoya Retusa
- Hoya Pubicalyx – Black Dragon
Hello plant lovers! Allow me to introduce you to my Top Ten Favorite Hoya Species
If you’re like me, then you can’t get enough plants with hoyas near the top of the list. While we all love the thick fleshy dark green leaves of the Hoya Species. This forgiving tropical plant also comes in many different shapes and sizes, not to mention they’re just so unique and interesting. Today I’m going to share with you my top ten favorite hoya plants.
Hoya kerrii – also known as the “sweetheart Hoya”, this hoya produces small, heart-shaped leaves
Hoya kerrii, more commonly referred to as a Sweetheart Hoya or Heartleaf Hoya, is the perfect addition to any indoor garden with its beautiful heart-shaped foliage and trailing action. Native to Southeast Asia, this exotic-looking houseplant is an easy-to-care-for tropical beauty that prefers a warm humidity environment. Growing up to 3 ft long when given sturdy support like a trellis, Hoya kerrii’s bold deep green leaves will complement and stand out amongst an array of friendly plants that prefer similar conditions. A bright spot with indirect sunlight from a south or east-facing window will have your Sweetheart Hoya blooming again in no time if you find the leaves becoming pale and losing their luster. Displaying those famous small, waxy red clusters known as umbels of delicate star-shaped fragrant flowers on tendrils shooting out of the stem, makes this species’ fun display worth venturing into the world of wax plant lovers.
The Hoya kerrii, or sweetheart plant, is a unique and delightful addition to any home. With its small, heart-shaped leaves that bring the perfect balance of charm and playfulness, this plant can make a powerful statement in any room.
Hoya Carnosa – One of the most popular hoyas, it is easily recognizable by its thick, fleshy leaves
Hoya carnosa is undoubtedly the most popular member of the Hoya family. Hoya carnosa, also known as the wax plant, is a stunning exotic flowering plant. It has dark green foliage and light pink wax-like flowers with yellow centers. This vine is native to India, but it can be found in other tropical regions of Asia as well! With proper care, the Hoya carnosa can flower up to several times a year – especially in warmer climates – making it a great choice if you’re looking to add a splash of color to your home or garden. Plus, it’s low-maintenance and drought resistant. Just make sure to provide it with plenty of indirect sunlight and don’t over-water! With its bold evergreen leaves and clusters of fragrant pink flowers, the Hoya carnosa is not only beautiful but easy to take care of too – what more could you want in an attractive houseplant?
Plus, if you’re ever in need of a conversation starter that doesn’t involve getting your pet to do tricks, just take a peek at your Hoya carnosa and you’ll surely get the conversation flowing!
Hoya Obovata – Another popular variety, it is characterized by its oval-shaped leaves
Hoya obovata is a must-have for any plant collector. This hoyas features somewhat large oval-shaped, dark green leaves and round flowers with five reddish-pink petals. Even though it’s native to Southeast Asia, this beautiful hoya species looks right at home in your living room! If you are lucky to live in a temperate climate, its bright flowers attract pollinators like bees, hummingbirds, bats, and moths—so you can feel great knowing that this beautiful houseplant is also helping the planet. And while Hoya obovata may look delicate and intricate, it’s also a very low-maintenance plant that requires minimal watering, pruning, and fertilizing!
Hoya obovata is an attractive, low-maintenance houseplant that adds charm and sophistication to any room. What’s more, Hoya obovata can even bloom in the wintertime so you always have something special to liven up your interior space.
Hoya Pachyclada – This hoya has large, thick leaves that are dark green in color
This stunning evergreen flowering tropical vine originates from India, and its signature waxlike, pink, and white flowers make it stand out from other species. The foliage resembles fat leaves of dark green, and its thick stems can reach up to three meters in length over time – definitely, something epic to hang onto for garden lovers! In the right conditions of warm temperatures, high humidity, and plenty of light, this plant can deliver a whopping bloom on its thick stems. Oh! And did we mention how fragrant the blooms are? That’s right – you can enjoy their sweet scent too with this awesome flowering houseplant.
Hoya pachyclada sturdiness and robustness also create a low-maintenance environment for the plant-loving crowd, allowing them easy access to beauty without the hassle of literal upkeep. Plus, since Hoya pachyclada only needs minimal watering, it’s a great choice for aspiring gardeners without too much time on their hands; tending to the occasional drainage or dusting won’t take more than a few minutes!
Hoya australis – commonly known as the “wax plant”, produces small white flowers
Native to Australia, Hoya australis is an evergreen vining plant with red-tinted leaves that prefer bright, indirect light and temperatures between 60-95 degrees Fahrenheit. This easy-going houseplant is known for its fragrant wax flowers that appear in tight clusters at the tip of even just a few inches of the stem (so be sure to take a deep whiff!). Its preferred soil has well-draining material and a slightly acidic pH level. Needing only water about once or twice a month, this low-maintenance climber loves being tucked away on plant shelves, bookshelves, and even cascading from hanging planters! So go ahead and get your green thumb going—Hoya australis is here to give your home some much-needed lushness!
Hoya Wayetii – Sometimes called the Wax-flower Hoya or Porcelain Hoya.
Hoya Wayettii Is an evergreen climbing plant native to India, Thailand, and other parts of Asia. Its elongated dark green leaves are glossy and can sometimes have a pink tinge when in coarser soil or when exposed to prolonged direct sunlight. But it’s not the leaves you are interested in – instead, it’s the clusters of tiny waxen white flowers that give this plant its charm! These bell-shaped blooms will stretch for about 4 inches on flexible stems that seem almost like wires. You’ll love how the bloom clusters grow on long threads once they emerge; they look almost like strands of draping pearls! And though small, these flowers will create a pleasant fragrance in your home wherever you choose to display them. All in all, Hoya Wayetii is as stunning to look at as it is easy to care for – which makes this one of the best houseplants out there!
Hoya Macrophylla albo-Marginata, commonly known as “variegated wax plant,”
This is an evergreen epiphyte that has waxy, deep green, and white variegated foliage. With its hanging vines and clusters of elegant flowers, this ornamental houseplant provides a striking addition to any living space. The flowers bloom in shades of pink and red, with creamy or yellow-white centers, and reach up to 2 inches in diameter. The foliage is staggeringly eye-catching too—the white margins are framed against green accents like a stunning piece of art. This unique feature makes Hoya macrophylla albo-marginata the perfect low-maintenance companion for all your indoor plants needs. Plus, it’s even easy to propagate (think leaf-cuttings)! So if you’re looking for some added color and drama in your home garden-scapes, look no further than Hoya macrophylla albo-marginata: because sometimes one little houseplant can make all the difference!
Hoya Shepherdii – commonly referred to as the String Bean Hoya
Is a tropical evergreen hanging climber that originates from South East Asia, specifically the Moluccas. With dramatically elongated, almost pointy deep dark green leaves and waxy sheen, paired with beautiful pink star-shaped blooms, it’s no wonder why this plant attracts so much attention from plant lovers looking to spruce up their homes. If you’re looking for an easy-care addition to your indoor garden, Hoya shepherdii has got you covered! It prefers bright indirect light but will tolerate lower light levels and will show signs of stress if placed in direct sun. It also prefers high humidity, so it’s perfect for those living in more humid parts of the world! Like most Hoyas, It will also thrive with regular fertilizing and occasional waterings – making it a great choice for anyone new to growing houseplants. So don’t hesitate to add some Hoya Shepherdii – this brilliant plant is sure to bring lots of color and life into any space!
Hoya Retusa – Commonly known as the Grass Hoya
For the new Hoya lover, not looking for a challenge, the Hoya retusa plant is an interesting option to explore. This bushy tropical evergreen vine can be grown both indoors and outdoors in mild climates.
Hoya retusa is an epiphytic species of a flowering plant. This Hoya is native to India and the eastern Himalayas. It’s easily propagated, making it an ideal option for new gardeners.
Its flowers are small and star-like in shape with white petals and yellow or red centers, but what really sets Hoya retusa apart is its unique leaf shape. Its name retusa refers to the flattened odd-shaped dark green leaves, with retuse meaning rounded leaf apex with a notch. This hoya grows thick clumps of many leaves creating an attractive texture that will cover hanging baskets and stands out from other flowering plants. This tough tropical beauty is great for green thumbs of all skill levels who want to add a little something different to their gardens!
I hope you have enjoyed this introduction to the world of Hoyas and the 10 that I choose from my Hoya Collection.
All in all, hoyas are truly amazing plants. They have been around for centuries and have been known for their stunning visual appeal and easy maintenance. Not only that but there’s a wide variety of hoya types to choose from; from the Hoya Kerrii which produces heart-shaped leaves, to the string bean Hoya with its elongated slender leaves, to the classic wax plant, Hoya Carnosa with its beautiful white flowers.
There are so many hoya varieties that we haven’t even touched upon today like Hoya linearis with its neat spiral pattern, Hoya Curtisii with its small, pointed leaves and silver variegation, or the amazing blooms of the Shooting star Hoya or Hoya multiflora.
Picturing these plants in your home can add a touch of beauty and natural elegance to your living space. So if you’re looking for an easy-going greenery companion who loves bright light and attention alike, growth in small pots or baskets is definitely something worth considering when it comes to taking care of a hoya!