Indoor Hoya Varieties to Infuse Lush Green Essence, Enhancing Your Home's Ambiance
In the world of houseplants, Hoyas have gained a significant following for their unique foliage and captivating waxy flowers. Here's a guide to help you care for some of the most popular Hoya varieties, including the Hoya Curtisii, Hoya Compacta, Hoya Carnosa, Hoya Gracilis, and Hoya Lanceolata 'Bella'.
These Hoyas thrive best in bright indirect light, a well-draining soil mix rich in organic matter, and moderate watering to allow the soil to dry out between waterings. It's essential to avoid overwatering, as these plants are sensitive to excess moisture.
Light
All mentioned Hoyas prefer bright, indirect sunlight. Some, like Hoya Carnosa, can tolerate a few hours of direct sun, while most Hoyas can adapt to medium light. However, Hoya Curtisii thrives in bright indirect light and benefits from hanging to let vines grow.
Watering
Allow the soil to dry almost completely or at least the top 1-2 inches between waterings. Signs to water include leaves becoming slightly less plump or puckered.
Soil
Use a well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter, often amended with perlite or pumice to improve drainage.
Humidity & Temperature
These tropical plants appreciate moderate to higher humidity, but average household humidity is generally sufficient. Temperature preference is moderate room temperature, roughly mid-60s to upper 70s °F (18–25 °C).
Growth habit
Many are vining plants and benefit from being grown in hanging pots or trained on supports. For example, Hoya Curtisii likes to hang, allowing its small heart-shaped leaves and pink flowers to display.
Specific notes on varieties:
- Hoya Curtisii: Small heart-shaped, silver-flecked leaves, best grown hanging with bright indirect light.
- Hoya Carnosa: Hardy and beginner-friendly, thrives in bright indirect light and can tolerate some direct sun.
- Hoya Compacta and Hoya Gracilis: Similar general care; well-drained soil, bright indirect light, moderate watering to dry soil.
- Hoya Lanceolata 'Bella': Shares the typical Hoya requirements of bright indirect light and drying soil.
In summary, these Hoyas require bright indirect light, moderate watering allowing drying between, well-draining soil, and moderate humidity with temperatures in typical indoor ranges. Avoid letting them sit in water and repot only when roots outgrow the container.
For those seeking stylish planters, the Agna Flower Pot by Bloomingville and the Corduroy Round Clay Plant Pot from FERM Living offer attractive options. The Globe Hanging Pot from AYTM and the Tall Planter from Happy Houseplants are also suitable for hanging your Hoyas.
Plant experts Anastasia Borisevich from Plantum and Hanfei Niu from NiuPlants recommend keeping an eye out for the lovely waxy flowers on the Hoya Lanceolata 'Bella' and the fragrant blooms of the Hoya Carnosa. The Hoya Curtisii Wax Flower from Happy Houseplants and the Hoya Compacta Mauna Loa Houseplant from Plants for All Seasons are popular choices for these varieties.
For those looking for a more unique Hoya, the Hoya Gracilis is known for its trailing stems and small, white, star-shaped flowers, while the Hoya Carnosa 'Krimson Queen' from Waitrose Garden boasts resilience, ease of care, and a long life.
References:
[1] https://www.hoyaplanet.com/hoya-care/ [2] https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-care/houseplants/hoyas/hoya-carnosa-care.htm [3] https://www.thespruce.com/hoya-plant-care-1398340 [4] https://www.plantcaretoday.com/hoya-curtisii/ [5] https://www.thespruce.com/hoya-lanceolata-bella-1397900
- The Hoya Curtisii, in particular, benefits from being grown hanging in bright indirect light, showcasing its small heart-shaped, silver-flecked leaves and pink flowers.
- To maintain a Hoya Carnosa, it thrives in bright indirect light and can tolerate a few hours of direct sun, making it a hardy and beginner-friendly choice.
- The Hoya Compacta and Hoya Gracilis, both sharing similar care, require well-drained soil, bright indirect light, and moderate watering to allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
- The Hoya Lanceolata 'Bella', like the other varieties, prefers bright indirect light and dries soil, but is also known for its lovely waxy flowers.
