Hoya incrassata ‘Moonshadow’ is a houseplant known for its distinctive foliage and fragrant blooms. This cultivar showcases striking creamy white or yellow variegation against vibrant green leaves. Its uniquely scented flowers add to its appeal.
Caring for Your Hoya incrassata ‘Moonshadow’
Light Needs
Hoya incrassata ‘Moonshadow’ thrives in bright, indirect light. An east or west-facing window provides suitable illumination. Avoid direct, harsh sunlight, as it can scorch the delicate variegated foliage. Too little light can lead to leggy growth and fading variegation.
Watering Practices
Allow the soil to dry out almost completely between waterings. The plant’s waxy, succulent leaves store water, making it tolerant of dry periods. Overwatering causes mushy, yellowing leaves and can lead to root rot. Underwatering results in drooping, wilted, or shriveled leaves.
Ideal Soil Mix
A well-draining, airy potting mix is important. As epiphytic vines, Hoyas naturally grow on trees, requiring a substrate that prevents waterlogging. A suitable mix includes orchid bark, perlite, and coco coir for aeration and drainage. The plant prefers to be slightly root-bound, so repot only when it has significantly outgrown its container, typically in spring.
Temperature and Humidity
The plant prefers warm temperatures, ideally 65°F to 85°F (18°C to 29°C). While it tolerates average household humidity, higher humidity benefits its growth. To increase humidity, place the plant on a pebble tray filled with water or use a room humidifier. Misting the foliage can also provide a temporary boost.
Fertilizing Your Plant
During the active growing season (spring through summer), fertilize monthly with a diluted general houseplant fertilizer. A high-potassium fertilizer at half strength every two weeks can also be used. Reduce or cease fertilization during the cooler, dormant months of fall and winter.
Encouraging Blooms
Encouraging blooms requires specific conditions. Plant maturity plays a role, as younger plants may not flower readily. Consistent bright, indirect light is a primary factor, as inadequate light hinders bloom production. A phosphorus-rich fertilizer during the blooming season supports flower development.
Once flower spurs, known as peduncles, appear, do not disturb or remove them, as Hoyas rebloom from the same peduncles. The creamy-yellow flowers with beige tips are small, around 5mm, but can appear in clusters of up to 80, releasing a strong, citrusy or spicy fragrance that typically lasts for up to four days.
Propagating Hoya incrassata ‘Moonshadow’
Propagating is commonly achieved through stem cuttings during the plant’s active growing season (spring or summer). Select a healthy stem and make a clean cut below a node, ensuring the cutting has at least one or two nodes. Remove any leaves from the lowest node that will be submerged.
Cuttings can be rooted in water, sphagnum moss, or a well-draining soil mix. When rooting in water, change the water weekly. For soil or moss, ensure the medium remains consistently moist but not waterlogged. New roots typically emerge within a few weeks to a couple of months.
Common Problems and Solutions
Yellowing leaves often indicate watering issues. Overwatering leads to soft, mushy yellow leaves, while underwatering causes dry, yellowing leaves. Adjusting watering frequency is the first step.
A lack of growth might stem from insufficient light or nutrient deficiencies; provide a balanced fertilizer if light is adequate. Pest infestations, such as mealybugs or spider mites, can also affect health. Inspect regularly and treat with an appropriate horticultural spray if pests are found. Browning leaf tips suggest low humidity; increasing ambient moisture helps. Brown spots on leaves might indicate infections or pests.