Hoyas, often called wax plants, are popular houseplants known for their appealing foliage and unique, star-shaped flowers. These vining plants, native to tropical regions of Asia and Australia, offer diverse forms and straightforward care, making them attractive to many enthusiasts.
Popular Green Hoya Varieties
“Green Hoya” encompasses species and varieties primarily displaying green foliage, distinct from variegated counterparts. Hoya carnosa, the wax plant, is a widely recognized green Hoya, featuring thick, waxy, oval-shaped leaves that can trail or climb. Some Hoya carnosa varieties, like ‘Jade’ or ‘Green’, emphasize solid green leaves.
Another notable green Hoya is Hoya obovata, distinguished by its large, thick, rounded or oval leaves, often with subtle silver flecks. This species grows long, vining stems, suitable for hanging baskets or trellises. Hoya pubicalyx also offers green-leafed forms, with vigorous vines and lanceolate to ovate leaves that may feature silver markings. Young leaves can sometimes emerge with burgundy tones before maturing to green.
Hoya curtisii is a smaller, trailing variety with tiny, spade-shaped, semi-succulent leaves that are olive green with grayish mottling. It forms a dense mat of foliage, well-suited for hanging displays. Hoya lacunosa features small, ovate to lance-shaped, dark green leaves with a slightly dimpled texture, recognized for its compact growth habit. These varieties offer a range of textures and growth patterns while maintaining a lush green aesthetic.
Essential Care for Green Hoyas
Light
Green Hoyas thrive in bright, indirect light, mimicking their natural habitat under larger plant canopies. Place them near an east or south-facing window for necessary illumination without harsh direct sun. Too much direct sunlight, especially intense afternoon rays, can scorch leaves, while insufficient light leads to leggy growth and lack of blooms.
Watering
Allow soil to dry significantly between waterings, as Hoyas store water in their thick, waxy leaves. Overwatering causes root rot. Assess soil moisture by inserting a finger about an inch or two; if dry, water thoroughly until drainage from the pot’s bottom. Watering frequency varies with season, plant size, and environmental conditions, requiring more frequent watering in spring/summer and less in cooler months.
Soil Requirements
Green Hoyas prefer a well-draining, airy potting mix that prevents water from sitting around roots. As epiphytic plants, their roots need good air circulation, similar to how they grow on trees. A suitable mix includes orchid bark, perlite, and coco coir, which promote drainage and aeration. A recommended blend is a 1:1 ratio of regular potting soil mixed with orchid potting mix, or potting soil with up to 50% perlite for enhanced drainage.
Temperature and Humidity
Hoyas prefer warm, stable temperatures, ideally 68-75°F (20-24°C). They tolerate 60-85°F (15-29°C), but temperatures below 60°F (15°C) can cause dormancy and hinder flowering. As tropical plants, Hoyas appreciate higher humidity, with a minimum of 60% being beneficial. While average household humidity is tolerated, increasing it through pebble trays, humidifiers, or grouping plants supports healthier growth and more prolific blooms.
Fertilizing
Green Hoyas benefit from regular fertilization during their active growing season, typically spring through summer. A balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer, such as 2-2-2 or 20-20-20, diluted to half strength, is appropriate. Fertilizing every 3-4 weeks or twice a month encourages consistent growth. For mature plants, a higher phosphorus fertilizer can encourage flowering. Reduce or stop fertilization during fall and winter when growth naturally slows.
Propagating Green Hoyas
Propagating green Hoyas is done through stem cuttings. Select a healthy stem with at least one leaf node and a few leaves attached. Cuttings can be rooted in water or a suitable soil mix.
For water propagation, place the cut end into filtered water, ensuring no leaves are submerged. Roots appear within about four weeks. Once roots are a few inches long, transfer the cutting to a small pot with well-draining potting mix. For soil propagation, dip the cut end in rooting hormone (optional) and plant it directly into a moist, airy soil mix. Placing the potted cutting in a warm, humid environment with bright, indirect light aids successful rooting.
Common Issues and Solutions
Green Hoyas are resilient, but they can encounter some common problems. If your Hoya is not flowering, it indicates insufficient light or an immature plant, as Hoyas may take several years to produce their first blooms.
Yellowing leaves signal overwatering or nutrient deficiency. If leaves are yellow and the soil is consistently wet, reduce watering frequency and ensure the pot has adequate drainage to prevent root rot.
Wrinkled or soft leaves suggest underwatering. Browning leaves indicate low humidity, underwatering, or sunburn from too much direct light. Increasing humidity or moving the plant to a shadier location helps.
Common pests like mealybugs, spider mites, and aphids affect Hoyas. Manage these by wiping them off with a soft cloth or treating the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.