Hoya odorata, commonly known as Cinnamon Hoya, is a popular houseplant native to the Philippines. It is highly sought after for its distinctive, sweet, cinnamon-like fragrance, which is especially noticeable from its blooms during evening hours. Its moderate growth habit and relatively easy care requirements also contribute to its appeal.
Identifying Cinnamon Hoya
Hoya odorata has specific physical characteristics. It features light green, leathery foliage, with juvenile leaves sometimes displaying a pinkish hue. While it can grow as a non-twining shrub, it also has a vining or trailing habit, reaching 30 to 90 cm. This makes it suitable for hanging baskets.
Its most distinguishing feature is its flowers and their intense fragrance. Small, white, star-shaped blooms emerge in clusters, often along the leaf axis, with golden yellow or pale green centers. These flowers typically appear from spring through fall, and their strong, sweet, cinnamon-like scent is most potent at night, lending the plant its common name.
Cinnamon Hoya Care
Light
Cinnamon Hoya thrives in bright, indirect light. An east or west-facing window is ideal, providing ample brightness without harsh direct sun. Prolonged exposure to intense midday sun can scorch leaves, causing them to yellow or bleach. While it tolerates some partial shade, insufficient light may hinder flower production and lead to leggy growth.
Watering
Proper watering is crucial for Hoya odorata, as it is susceptible to root rot from overwatering. The plant prefers its soil to dry out almost completely between waterings. Water thoroughly when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry, ensuring water drains from the pot’s bottom. Reduce watering frequency during cooler winter months, as the plant’s growth naturally slows.
Soil
An airy, well-draining potting mix is essential for Cinnamon Hoya, mimicking its natural epiphytic growth. A suitable mix includes ingredients like orchid bark, perlite, and coco coir, which provide excellent drainage and aeration. This substrate prevents waterlogging and allows roots to breathe. Amending general potting soil with these components creates an optimal environment for root health.
Temperature and Humidity
Cinnamon Hoya prefers warm temperatures, ideally between 60°F and 85°F (18°C-29°C). Protect the plant from temperatures below 50°F (10°C), as it is not frost-hardy. As a tropical plant, Hoya odorata appreciates moderate to high humidity, ideally 50-70%. To increase humidity in dry indoor environments, use a humidifier or place the pot on a pebble tray filled with water.
Fertilizing
During its active growing season (spring and summer), Cinnamon Hoya benefits from regular, diluted fertilization. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer, or one with higher phosphorus for blooming, every 3-4 weeks. Avoid over-fertilizing, as it can lead to salt buildup and harm roots. During winter’s less active growth period, reduce or withhold fertilization entirely.
Propagating Cinnamon Hoya
Propagating Hoya odorata is commonly done using stem cuttings. Select healthy cuttings with a few leaves, and root them in water or a well-draining soil mix. When rooting in water, change the water every few days to maintain freshness. If propagating directly into soil, use a mix similar to the mature plant’s substrate for successful rooting. New shoots typically appear within several weeks.
Common Issues and Solutions
Hoya odorata can encounter common problems, including pests. Sap-sucking pests like mealybugs, aphids, and scale insects are frequent invaders, causing sticky residue, yellowing leaves, or stunted growth. Treat these pests by wiping them away with rubbing alcohol or applying insecticidal soap or neem oil solution.
Fungal diseases, such as root rot, are primarily caused by overwatering and poor drainage. Symptoms include yellowing leaves, wilting, and mushy stems. To address this, allow the soil to dry thoroughly between waterings, ensure proper drainage, and improve air circulation. Lack of flowering is often due to insufficient light, an immature plant, or a pot that is too large, as Hoyas bloom better when slightly root-bound. Providing bright, indirect light and allowing the plant to mature can encourage blooms.