Hoya bordenii, a captivating member of the Hoya genus, offers a distinctive appeal for plant enthusiasts. Its unique foliage and striking blooms make it a sought-after indoor plant. Despite its exotic appearance, Hoya bordenii is relatively manageable for those familiar with Hoya care, making it an engaging addition.
Unique Characteristics of Hoya bordenii
Hoya bordenii is distinguished by its elongated, smooth leaves, which can measure up to 18 centimeters long and 5 centimeters wide. These leaves feature striking venation and often curve inwards, contributing to their unique texture. When exposed to sufficient bright light, the foliage can develop a rich reddish hue, enhancing its visual appeal.
The plant exhibits a twining growth habit, though it is a fairly slow grower. Its flowers are particularly noteworthy, appearing in clusters of 15 to 25 blooms per umbel. Each flower is reflexed and typically orange-red to deep red, measuring up to 20 millimeters, with a darker red corona framed by a star-shaped yellow center. These blooms possess a faint yet sweet fragrance.
Hoya bordenii Care Guide
Light Requirements
Hoya bordenii thrives in bright, indirect light, ideally receiving zero to four hours of sun daily. An east-facing window with some shade is an excellent location, allowing the plant to see the sky without harsh direct sunlight. While morning sun can encourage the leaves to develop attractive reddish “sun-stress,” prolonged exposure to intense midday sun can scorch the foliage. Insufficient light can hinder growth and prevent flowering.
Watering Practices
Hoya bordenii prefers its potting mix to dry out significantly between waterings. Allow the majority of the mix, or at least the top few centimeters, to dry before rewatering. When watering, thoroughly moisten the substrate until water drains from the bottom of the pot, ensuring no standing water remains in the saucer. Overwatering is a common issue that can lead to root rot, so it is safer to err on the side of underwatering. Watering frequency should be reduced during cooler months.
Humidity and Temperature
Hoya bordenii adapts well to average household humidity, but flourishes in environments with 60% or higher. Adequate humidity contributes to robust growth and better blooming. It prefers warm temperatures, with an optimal range between 15°C and 35°C (59°F and 95°F). While it can tolerate cooler conditions, temperatures should not consistently drop below 10°C (50°F).
Soil and Potting
A well-draining, airy potting mix is essential for Hoya bordenii, reflecting its epiphytic nature and the need for good root air circulation. A chunky mix of coco husk, coco coir, perlite, pine bark, charcoal, volcanic rock, or orchid bark is recommended. Avoid dense, heavy garden soil, as it retains too much moisture and can lead to root issues. Hoya bordenii prefers to be somewhat root-bound; repot only when the plant has significantly outgrown its current container, typically every two to three years.
Fertilization
During the active growing season (spring and summer), Hoya bordenii benefits from regular fertilization. Feed the plant every few waterings, using a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. For mature blooming plants, switch to a fertilizer with higher phosphorus to encourage prolific flowering. Reduce or halt fertilization entirely during winter to prevent salt buildup and over-fertilization.
Encouraging Blooms
Encouraging Hoya bordenii to bloom requires specific environmental conditions and patience. Consistent bright, indirect light is a primary factor, as insufficient light commonly prevents flowering. Many Hoyas, including bordenii, need to reach maturity (typically three to seven years) before blooming regularly.
Appropriate watering and consistent humidity also support bloom development. Do not remove peduncles (flower stalks) after blooming, as Hoya bordenii can re-bloom from them. Some growers find that a slight period of drought stress can encourage flowering. While Hoya bordenii can bloom frequently throughout its growing season, individual blooms are fleeting, lasting one to three weeks.
Propagating Hoya bordenii
Hoya bordenii is commonly propagated through stem cuttings. Select a healthy stem section that includes at least one pair of leaves and a node. Removing the lower leaf from the node reduces water loss and prepares the cutting for rooting.
Cuttings can be rooted in various mediums, including water, sphagnum moss, or a well-draining potting mix. Elevated humidity aids root development. Applying rooting hormone can further stimulate root growth. Roots typically form within two to four weeks when rooting in water.
Common Problems and Solutions
Hoya bordenii, while robust, can encounter common issues. Yellowing leaves often signal improper watering: consistently damp, mushy leaves indicate overwatering and potential root rot. Conversely, dry, crispy, or wrinkled leaves suggest underwatering. Adjusting your watering schedule to allow the soil to dry adequately between waterings is the primary solution.
A lack of blooms usually stems from insufficient light, plant immaturity, or incorrect watering and fertilization. Common pests include mealybugs, spider mites, aphids, and scale insects. Manage these by wiping them off with rubbing alcohol, using insecticidal soap, or applying neem oil. Fungal diseases like leaf spot and root rot link to excessive moisture and poor air circulation; improving drainage and avoiding overwatering are key preventative measures.