Hoya ‘Chicken Farm’ is a unique and sought-after houseplant, captivating enthusiasts with its distinctive appearance. This vining wax plant offers unusual foliage and the potential for beautiful blooms, making it a delightful addition to any indoor plant collection.
Understanding Hoya ‘Chicken Farm’
Hoya ‘Chicken Farm’ is recognized for its unique foliage, featuring deep green leaves with prominent dark veining and silver splashes. The leaves are thick, hard, and often irregular. This Hoya was collected in 1997 near Tenom, Sabah, Borneo, specifically near a chicken coop, which is the actual origin of its common name. While it shares resemblances with Hoya finlaysonii, it is considered a distinct species.
Hoya ‘Chicken Farm’ Care
Hoya ‘Chicken Farm’ thrives with careful attention to its growing conditions. Providing the right environment supports its distinctive foliage and potential blooms.
Light
Hoya ‘Chicken Farm’ flourishes in bright, indirect light. Place the plant near an east-facing window or a few feet back from a south or west-facing window for ideal exposure. Avoid direct, intense sunlight, which can scorch the leaves. If natural light is insufficient, use supplemental grow lights for 12-14 hours daily.
Watering
Allow the soil to dry out significantly between waterings. Hoya plants are epiphytes and store water in their leaves, making them susceptible to root rot from overwatering. Check the top few inches of soil; if dry, thoroughly soak the potting mix until water drains from the bottom of the pot.
Soil and Potting
A well-draining, airy potting mix is essential for Hoya ‘Chicken Farm’. A suitable mix includes orchid bark, perlite or pumice, and horticultural charcoal, providing good aeration and preventing waterlogged conditions. Avoid dense garden soil, which retains too much moisture and can lead to fungal issues. Terracotta pots are beneficial due to their breathability, promoting faster drying of the soil.
Temperature and Humidity
Hoya ‘Chicken Farm’ prefers warm temperatures, ideally 70°F to 85°F (21°C to 29°C), and should not drop below 57°F (14°C). As a tropical plant, it appreciates higher humidity, ideally 60% to 80%. To increase humidity, consider grouping plants, using a pebble tray, or employing a humidifier.
Fertilizing
During the active growing season (spring and summer), Hoya ‘Chicken Farm’ benefits from regular, light fertilization. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 3-4 weeks, diluted to half strength. A higher phosphorus content can encourage more prolific blooming. Reduce or stop fertilizing completely during the cooler winter months when growth slows.
Propagating Hoya ‘Chicken Farm’
Propagating Hoya ‘Chicken Farm’ is most commonly achieved through stem cuttings. Begin by selecting a healthy stem section with at least two nodes, which are the points where leaves and roots emerge. Using clean, sharp pruners, make a cut just below a node, ensuring the cutting is about 4-6 inches long. Some growers choose to let the cut end callus for 12-24 hours to reduce the risk of rot.
Cuttings can be rooted in water or a well-draining substrate. For water propagation, place the cutting in a jar with enough water to submerge at least one node, changing the water weekly to maintain freshness. Roots typically begin to appear within a few weeks.
If propagating in soil, use a light, airy mix, ensuring at least one node is buried. Maintain consistent moisture in the soil, and consider covering the pot with a clear plastic bag or dome to create a humid microclimate, which encourages faster rooting. Once roots are established and are about an inch or two long, the cutting is ready to be transitioned to its permanent pot.
Troubleshooting Common Hoya ‘Chicken Farm’ Issues
Yellowing leaves often signal overwatering (soft, mushy) or underwatering (crispy); adjust watering to allow soil to dry. A lack of new growth or stunted development points to insufficient light or nutrient deficiencies; ensure bright, indirect light and consistent fertilization. Common pests like mealybugs and spider mites can also affect Hoyas; inspect regularly and address promptly with appropriate insecticidal treatments or horticultural oils. Brown spots on leaves may indicate fungal issues due to excessive moisture or poor air circulation.