Hoya ‘Colonel Meekins’, a hybrid of Hoya fungii and Hoya carnosa, is a popular variety within the Hoya genus. Its distinct features and straightforward care make it a desirable addition to indoor plant collections for both new and experienced growers.
Unique Characteristics of Hoya ‘Colonel Meekins’
Hoya ‘Colonel Meekins’ has thick, waxy, and often fuzzy leaves, inherited from Hoya fungii. Its vibrant green leaves typically display prominent venation. The plant exhibits a vigorous vining growth habit, making it well-suited for hanging baskets or trellises. When mature and provided with optimal conditions, it produces fragrant, star-shaped flowers clustered in umbels. These waxy blooms often have a light floral scent, particularly noticeable at night.
Hoya ‘Colonel Meekins’ Care Guide
Light
Hoya ‘Colonel Meekins’ thrives in bright, indirect light. An east or north-facing window is ideal, providing ample brightness without intense direct midday sun. Too much direct sunlight can scorch leaves, leading to faded or burned foliage. Insufficient light results in leggy growth and a lack of blooms.
Watering
To prevent root rot, allow the soil to dry significantly between waterings. Water thoroughly until it drains from the pot’s bottom, then let the top half of the soil dry before rewatering. Watering frequency varies, but slightly wrinkled or limp leaves indicate the plant needs water.
Soil Requirements
A well-draining, airy potting mix is essential for Hoya ‘Colonel Meekins’ to ensure root aeration and prevent waterlogging. As Hoyas are epiphytic, they prefer a substrate that allows roots to breathe and dry between waterings. An ideal mix includes components like orchid bark, perlite, and coco coir or coco chips for a chunky, porous structure. A typical blend is one part potting soil, one part succulent soil, and one part perlite or orchid bark.
Temperature and Humidity
Hoya ‘Colonel Meekins’ prefers warm environments, with ideal temperatures ranging between 16°C and 29°C (60°F to 85°F). Consistent temperatures in this range promote healthy growth and flowering. While Hoyas tolerate lower humidity, they thrive in moderate to high levels, ideally 50-70%. To increase humidity, use a pebble tray or a room humidifier.
Fertilizing
Hoya ‘Colonel Meekins’ is not a heavy feeder, but light fertilization during its active growing season supports growth and encourages blooming. During spring and summer, apply a diluted balanced liquid fertilizer (e.g., 15-15-15 or 7-9-5 NPK) once a month. A fertilizer with higher phosphorus can promote more profuse flowers before blooming. Discontinue fertilizing during cooler winter months when growth slows.
Propagating Hoya ‘Colonel Meekins’
Propagating Hoya ‘Colonel Meekins’ is commonly done using stem cuttings, rooted in water or a well-draining substrate. To take a cutting, select a healthy stem with at least two or three leaf nodes, cutting just below a node. Remove lower leaves to prevent rot in the rooting medium. Allowing the cut end to callus for a few hours before placing it in water or soil can reduce rot risk.
When rooting in water, submerge the nodes and change water weekly. For rooting in substrate, use a light, airy mix similar to the mature plant’s medium. Insert the node into the mix, ensuring it is covered, and keep the substrate consistently moist but not waterlogged. Warmth and elevated humidity aid the rooting process, which takes several weeks.
Common Issues with Hoya ‘Colonel Meekins’
Overwatering is a frequent problem, leading to root rot and yellowing leaves. Prevent this by ensuring the soil dries adequately between waterings and using a well-draining mix. Underwatering can cause limp, wrinkled, or dropped leaves.
Pests like mealybugs and spider mites can affect the plant, appearing as small white or reddish insects. Regularly inspect the plant and promptly address infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Sudden temperature drops can also cause leaf drop, indicating stress.