Hoya lacunosa ‘Laos’ is a popular houseplant, valued for its appealing foliage and fragrant blossoms. This variety offers a captivating presence in any indoor plant collection. Its delicate appearance combined with a straightforward care regimen makes it a rewarding choice for many plant enthusiasts.
Understanding Hoya lacunosa ‘Laos’
Hoya lacunosa ‘Laos’ distinguishes itself with small, teardrop-shaped leaves that often exhibit silver splash variegation. The foliage has a “lacunose” texture, featuring sunken veins that give the leaves a dimpled appearance. New leaves can emerge with a deep purple tint. This plant is native to Laos, where it grows as an epiphyte, clinging to trees under the shaded canopy of forests. As an epiphyte, it thrives by attaching itself to other plants, absorbing moisture and nutrients from the air and decaying organic matter rather than directly from the soil.
The flowers appear as small clusters of fuzzy, star-shaped blooms, typically cream-white with yellow centers. These flowers are fragrant, often described as having a sweet, sometimes cinnamon-like scent that intensifies at night, capable of perfuming an entire room.
Caring for Your Hoya lacunosa ‘Laos’
Light
Hoya lacunosa ‘Laos’ thrives in bright, indirect light. Placing it near an east or west-facing window is ideal, providing ample light without harsh direct sun. While it tolerates some direct morning sun, intense afternoon rays can scorch its leaves, leading to discoloration or damage. If natural light is insufficient, supplemental grow lights can ensure consistent growth and encourage blooming.
Watering
Allow the top one to two inches of soil to dry out between waterings before rehydrating thoroughly. This approach helps prevent root rot, a common issue for Hoyas if their roots remain consistently wet. During cooler months, reduce the frequency of watering significantly. It is safer to underwater this plant slightly than to overwater it.
Soil
The ideal potting mix for Hoya lacunosa ‘Laos’ should be well-draining and airy, mimicking its epiphytic nature. A good blend includes components such as orchid bark, perlite, and coco coir, with a small amount of regular potting soil. This substrate provides the necessary aeration for the roots and prevents waterlogging. An orchid potting mix is a convenient choice, as it contains many suitable elements for epiphytic plants.
Temperature and Humidity
Hoya lacunosa ‘Laos’ prefers consistent temperatures, ideally ranging between 65°F and 85°F (18-29°C). It is sensitive to cold drafts, and temperatures below 55°F (13°C) should be avoided. High humidity is beneficial, reflecting its tropical origins, with levels ideally at 60% or more. To increase humidity in drier indoor environments, consider using a humidifier, placing the plant on a pebble tray, or grouping it with other plants to create a localized humid microclimate.
Fertilizing
During its active growing season, typically spring through early fall, Hoya lacunosa ‘Laos’ benefits from regular fertilization. A balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer, diluted to half strength, can be applied every four to six weeks. This provides the necessary nutrients for robust growth and flowering. As the plant enters its dormant period in winter, reduce or completely cease fertilization until the next growing season.
Pots and Repotting
Terracotta pots are a good choice for Hoya lacunosa ‘Laos’ due to their breathability, which helps prevent the soil from remaining too wet. Hoya plants, including this variety, prefer to be somewhat root-bound, so they do not require frequent repotting. Repotting is necessary only when the plant becomes severely root-bound, the existing soil has degraded, or the plant shows signs of being stunted. When repotting, choose a pot only one size larger than the current one to avoid overpotting, which can lead to excess moisture retention.
Propagating Hoya lacunosa ‘Laos’
Propagating Hoya lacunosa ‘Laos’ is commonly done through stem cuttings, a reliable method for expanding your collection. Select a healthy stem section with at least two to three nodes, which are the points on the stem where leaves and roots emerge. Make a clean cut below a node, ensuring the cutting is about four to six inches long. Remove the bottom leaves to expose the nodes.
Cuttings can be rooted in water or directly in a well-draining potting mix. If rooting in water, place the cutting in a clear container with filtered water, ensuring at least one node is submerged. Change the water every few days to keep it fresh.
For soil propagation, insert the cut end into a moist, airy substrate, such as a mix of perlite and coco coir. Maintain consistent humidity around the cutting, possibly by covering it with a plastic bag, and provide bright, indirect light until new growth indicates successful rooting.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Hoya lacunosa ‘Laos’ may exhibit issues that indicate environmental stress or care imbalances. Yellowing leaves often suggest overwatering or insufficient drainage, leading to root problems. If leaves appear shriveled or crispy, it usually points to underwatering or a lack of humidity. Adjusting watering practices and increasing ambient moisture can help resolve these concerns.
A lack of growth or flowering might stem from inadequate light, as bright, indirect light is essential for its vigor and bloom production. Pests such as mealybugs or spider mites can occasionally affect the plant; these can be addressed by wiping them away with rubbing alcohol or applying an insecticidal soap. Ensuring proper care conditions and regularly inspecting the plant can help prevent many common problems.