Hoya lacunosa ‘Silver’ is a popular houseplant known for its distinctive foliage and compact, cascading growth. Its small leaves feature heavy silver flecking, creating a unique, metallic appearance. This Hoya is a desirable choice for hanging baskets and is relatively straightforward to care for.
Hoya Lacunosa Silver Care
Light
Hoya lacunosa ‘Silver’ thrives in bright, indirect light. This lighting promotes robust growth and enhances the silver variegation. An east-facing window, providing gentle morning sun, is ideal. Insufficient light diminishes silver markings and stunts development, while harsh, direct sunlight can scorch leaves.
Watering
Water Hoya lacunosa ‘Silver’ using a “drench and dry” method. Water thoroughly until moisture drains from the pot’s bottom, then allow the top two to three inches of soil to dry before rewatering. Due to thinner leaves, it stores less water and should not be left dry for long. Soggy soil causes root rot, while prolonged underwatering shrivels leaves.
Soil
Hoya lacunosa ‘Silver’ prefers a well-draining, airy substrate, mimicking its natural epiphytic growth. A suitable potting mix combines orchid bark, perlite, and coco coir. This blend ensures excellent airflow to the roots and prevents compaction, avoiding root rot. Standard potting soil often retains too much moisture and is unsuitable.
Humidity and Temperature
This Hoya prefers temperatures from 65°F to 80°F (18°C to 27°C). While it tolerates average indoor humidity, higher humidity (60% or more) supports vigorous growth and blooming. Increase humidity using pebble trays, a humidifier, or by grouping plants. Protect the plant from cold drafts.
Fertilization
During spring and summer, apply a balanced liquid fertilizer, diluted to half-strength, every four to six weeks. This supports active growth and blooming. Avoid over-fertilization, especially in fall and winter, as it can cause root burn or leaf damage.
Repotting Hoya Lacunosa Silver
Repot Hoya lacunosa ‘Silver’ every two to three years, or when it becomes root-bound. Signs include roots emerging from drainage holes or slowed growth. The best time is during the active growing season in spring or early summer. Select a pot only slightly larger than the current one and use a fresh, well-draining potting mix.
Propagating Hoya Lacunosa Silver
Propagate Hoya lacunosa ‘Silver’ using stem cuttings. Select a healthy vine with at least one or two nodes and a few leaves. Make a clean cut just below a node, where new roots emerge. Remove leaves from the lowest node to prevent rotting.
Cuttings can root in water or soil. For water, place the cutting in a jar, ensuring the lower node is submerged. For soil, insert into a small pot with well-draining mix. Roots typically form within a few weeks to a couple of months, after which the new plant can be cared for. Warm temperatures and consistent humidity enhance rooting.
Common Problems and Solutions
Yellowing leaves indicate overwatering or nutrient deficiency. If soft, it’s likely overwatering; adjust frequency. Browning leaves suggest low humidity or sunburn. Wrinkled leaves signify underwatering; water thoroughly.
Pests like mealybugs, aphids, and spider mites can affect Hoyas. Mealybugs are white, cottony masses; spider mites are tiny, causing webbing and speckled leaves. Treat infestations by wiping with isopropyl alcohol or applying insecticidal soap or neem oil. Lack of growth suggests insufficient light; move the plant to a brighter spot.
Flowering and Its Significance
Hoya lacunosa ‘Silver’ produces small, fuzzy, cream-colored flowers in clusters. These blooms have a strong, sweet fragrance, often smelling like cinnamon or cloves, more noticeable in the evening. Each flower cluster, an umbel, lasts about a week.
To encourage blooming, provide ample bright, indirect light for at least six hours daily. Allowing the plant to become slightly root-bound can also trigger flowering. Consistent care, including adequate humidity and temperatures, supports flower production. Once buds form, avoid moving the plant, as environmental changes can cause them to drop.