Hoya lacunosa ‘Silver Mint Coin’ is a popular houseplant, prized for its distinctive foliage. Its small, coin-shaped leaves display beautiful silver variegation, giving it a shimmering appearance. Its compact growth makes it an appealing choice for indoor plant enthusiasts.
Caring for Your Hoya Lacunosa Silver Mint Coin
Light Requirements
This Hoya thrives in bright, indirect light. Placing it a few inches from a south-facing window or directly in a north-facing window provides adequate light. Sufficient light enhances silver tones and encourages robust growth. Too little light leads to leggy growth, slower development, and reduced variegation.
Watering Needs
This Hoya prefers its soil to dry out between waterings, leaning towards the drier side. Water when the top inch or two of soil feels dry to the touch, or when the pot feels noticeably lighter. Overwatering causes root rot, so good drainage is important. While it tolerates drying, prolonged complete dryness can damage stems.
Ideal Soil Mix
A well-draining, airy soil mix is essential for this Hoya to prevent waterlogging and promote root health. Suitable substrates include perlite, orchid bark, coco coir, or commercial succulent mixes. This chunky composition allows for proper root aeration, mimicking its epiphytic nature.
Temperature and Humidity
This Hoya prefers temperatures from 60-80°F (15-27°C). It is sensitive to cold and drafts; temperatures below 50°F (10°C) are harmful. It appreciates moderate to high humidity (40-70%). While adaptable to typical home humidity, higher humidity encourages faster, more lush growth.
Fertilization
During its active growing season (typically spring and summer), this Hoya benefits from regular fertilization. A balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer applied every 4-6 weeks is generally sufficient. Some growers opt for a diluted solution (e.g., 1/4 strength) once a month or every two weeks. Avoid over-fertilizing, as it can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowering.
Propagating Hoya Lacunosa Silver Mint Coin
Propagating this Hoya is commonly achieved through stem cuttings. Select a healthy stem section with at least one node. Cuttings can be rooted in water or directly in a consistently moist soil mix, ensuring the node is not buried.
Warmth and elevated humidity significantly improve rooting success. A propagation box or sealed container can create a humid environment. Once roots develop, gradually acclimate the new plant to regular household humidity. Rooting takes time, but once established, the plant typically grows quickly.
Understanding Hoya Lacunosa Silver Mint Coin Blooms
The blooms of this Hoya are small, fuzzy, star-shaped, and typically appear in clusters. Flowers are often light-colored (white to cream), sometimes with a pale yellow or red-rimmed corona. They are notably fragrant, often described as sweet, spicy, or reminiscent of cinnamon, especially at night.
This Hoya may take a year or two to mature and produce flowers, depending on its size and growing conditions. Consistent care, adequate bright indirect light, and avoiding disturbance of flower stalks (peduncles) encourage blooming. With consistent conditions, the plant can bloom year-round.
Addressing Common Hoya Lacunosa Silver Mint Coin Challenges
Yellowing leaves often indicate overwatering and potential root issues. Drooping leaves may signal underwatering or developing root problems. Adjusting watering frequency and ensuring proper drainage can resolve these.
Lack of growth can stem from insufficient light or inadequate nutrients. Increasing light exposure to bright, indirect conditions and providing appropriate fertilization during the growing season can encourage new growth.
Common houseplant pests include mealybugs and spider mites. Treat mealybugs by wiping with rubbing alcohol or using insecticidal soap. Manage spider mites, which thrive in dry conditions, by increasing humidity and using horticultural neem oil. Systemic insecticides are also effective for persistent issues.