Hoya lanceolata, also known as Hoya Bella, the miniature wax plant, or honey plant, is a popular houseplant. Native to the Himalayas and Myanmar, it thrives as an epiphyte, growing on other plants rather than in the ground. Its charming clusters of star-shaped, waxy blooms contribute to its widespread appeal.
Hoya Lanceolata Care
Light
Hoya lanceolata thrives in bright, indirect light, mimicking its natural habitat. Place it near an east or north-facing window to shield it from intense, direct sun. Prolonged exposure to harsh sunlight can scorch, bleach, or yellow leaves. Insufficient light results in slow growth, pale foliage, leggy stems, and a lack of blooms.
Watering
Allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out completely between waterings. When watering, thoroughly drench the soil until water drains from the pot’s bottom, then discard any excess. Overwatering leads to root rot, causing leaves to become yellow, soft, and mushy. Underwatering results in yellowing, wrinkled, or crispy leaves. During winter dormancy, reduce watering frequency significantly.
Soil Mix
An airy, well-draining soil mix is crucial for Hoya lanceolata, reflecting its epiphytic nature and need for good air circulation. A suitable blend includes components like orchid bark, perlite, coco coir, pumice, charcoal, or sharp sand mixed with a loam-based compost. This substrate prevents waterlogging. Hoya lanceolata also prefers being somewhat root-bound, which encourages blooming.
Temperature and Humidity
Hoya lanceolata flourishes in warm conditions, ideally between 65°F and 80°F (18°C to 27°C). It is sensitive to cold; temperatures below 50°F (10°C) can cause stress and yellowing leaves. As a tropical plant, it prefers high humidity (50-70%). To increase humidity, mist the leaves regularly, place the pot on a pebble tray, or use a humidifier.
Fertilizing
During its active growing season in spring and summer, Hoya lanceolata benefits from regular fertilization. Apply a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks. Reduce or cease fertilization entirely during the plant’s dormant winter months. Fertilizers with higher phosphorus can promote more abundant flowering. Yellowing leaves may indicate a nutrient deficiency, suggesting a need for fertilization.
Propagating Hoya Lanceolata
Propagate Hoya lanceolata through stem cuttings during spring and summer when the plant is actively growing.
- Select a healthy stem section, 4-6 inches long, with at least two nodes.
- Make a clean cut just below a node using a sharp, sterilized tool.
- Remove any leaves from the lowest node so it can be submerged without decay.
- Root cuttings in water by placing the node in a jar of fresh water, changing it every few days. Alternatively, plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mix, keeping it consistently moist but not waterlogged.
- Applying rooting hormone to the cut end may enhance success.
- Maintain high humidity around the cuttings to encourage root development, typically within a few weeks to a month.
Common Problems and Solutions
Yellowing leaves are a common issue for Hoya lanceolata, often indicating overwatering or underwatering. Overwatered leaves are soft and mushy, while underwatered leaves appear dry, crispy, or wrinkled. Too much direct light can also cause leaves to yellow, bleach, or scorch. Nutrient deficiencies, particularly in older leaves, or exposure to cold drafts can also contribute to yellowing.
A lack of blooms is another frequent concern. Insufficient light is a primary reason, as Hoya lanceolata requires bright, indirect light to produce flowers. Plant immaturity can also be a factor, as these plants need to reach a certain age (often 2 to 7 years) before consistently blooming. Overwatering, poorly draining soil, or an oversized pot can inhibit flowering by promoting root growth over bloom production. Do not prune flower stalks (peduncles) after blooming, as new flowers often emerge from the same spot.
Hoya lanceolata can be susceptible to common houseplant pests like spider mites, mealybugs, scale insects, and aphids. Signs of infestation include sticky residue on leaves, yellowing foliage, or stunted growth. Organic treatment methods involve manually removing pests, spraying with insecticidal soap, or applying a neem oil solution. Proper care, including adequate light, appropriate watering, and good air circulation, helps maintain plant vigor and reduce susceptibility to pests and diseases.