Hoya Lida Buis, a cultivar of the Hoya genus, is a favored choice among plant enthusiasts. Known for its striking appearance and unique foliage, it originated as a spontaneous mutation in the early 1980s within the Dutch Buis family’s greenhouses in Aalsmeer, Holland, and was named after a daughter.
Distinctive Features
Hoya Lida Buis is distinguished by its unique variegation. Its foliage displays bright golden or creamy yellow inner variegation against emerald green leaves, creating a captivating contrast.
New leaves emerge pink, transitioning to coral before settling into creamy yellow. Sometimes, green coloration recedes to the leaf edge as yellow develops. Leaves are thick, waxy, and can exhibit a fuzzy texture and matte finish. When blooming, Hoya Lida Buis produces porcelain-like pink flowers.
Optimal Care Practices
Light
Hoya Lida Buis prefers bright, indirect light. Place it near a window receiving ample light without harsh direct sun. An hour or two of direct morning sunlight daily can be beneficial. Insufficient light diminishes variegation vibrancy.
Watering
Allow the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot. Water when the soil is approximately 75% dry. During warmer months, keep soil slightly moist, watering every 1 to 1.5 weeks. In cooler periods, reduce frequency to every two weeks or when soil is completely dry. Ensure adequate drainage to prevent water from sitting and harming roots.
Potting Mix
A well-draining potting mix is essential for Hoya Lida Buis. An ideal substrate includes perlite, orchid bark, and coco coir for aeration and drainage. Some growers also incorporate pumice, charcoal, or sand. A general guideline is a mix of about one-third organic matter (peat or coir) and two-thirds inorganic, gritty materials. This composition facilitates oxygen pockets for the roots, beneficial for epiphytic plants. An aroid mix also works. Hoyas generally prefer to be somewhat root-bound.
Humidity
Hoya Lida Buis thrives in medium humidity, ideally 50% to 65%. Consistent humidity within this range supports robust growth. During dry seasons, such as winter, increasing ambient humidity above 40% benefits the plant.
Temperature
The plant prefers warm room temperatures, 18 to 24 degrees Celsius (64-75 degrees Fahrenheit). Avoid temperatures below 13 degrees Celsius (55 degrees Fahrenheit) to prevent stress. Some successful growing environments maintain daytime temperatures between 24 and 27 degrees Celsius (75-80 degrees Fahrenheit), with nighttime temperatures dropping to 15 to 21 degrees Celsius (60-70 degrees Fahrenheit).
Fertilization
Consistent fertilization during the active growing season supports healthy development and flowering. Apply a diluted fertilizer monthly, or every second watering. Choose fertilizers not high in nitrogen, as excessive nitrogen inhibits blooming.
Propagating Hoya Lida Buis
Propagating Hoya Lida Buis is achieved through stem cuttings. Cuttings root successfully in water or soil. Select sections with several nodes (typically three to four) and six to eight leaves for energy reserves.
After taking the cutting, allow the cut end to callus for a few hours or overnight before planting to prevent rot, particularly when rooting in soil. Once callused, place the cutting in a well-draining propagation medium (perlite or a mix of perlite and coco coir) or directly into water. Maintain consistent moisture in the rooting medium without waterlogging for root development.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Leaf Discoloration
Leaf discoloration (yellowing, browning, dropping) indicates improper watering. Overwatering, leading to root rot from saturated soil, causes yellowing leaves. Insufficient watering results in browning or shriveling leaves. If variegation reverts to solid green, prune back to the last fully variegated leaf to encourage variegated growth.
Lack of Blooms
Lack of blooms is linked to insufficient light or imbalanced fertilization. Ensure the plant receives adequate bright, indirect light and appropriate nutrients during its growing season to encourage flowering.
Pests
Mealybugs and spider mites affect Hoya Lida Buis. Mealybugs, identifiable by their white, cottony appearance, are managed by wiping them off with a cotton swab dipped in diluted Castile soap or an alcohol spray. Manual removal and thoroughly spraying the plant with water are effective. For root mealybugs, remove the plant from its pot, clean roots of all soil, then repot or place in water for recovery. Spider mites may require specific miticide treatments if infestations are severe.