The Hoya australis ‘Lisa’ is a variegated cultivar of Hoya australis, known for its striking foliage and vigorous vining habit. Its leaves display a mix of creamy white, lime green, and deeper green. New growth often emerges in shades of vibrant pink or red when exposed to sufficient light. This tropical plant produces clusters of highly fragrant, star-shaped flowers and thrives as a trailing or climbing houseplant, tolerating typical indoor conditions.
Setting Up the Ideal Environment
The vibrant variegation of the Hoya ‘Lisa’ requires bright, indirect light throughout the day. Place the plant near an east-facing window, or a south or west-facing window shielded by a sheer curtain. Insufficient light causes the plant to revert, resulting in all-green foliage. Conversely, direct afternoon sunlight can scorch the waxy leaves, leaving permanent brown patches.
The Hoya ‘Lisa’ thrives best in temperatures mimicking its tropical origin, ideally between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit (15-26°C). Maintain temperature stability and protect the plant from sudden cold drafts or direct airflow from vents. Temperatures consistently below 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10°C) can cause significant stress and damage.
While tolerant of average household air, the Hoya ‘Lisa’ flourishes when humidity levels are maintained between 50 and 60 percent. Its semi-succulent leaves allow it to adapt to drier conditions, but higher humidity encourages healthier growth and promotes flower buds. To increase localized moisture, place the pot on a pebble tray filled with water, ensuring the pot bottom does not touch the water. Grouping plants together is another effective method to create a microclimate.
Watering Soil and Feeding Routine
The most frequent challenge for Hoya owners is managing the watering schedule, as this plant is highly susceptible to root rot from overwatering. Use a thorough “soak and dry” method, allowing the soil to dry out significantly between waterings. Wait until the top half of the potting medium is completely dry to the touch before reintroducing water.
When watering, soak the soil completely until water flows freely from the drainage holes. This ensures all roots receive moisture and encourages robust root development. Excess water must be completely drained from the saucer or cachepot to prevent the roots from sitting in standing moisture. During winter or periods of low growth, reduce the frequency of watering, allowing the soil to dry out almost entirely.
A highly porous and well-draining soil composition is necessary for the health of the Hoya ‘Lisa’. The ideal mix should be chunky and airy, facilitating rapid drainage and oxygen exchange around the roots. A suitable blend consists of standard potting mix combined with amendments.
Soil Amendments
Orchid bark
Perlite
Pumice
Coco coir
This chunky structure prevents compaction that can suffocate the roots and lead to fungal issues.
To support active growth and flowering, the Hoya ‘Lisa’ benefits from regular feeding during the spring and summer growing season. Apply a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer every four to six weeks, diluted to half the recommended strength. Over-fertilizing can lead to salt buildup, which may burn the roots and foliage. Reduce or stop fertilization during the colder winter months when the plant’s metabolism naturally slows down.
Long-Term Maintenance and Support
The Hoya ‘Lisa’ has a naturally vining growth habit that requires support for upright growth or space to trail. Providing a trellis, hoop, or moss pole allows the aerial roots to anchor and the vines to climb. This often encourages larger leaves and more frequent blooming. Without support, the vines may appear spindly, though allowing the plant to cascade from a hanging basket is an effective display method.
Hoyas prefer to be slightly root-bound and do not require frequent repotting, typically only every two to three years. Repotting is necessary if roots emerge profusely from the drainage holes or if the plant dries out significantly faster than usual. When repotting, only move up one pot size (e.g., from a four-inch to a six-inch container). This avoids using an excessive volume of soil that would retain too much moisture.
Pruning is performed to manage the plant’s shape, remove damaged vines, or encourage a bushier appearance. When pruning, preserve the peduncles, which are the small, woody flower spurs remaining after a bloom cycle. Hoya flowers rebloom from these same spurs year after year. Cutting them off will prevent future flowering from that point on the vine.
How to Propagate Hoya Lisa
The most reliable method for multiplying the Hoya ‘Lisa’ is through stem cuttings, ideally taken during the active growth period in spring or summer. Select a healthy vine and use clean, sharp shears to take a cutting that includes at least one or two nodes. Nodes are the small bumps where leaves and roots emerge. Removing the leaves from the lowest node allows this point to be submerged in the rooting medium without rotting.
Cuttings can be rooted successfully in several mediums.
Rooting Mediums
Water
Moist perlite
A mix of perlite and coco coir
When using water, submerge the bare nodes and place the vessel in a warm location with bright, indirect light. Change the water every few days to maintain freshness. Cuttings placed in a solid medium should be kept consistently moist, but not saturated. They benefit from a temporary humidity dome or plastic bag to maintain high moisture levels.
Root development typically begins within a few weeks, especially with optimal warmth and high ambient humidity. Once the roots are approximately one to two inches long, the cutting can be transplanted into a small pot containing the standard, well-draining Hoya potting mix. Delaying the transition until roots are well-established helps minimize the risk of transplant shock.