Hoya merilli, a captivating plant from the Philippines, grows as an epiphyte in warm, humid forests. It features thick, glossy, heart-shaped leaves that can develop a rich red or purple hue in ample light. Its distinctive, highly fragrant, star-shaped blooms, typically pale yellow to cream, further enhance its appeal to plant enthusiasts.
Hoya Merilli Care
Hoya merilli thrives with consistent care that mirrors its natural habitat. Attention to light, watering, humidity, temperature, soil, and fertilization promotes its health.
Light
Hoya merilli prefers bright, indirect light to flourish. Placing it near an east or west-facing window is ideal, as this provides sufficient brightness without the harshness of direct sun. While brief exposure to direct sunlight can enhance the reddish coloration of its leaves, prolonged periods can lead to leaf scorch. Insufficient light, conversely, can result in leggy growth and reduced flowering.
Watering
The “soak and dry” method is effective for Hoya merilli. Allow the top few inches of soil to dry completely between waterings to prevent root rot, to which the plant is sensitive. Reduce watering frequency during the cooler fall and winter months. Always ensure excess water drains freely from the pot.
Humidity and Temperature
Reflecting its tropical origins, Hoya merilli thrives in high humidity, ideally 60% to 80%. Methods to increase humidity include using pebble trays, a humidifier, or grouping plants. The plant prefers warm temperatures, ideally 65-85°F (18-29°C), and should be protected from cold drafts or temperatures below 50°F (10°C).
Soil and Potting
A well-draining, airy substrate is important for Hoya merilli. A suitable potting mix includes components like orchid bark, perlite, coco husk, and pumice to ensure aeration and prevent water retention. Because Hoya merilli has a shallow root system and prefers to be slightly rootbound, it does not require frequent repotting. Terracotta pots are beneficial due to their breathability, which helps prevent overly moist conditions.
Fertilization
Hoya merilli benefits from fertilization during its active growing season, typically spring and summer. Apply a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer every two to four weeks. A fertilizer with higher phosphorus content can support more profuse flowering before the blooming period. Withhold fertilization during the fall and winter months when the plant enters semi-dormancy.
Propagating Hoya Merilli
Propagating Hoya merilli is commonly achieved through stem cuttings. Select healthy, mature stems during the active growing season in spring or summer. Each cutting should have at least two nodes, as new roots emerge from these points.
To prepare the cutting, carefully remove the lower leaves to expose the nodes, ensuring a clean cut with sharp, sterilized pruners. The prepared cuttings can be rooted in water, perlite, or a chunky potting mix. When rooting in water, submerge the nodes, changing the water weekly to keep it fresh. For rooting in a substrate, plant the cutting so at least one node is buried, keeping the medium consistently moist but not waterlogged. Warmth and humidity create an ideal environment for root development, which can take a few weeks to a couple of months depending on conditions.
Encouraging Hoya Merilli Blooms and Fragrance
Encouraging Hoya merilli to bloom involves specific environmental triggers. Consistent conditions and a mature plant are prerequisites for flowering. High light intensity, specifically bright indirect light for several hours daily, is important, as lower light levels prevent blooming.
A slight temperature drop at night can encourage flower development. Once buds form, avoid moving the plant to prevent bud blast. Hoya merilli blooms emerge from peduncles, or flower spurs; do not remove these after flowering, as the plant re-blooms from the same peduncles. The star-shaped flowers have a waxy texture and exude a sweet, sometimes spicy, fragrance, often most prominent at night.
Common Hoya Merilli Issues and Pests
Hoya merilli can encounter several common issues and pests. Yellowing leaves indicate overwatering or a nutrient deficiency. Brown, crispy edges on leaves point to underwatering or insufficient humidity.
Stunted growth can result from inadequate light or a lack of nutrients, requiring assessment of light exposure and fertilization. Failure to bloom is due to a lack of plant maturity or insufficient light and environmental conditions. Hoya merilli can attract common houseplant pests such as mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects. Treatment involves manual removal, spraying with neem oil, or applying insecticidal soap.