The Hoya pubicalyx ‘Mauna Loa’ is a popular houseplant known for its attractive foliage and unique, star-shaped flowers. Originating from the Philippines, it’s valued for its ease of care and blooms. Its waxy, often silver-speckled leaves enhance its appeal. Its vining habit allows growth in hanging baskets or climbing, offering display versatility.
Mauna Loa Hoya Care
Caring for Mauna Loa Hoya involves understanding its environmental needs for healthy growth. Replicating its tropical habitat helps it thrive. Consistent care in light, water, soil, and humidity ensures a healthy plant.
Light
Mauna Loa Hoya flourishes in bright, indirect light. An east-facing window is ideal, providing morning sun without harsh afternoon rays. Direct sunlight, especially in the hottest parts of the day, can scorch foliage. Insufficient light results in leggy growth, dull foliage, and reduced variegation.
Watering
Proper watering is important for your Mauna Loa Hoya, which prefers its soil to dry out between waterings. Allowing the top few inches of soil to dry prevents root rot, a common Hoya issue. Pot size, soil mix, and environmental conditions influence watering frequency. Overwatering, with constantly saturated soil, quickly leads to problems.
Soil
Ideal soil for Mauna Loa Hoya is well-draining, airy, and slightly acidic, mimicking its epiphytic nature. A suitable blend includes peat moss or coco coir for moisture retention, combined with perlite, pumice, or orchid bark for drainage and aeration. Avoid dense, heavy soils, which retain too much moisture and suffocate roots.
Temperature and Humidity
Optimal temperature and humidity support the Mauna Loa Hoya’s tropical origins. Temperatures between 65°F and 80°F (18°C to 27°C) are preferred for healthy growth. Protect from cold drafts and temperatures below 55°F (13°C). This plant thrives in moderate to high humidity, ranging from 60% to 80%. Increase humidity using pebble trays, humidifiers, or by grouping plants.
Fertilizing
During its active growing season, spring and summer, the Mauna Loa Hoya benefits from regular fertilization. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer, diluted to half strength, every 2-4 weeks. Reduce or stop fertilization during fall and winter when growth slows. Over-fertilizing can lead to nutrient burn or other issues, so moderation is important.
Encouraging Mauna Loa Hoya Blooms
Encouraging the Mauna Loa Hoya to bloom requires consistent care and specific conditions. Maturity is significant; younger plants are less likely to flower. Providing ample bright, indirect light is a primary trigger for flower production, with 6-8 hours of natural light or 12-14 hours under a grow light.
Slightly root-bound plants also bloom more, as Hoyas flower prolifically when snug. Consistent watering and fertilization during the growing season support bloom development. Do not disturb peduncles (flower spurs), as new blooms emerge from the same spot repeatedly.
Propagating Mauna Loa Hoya
Propagating Mauna Loa Hoya is straightforward, with stem cuttings being the most common method. Select healthy stems and take 4-6 inch cuttings, ensuring each has at least two leaf nodes. Remove lower leaves to expose nodes, as roots emerge from these points.
Cuttings root in various mediums: water, peat moss/perlite mix, sphagnum moss, or well-draining soil. Warmth and humidity create an optimal environment for root development. Roots form within 3-4 weeks, then transfer new plants to permanent pots.
Common Mauna Loa Hoya Issues
Despite its easy-care nature, Mauna Loa Hoya can encounter common issues. Early recognition and corrective actions maintain plant health. Issues often relate to environmental conditions or pests.
Yellowing Leaves
Yellowing leaves on a Mauna Loa Hoya signal underlying problems. This indicates overwatering or underwatering; roots are suffocated by excess moisture or deprived of hydration. Nutrient deficiencies or too much direct sunlight can also cause discoloration or scorch foliage. Adjusting watering or relocating the plant to appropriate light can resolve this.
Lack of Blooms
If a Mauna Loa Hoya is not blooming, several factors contribute. Immaturity is common; plants need time to establish before flowering. Insufficient light is a primary cause, as the plant requires bright, indirect light to flower. Improper fertilization (too much or too little) can also hinder blooming. Disturbing peduncles (flower spurs) prevents future blooms.
Pests
Mauna Loa Hoyas can be affected by common houseplant pests, including mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects. Mealybugs appear as small, fuzzy white clusters in leaf crevices; spider mites create fine webbing and dusty leaves. Scale insects are small, oval-shaped bumps on stems and leaves. Treatment involves manual removal with rubbing alcohol for mealybugs, or insecticidal soap/neem oil for broader infestations.
Leggy Growth or Sparse Foliage
Leggy growth, characterized by long, stretched stems with sparse leaves, is a sign of insufficient light. The plant reaches for light, resulting in elongated internodes. Moving the plant to brighter, indirect light encourages bushier, more compact growth. Pruning leggy stems stimulates new, fuller growth from nodes.