Hoya Krohniana has become a favored houseplant among enthusiasts due to its charming heart-shaped leaves and vining growth habit. Its unique foliage and relatively straightforward care make it a delightful addition to any indoor plant collection, making it a popular choice for collectors.
Overview of Hoya Krohniana
Hoya krohniana is a species native to the tropical rainforests of the Philippines, where it grows as an epiphyte, attaching to trees. This vining plant is characterized by its small, thick, waxy, heart-shaped leaves, typically about the size of a nickel. Its firm foliage stores water, adapting to dry periods. While it primarily trails, Hoya krohniana can also be trained to climb, making it versatile for display in hanging baskets or on trellises. When mature, it produces clusters of small, fuzzy, star-shaped flowers, often white or creamy white, which can emit a sweet fragrance.
Popular Hoya Krohniana Varieties
Hoya krohniana offers diverse varieties, each with unique leaf color, variegation, and texture, making them popular among collectors.
Hoya krohniana ‘Super Silver’ is a prominent variety known for its intense silver splash on the leaves. The heart-shaped foliage is heavily mottled with silvery-white flecks, often appearing almost entirely silver. This dense variegation creates a striking contrast against the underlying green, giving leaves a frosted or metallic look. It exhibits significant silver coverage.
Another distinct variety is Hoya krohniana ‘Black’. This cultivar is recognized for its dark foliage, which can range from deep forest green to a dark maroon or even an almost black hue, especially when exposed to brighter light. Its small, spade-like or teardrop-shaped leaves develop these darker tones, sometimes with red, bronze, or green undertones. This dark coloration provides a dramatic look. The leaves often have a matte, velvety finish rather than a glossy sheen.
Hoya krohniana ‘Eskimo’ is characterized by its unique silver flecking that gives the leaves a distinct frosty appearance. Its small, elongated heart-shaped leaves are covered with numerous silver spots and irregular patches, creating a frosted or “iced” appearance. This heavy mottling makes leaves appear variegated with green and white. Reddish or dark brown edges may develop in high light conditions.
The ‘Splash’ variety of Hoya krohniana showcases green leaves adorned with scattered silver or creamy white flecks. While similar to ‘Super Silver’ in its splash patterns, ‘Splash’ generally features less dense silver coverage, allowing more of the green base color to show through. The variegation appears as speckles or dapples, adding visual interest without being as overwhelmingly silver as ‘Super Silver’.
Caring for Hoya Krohniana Varieties
Caring for Hoya krohniana involves mimicking its native tropical environment. Adequate light is important for healthy growth and blooms. These plants thrive in bright, indirect light, such as that found in an east or west-facing window, where they can receive a few hours of gentle morning or late afternoon sun. Direct, harsh midday sun should be avoided as it can scorch their sensitive leaves.
Proper watering prevents root rot. Allow the soil to dry completely between waterings. The thick, succulent-like leaves of Hoya krohniana store water, making them tolerant of short dry periods. Signs of thirst include soft or wrinkling leaves. When watering, soak the plant thoroughly until water drains from the bottom, then ensure no standing water remains in the saucer.
Hoya krohniana thrives in a well-draining, airy potting mix that allows for good root aeration. An ideal substrate includes components like orchid bark, perlite, and quality potting soil, sometimes with added charcoal or sphagnum moss. This mimics their epiphytic nature, where roots do not sit in constantly wet conditions. A mix of equal parts soil, perlite, and orchid bark is often recommended.
Temperature and humidity influence the plant’s well-being. Hoya krohniana prefers consistent household temperatures, between 60°F and 85°F (15°C-29°C). They are not tolerant of cold drafts or temperatures below 50°F (10°C). While they can tolerate average household humidity levels, higher humidity, ideally between 50% and 80%, is appreciated and can be provided through misting or using a humidifier.
Fertilization supports vigorous growth, especially during the active growing seasons of spring and summer. A diluted general houseplant fertilizer, or an organic orchid fertilizer, applied monthly or bi-monthly, is sufficient. During winter, when the plant’s growth slows, fertilization should be reduced or stopped. Over-fertilizing can lead to salt buildup and potentially harm the root system.
Acquiring Hoya Krohniana Varieties
Hoya krohniana varieties can be obtained from various sources, making them accessible. Local plant nurseries and specialized houseplant shops often carry common as well as some rarer varieties. Online retailers and plant-specific marketplaces, such as Etsy, offer a broader selection, including unique cultivars like ‘Super Silver’ or ‘Black’, and allow for plants to be shipped directly to your home.
Prices for Hoya krohniana varieties vary depending on the specific cultivar, its size, and its rarity. Common forms are affordable, while rarer or larger specimens may command higher prices. When purchasing, look for plants with healthy, firm leaves, signs of new growth, and an absence of pests. Checking customer reviews for online sellers can also provide insight into the quality of their plants and shipping practices.