Hoya Obovata Variegata
There are over 200 species of the easy to grow almost indestructible Hoya Plant. Hoya Plants are often referred to as Wax Plants because of the waxy nature of their leaves and flowers. Hoya Plants have long trailing vines that often intertwine. Under the proper conditions all Hoya Plants produce five-pointed, star shaped, fragrant flowers that come in red, white, pink, purple, yellow, orange, and even black. Hoya Plants are perfect to hang in front of a bright sunny window. Even a plant novice will be successful growing a Hoya Plant if they avoid over-watering.
LIGHTING REQUIREMENTS: Hoya Plants do best and bloom more often in very bright light. They are one of the few indoor houseplants that can even thrive in direct sun. Although Hoya Plants can adapt to lower light, they grow slower and do not produce the fragrant waxy flowers that are so beautiful.
CARE INSTRUCTIONS WATER: Hoya Plants are Succulent Plants. The soil of a Hoya Plant should completely dry out before being watered. These plants do thrive on neglect, but need additional water when in bloom.
FERTILIZER: Feed a Hoya Plant monthly with a balanced houseplant food such as FoxFarm ‘Boomerang’ or ‘Wholly Mackeral’
TEMPERATURE: Hoya Plants can adapt to almost any moderate temperature, but prefer 60-65 degrees at night and 70-80 degrees during the day.
HUMIDITY: Hoya’s can survive in basic household humidity but thrive in high humidity environments.
FLOWERING: A Hoya Plant produces beautiful clusters of fragrant flowers in numerous colors. Each Hoya flower has five waxy petals. New flowers develop on the older stems of a Hoya Plant so never cut off the old flower stems.
PESTS: Hoya Plants are bothered by Mealy Bugs, spider mites, and Aphids. Spray the entire Hoya plant, reaching every little twisted section if possible, with neem oil and/or RTU insecticidal soap to treat plant pests.
DISEASES: The main plant diseases that affect Hoya Plants are botrytis, a fungus that causes grayish areas on the leaves, and crown, stem, and root rot, a fungal disease caused by humid warm conditions, wet leaves, soggy soil, and poor air circulation.
SOIL: Use a well-aerated fast-draining potting soil or even cactus mix for a Hoya Plant. Add a little sand to the soil if it seems too heavy and is not drying out quickly.