How to Grow Hoya Plants
Plant Guide

Rest assured that when you buy plants from a reputable nursery, the chances of it having insect problems are very slim. Hoyas have very few pests other than the occasional Aphid or Mealybug. Both are easy to control and can be done without the use of harsh insecticides.

Insecticidal Soap: Soap is a great organic option for the control of both pests. Spray the leaves (top and bottom) with a pre-mixed product such as Bonide Insecticidal soap. Soaps smother the insects, and they will eventually fall off the plant.

Rubbing Alcohol: Yes, rubbing alcohol can be applied to insects such as scale, and mealybugs with a q-tip. It won't harm the plants, but it will dry up the insects. This method is sometimes more effective on the scale and mealybugs than soap. These insects have a waxy coating that can repel soapy liquids.

Occasionally if your plants end up with an insect problem such as the ones listed above, they can get a fungus called sooty mold. This looks like a layer of soot on the leaves. It's easily dealt with, and simply wiping the leaves with warm soapy water after the insects are gone will more often than not control the sooty mold.

Propagating Hoyas is quite simple! First, prepare a pot with some moist potting soil; we recommend using potting soil that has been watered thoroughly and then left to sit overnight. Next, take about a 7-inch section of stem that can be easily cut away, preferably as close to the root as possible. Dip the cutting into a root hormone solution to help your cutting grow faster, and place it in distilled water. Make sure to change the water daily and watch for signs of growth. Once the roots grow to about 1 inch, you are ready to pot your new plant. Dig a hole deep enough to cover the root system and some of the stem and lightly cover with soil. Always give it plenty of water as it begins to establish its roots.

Yellow leaves on a Hoya are indications of under or overwatering issues. Hoyas are succulent-like when it comes to their care, so it can be easy to overwater them from time to time. If you notice your plant's leaves turning yellow, back off on your watering schedule for a bit. Always remember to check the weight of your pot. This will give you the most accurate indication to if your plant needs water or not. If you touch your plant's soil for a few days and it seems way too soggy, it is best to repot and start over with fresh soil conditions.

This Hoya grows vigorously as a vining plant that yields deep green leaves that gracefully spread over the sides of its pot. These plants prefer to be root-bound; therefore, repotting is not often required. It is always best to place your plant in a pot with excellent drainage holes to ensure your plant can drain out excess water to avoid root rot. Feel free to use vertical support to help your plant grow upwards.

The most common cause of your Hoya not blooming is low light conditions. This plant requires lots of bright, indirect sunlight each day, preferably 6 hours or more. If you notice your plant is looking leggy or not growing, try placing it in brighter light conditions and see if that solves the issue. Also, changing the position or transplanting your Hoya can prevent it from blooming. This happens because moving the plant can disturb it and cause it to drop buds before they open.

It is critical to know that your Hoya plant will not flower at all until it is mature. Typically your plant will reach maturity around three years old. If your plant is not mature, it will never blossom a flower. Always make sure your houseplant is in bright, indirect sunlight and is not overwatered. One trick many people sue to encourage their Hoya plant to mature faster is keeping them in a snug pot and not disturbing the roots. Of course, do not underpot your plant; allow it to grow in an ever-so-slightly smaller pot than average. Once your plant beings to flower, do not repot and never cut the peduncles. If you keep your plant in the same growing conditions and mist their flowers, they will continue to bloom year after year.

Hoya succulents thrive in humid climates, but your air-controlled home probably won't provide them for them. However, there are a few ways you can create a more humid environment for your plants indoors. Firstly, you can set up a humidifier in your home. It will add extra moisture into the air that your plants will love. If you don't have a humidifier, try placing them in your bathroom while taking a hot shower. The steam will give them plenty of humidity.

Another great way to give your plants extra humidity is by misting their leaves in the morning. Do not make the mistake of watering your plant's leaves; this will be too much water for them to handle. However, misting them in the morning will give them plenty of time to dry throughout the day while giving them the moisture they need.

If you notice your Hoya's leaves are curling or turning brown, this could be because of severe underwatering or too much direct light. If it receives too much direct sunlight, your plant will experience sunburns on its foliage, much like humans do! If your plant has black spots, this could be related to leaf spot disease. Leaf spot is a fungus that grows on plants that are overwatered or watered at night. It is best to water your Hoya in the morning, so they have plenty of time to dry before the cool evenings.