I remember my first Hoya experience. I am 64 and feeling every day of it. In the early 1960's I was a young child. My paternal grandparents lived in Emmett Street, Smithton, Tasmania. My Dad was in education, so school holidays were a family affair, and it was always such a drive to get from wherever we were living at the time.
The early memories were walking into Nanna's house and her large kitchen. Off this kitchen was an open sunroom. This sunroom had a pegboard right across the wall, and on that was this beautiful green climber. Often it would have bunches of wax flowers. My sister and I would count how many flowers this had. This plant had come from my Dad's Grandmother. Dating the Hoya has become difficult, but we know it has been in the family for over 70 years. It is a Hoya Carnosa.
My Grandparents moved to Devonport and eventually Hobart. These journeys always included the Hoya. The plant was as treasured as Nanna's unique coffee mugs. Nanna died, and my Grandfather moved to an aged care facility. The Hoya went to my parent's house, where it has been until this year.
My mother (92 years old) has given the plant to Emma. She has divided it and has given pieces to family members. It is healthy and thriving and bringing joy to a new generation. Plants can have a history, and a plant such as a hoya can live for so long. Consider starting your family plant story by purchasing a hoya.
The question is which one?
The Hoya plant has been said to be an easy to care for plant. We have learned a lot about these beautiful plants over the years, and we now know that each type of Hoya has its requirements.
See below for information about some of the Hoya we are releasing.
Photo by @plantyiu
Hoya Carnosa
Why it's special: This is the classic wax plant from your childhood. Dark green, large, almond-shaped leaves grow on long vines, eventually putting out creamy flower clusters.
What it likes: medium to bright indirect light. Less is more when it comes to watering; we like to wait until the leaves pucker slightly.
What it dislikes: Direct sun, artificial light, dark corners.
Photo by @plantyinz
Hoya Coronaria Red
Why it's so special: This Hoya has glossy green leaves that trail and climbs like a true hoya, but the real show-stopper is, of course, the star-shaped "Red" waxy flower.
What it likes: Thrives in a humid semi-shaded spot
What it dislikes: But avoid over-watering and dark spots.
Photo by @plantzaddyy
Hoya Pubicalyx 'Pink Silver'
Why it's so special: The low-maintenance Hoya Pubicalyx plant needs minimal care.
What it likes: Grow it in a well-draining potting mix or soil with good aeration. Water the Pubicalyx well in the growing season.
What it dislikes: But avoid over-watering or soggy soil; it makes the Hoya Pubicalyx vulnerable to root-rot and other fungal diseases.
Photo by @butdoyouhoya
Hoya Verticillata
Why it's so special: The Verticillata is a tropical epiphyte with thick solid leaves that grow at a pace. The vine can grow up to three metres. This is a low-maintenance hoya.
What it likes: Free draining medium and being sprayed
What it dislikes: It does not like to stand in water. She does not like to be in a dark spot.
Photo by @lizzienguyen309
Hoya Nicholsoniae
Why it's special: This Hoya gets pretty green-yellow flowers, with white in the centre. The leaves are light green with visible veins.
What it likes: The more sun you give this Hoya, the more reddish the leaves look. It is a fast, easy to grow Hoya.
What it dislikes: Low-medium light, cold droughty windows. Particularly sensitive to overwatering.
Photo by @hoyafixation
Hoya Camphorifolia
Why it's special: This Hoya comes from the Philippines. Leaves of this Hoya get a purplish-brown "suntan" when grown in full sun. This is a climbing Hoya but is suitable as a hanging plant.
What it likes: This Hoya comes from the Philippines. Leaves of this Hoya gets purplish-brown "suntan" when grown in full sun
What it dislikes: Low-medium light, cold droughty windows. Particularly sensitive to overwatering.
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Photo by @homebyfaith
Hoya Kerrii
Why it's special: These plants are slow growers—beautiful heart-shaped leaf.
What it likes: Average light and occasional watering. Warm temperatures between 18 and up to 27 degrees. It needs to be supported as it grows.
What it dislikes: It does not need constant feeding. To be fed only a couple of times a year. They do not like very dark spots
Photo by @basillicana
6. Hoya Indian Rope
Why it's special: The easy-to-care Hoya Indian Rope is excellent for any indoor space and does not require lots of water or maintenance. The twisted leaves cascade over like a rope to over a metre. They are highly scented.
What it likes: Choose a well-aerated, well-draining potting mixture and provide lots of sunlight during the active growing season. They are slow-growing.
