Hoya Care

Hoya Care & Propagation.

Hoyas are incredibly rewarding plants, and while they have a reputation for being "collector" plants, they don't actually need as much fussing as people think.

My Hoya Mix.

You’ll often hear that you "need" a very specific, expensive Hoya mix. In my experience, a good, high-quality standard mix works wonders. I use:

• 2/3 Potting Mix

• 1/3 Pumice

• (Plus a few of my own extra additions for luck!)

Propagation: Soil vs. Water

While many people swear by water propagation, I rarely use it. I find that starting cuttings in soil is just as effective, and it saves the plant from having to "re-adjust" to a new medium once it’s transplanted.

• The Cut: I chop my Hoyas into lengths with at least two nodes.

• The Rooting: Unlike many other plants, Hoyas will happily root anywhere along the stem—not just at the node. However, I still prefer to tuck at least one node under the soil.

• The Environment: My plants are grown in a tunnel house, which is naturally warm and humid. If you are at home, the "common" varieties will usually do fine just sitting amongst your other plants.

The "Prop Box" Trick

For the fussier varieties (or the ones I've invested a bit more in!), I use a Prop Box. This is just a clear plastic storage box with a lid. I put a layer of damp pumice at the bottom and place the pots inside. This creates a high-humidity microclimate that Hoyas absolutely love.