Hoya plants are a favorite among houseplant enthusiasts due to their unique foliage, fragrant flowers, and low-maintenance care requirements. With hundreds of species and varieties to choose from, Hoyas are versatile and adaptable, making them perfect for both beginners and seasoned gardeners. In this article, we’ll explore 10 different types of Hoya plants that can easily be grown at home, highlighting their key features, care needs, and what makes each variety special.
What Are Hoya Plants?
Hoyas, also known as wax plants or porcelain flowers, are tropical plants native to Southeast Asia, Australia, and the Pacific Islands. They belong to the Apocynaceae family and are primarily epiphytes, meaning they grow on trees and other surfaces in their natural habitat. Hoyas are known for their thick, waxy leaves and clusters of star-shaped flowers, which are often fragrant and come in a variety of colors.
Overview of Hoya as Popular Houseplants
Hoyas have become increasingly popular as indoor plants due to their low-maintenance nature and ability to thrive in various indoor conditions. Many species are drought-tolerant, making them ideal for people who may forget to water their plants regularly. Hoyas can grow as trailing vines, perfect for hanging baskets, or as compact, bushy plants that adorn shelves and windowsills. With the right care, they can produce beautiful, fragrant flowers that enhance the aesthetic of any room.
Key Features and Care Overview
- Light: Bright, indirect sunlight is ideal, though some species can tolerate lower light conditions.
- Water: Let the soil dry out between waterings; they are somewhat drought-tolerant.
- Soil: Well-draining soil, often a mix of orchid bark, perlite, and peat moss.
- Humidity: Hoyas prefer higher humidity but can adapt to average indoor conditions.
- Temperature: Warm, tropical temperatures between 60-85°F (15-29°C) are ideal.
Now, let’s dive into the 10 specific types of Hoya plants you can easily grow at home.
1. Hoya Carnosa
Hoya carnosa is the most common and popular hoya for houseplants. Found in many nurseries and indoor plant stores, it features lengthy vines wrapped with thick, elliptical leaves which may be spotted with white. The carnosa has a wide range of varieties and cultivars; among their famous names are: ‘Compacta’, ‘Krimson Princess’ and others.
- Key Features: Star-shaped flowers, trailing vines, and easy care.
- Care Tips: Prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light. Water when the top inch of soil is dry.
2. Hoya Carnosa ‘Compacta’
The Hoya Carnosa ‘Compacta’, referred to as ‘Hindu rope’ is well known for its coiled leaflets that are very dense along the vine. This type of hoya has a distinctive shape and looks best when grown in hanging baskets where it can gracefully spill over.
- Key Features: Twisted, rope-like leaves and clusters of small, fragrant flowers.
- Care Tips: Needs bright, indirect light. Ensure proper drainage to avoid root rot, as the compact foliage can hold moisture.
3. Hoya Australis
A very popular and common type of hoya is Hoya australis. At first glance, it might be similar to the hoya carnosa but there are slight variations that make these different plants easily distinguishable. The hoya australis has rounder leaves, which are also thinner compared to those of the other species whose leaves are thick and waxy. It is known for being an easy plant to grow and maintain; it likes bright light but not direct sunlight.
- Key Features: Large, dark green leaves and abundant white flowers.
- Care Tips: Thrives in bright, indirect light and prefers well-draining soil. Water when the top layer of the soil is dry.
4. Hoya Pubicalyx
The hoya pubicalyx is becoming more popular because of its pleasing slender foliage. There are many different types of pubicalyx but the most popular ones include ‘Splash,’ ‘Black Dragon,’ ‘Pink Silver,’ and ‘Red Buttons.’ This hoya doesn’t require much care and grows at a moderate pace. It thrives in bright indirect light and requires a coarse well-drained soil mixture.
- Key Features: Fast-growing, with pink and dark star-shaped flowers.
- Care Tips: Does well in bright, indirect light and prefers to dry out slightly between waterings.
5. Hoya Kerrii
The hoya kerrii, popularly known as sweetheart plant or Valentine hoya, has gained fame due to its heart-shaped leaves that are large. This plant is often sold in form of single leaf cuttings; however, it is advisable to buy a complete plant because single leaves do not usually have nodes to grow any new foliage. There are several variants of Hoya Kerrii that are highly sought after they include hoya kerrii “Splash” and hoya kerrii ‘Variegata’ .
- Key Features: Heart-shaped leaves, often sold as a single-leaf plant.
- Care Tips: Prefers bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. Water sparingly, especially if it’s a single-leaf cutting.
6. Hoya Obovata
Hoya obovata, which is famous due to its large rounded leaves that are dark green and spotted with white. The obovata, in contrast to other Hoya, grows slowly. It is rare and hard to find. You may have to go to a local specialized indoor plant store for one. It thrives in bright indirect light with sporadic watering pattern.
- Key Features: Large, round leaves and white flowers.
- Care Tips: Thrives in bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light. Water when the soil is dry to the touch.
7. Hoya Crassipetiolata
The Hoya crassipetiolata is a lesser-known variety distinguished by thick, fleshy leaves and big, uniquely colored blossoms. This plant can be somewhat difficult to find but is highly desired by Hoya lovers because of its distinctive look and attractive flowers.
- Key Features: Thick, fleshy leaves and large, striking flowers.
- Care Tips: Requires bright, indirect light and high humidity. Water when the top layer of soil is dry but don’t allow the plant to sit in water.
8. Hoya Chelsea
The Hoya ‘Chelsea’ is a compact version of the classic Hoya carnosa, with dark green, rippled leaves that give it a distinct texture. It’s perfect for small spaces and can produce strong, fragrant blooms when given the right conditions.
- Key Features: Compact size with rippled, dark green leaves.
- Care Tips: Prefers bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. Water when the soil dries out.
9. Hoya Verticillata
The Hoya verticillata has sarcophaguses and blooms that attach greatly with its coiled twigs. The fast-germinating flower is suitable for people who want to add color to their houses as it fills brightly indoors with its fragrance.
- Key Features: Variegated leaves and fragrant flowers.
- Care Tips: Thrives in bright, indirect light and prefers higher humidity levels. Water when the soil feels dry to the touch.
10. Hoya Linearis
Hoya linearis, like hoya retusa, has thin stick-like leaves. But you can tell linearis from retusa by its long vines with shorter leaves. To show off its long vines in full display, keep it in a hanging basket.
- Key Features: Soft, trailing vines with fine, delicate leaves.
- Care Tips: Prefers bright, indirect light and higher humidity. Water when the top layer of soil is dry, but be cautious not to overwater.
Conclusion
Hoyas are an appealing and varying kind of plant that can beautify any living area. A mixture of classic Hoya carnosa to heart-shaped Hoya kerrii is such a beautiful plant for every grower. These plants require little in terms of maintenance but in order for them to prosper, it is necessary to provide them with appropriate light conditions, watering needs and moistness levels. If done right, they may also reward you with their lovely flowers that resemble stars in shape.
These 10 types of hoyas are some of the best choices for both newcomers as well as experienced collectors alike when it comes to raising these houseplants. Hoyas have a unique leaf structure which makes them very manageable; hence they quickly become loved indoor garden parts.