Hoya

Commonly known as Wax Plant. Hoya Carnosa is a tough tropical plant native to S. China and Australia. They have a thick waxy leaf and clusters of small star shaped waxy flowers. Water is stored in the waxy leaves and stems of this plant. Hoya flowers release a fragrant scent during the evenings while in bloom. Hoya Carnosa is related to the milkweeds (Asclepias) it exudes a sticky sap if cut or damaged. Often used in hanging baskets the hoya has adapted readily to the conditions in most homes.

Pot Cultivation

Use one part garden loam, one part coarse sand and one part sphagnum peat moss or if you prefer a succulent mix will work well. Infrequent repotting is best, hoyas like to be root bound to flower, even very large plants seldom require a pot larger than 5 to 6 inches (12.7 or 15.24 cm). It may take two years or more before your plant flowers. Hoyas will continue to flower from the same spur, so when the flower dies it is critical that the flowering spurs be left on the plant after the flowering is completed. They will continue to flower with good sunlight for most of the spring and summer. When the growth first comes out it may appear as a leafless vine. The leaves will slowly appear be patient. Water moderately in spring, summer and fall but should be kept drier and cooler in the winter. Daytime temperature 60-70F., night temperature of 56-65F.

Propagation

Seed stem or leaf cuttings can be used. Seed pods can take several months to ripen. Once rip the seed pods split and the seeds are dispersed by air, to collect the seeds you have to cover the pod with gauze or a nylon stocking to catch the seeds. Use only fresh seeds as they will germinate better. Start seeds in pots or flats using a good quality potting soil with 30% perlite, water from below. When the seedlings develop leaves repot.

To use stem cuttings get a piece with 2 to 3 leaf nodes. Remove leaves below the lower node dust the end with rooting hormone and plant in good potting soil with 30-40% perlite or pumice. Water well and allow to drain, do not let dry out or stand in water.

Leaf cuttings can be more difficult, sometimes the leaf does not seem to produce a healthy plant. Place leaf in soil with stem buried to the base of the leaf. Rooting hormone can be used as it seems to enhance rooting.