Last updated on August 30th, 2023 at 04:59 am
Hoya benchaii is a Hoya plant that is native to the Philippines. Hoya plants are well known for their long vines and aromatic flowers, even though Hoya benchaii does not produce any fragrance. Hoya benchaii’s leaves are very narrow for this type of Hoya plant, so they have been nicknamed “the chain link fence” by some gardeners because of the way they grow out from each other. This article will talk about how to care for Hoyas in general, as well as provide information on Hoya benchaii specifically.
Hoya is a genus of tropical plants, mainly shrubs or small trees, with Hoya benchaii being one of the most popular species.
This plant has oval-shaped leaves that are shiny green on top with yellow spots underneath; they grow up to 12 inches long by 6 inches wide. Hoya benchaii blooms in summertime (June through September) with clusters of white flowers that grow on short stems at the end of branches; each flower can have up to six petals!
Origin and description
The Hoya benchaii has its place among the famous Hoyas. It is a very popular plant that can be seen in many homes around the world. This species comes from Southeast Asia and belongs to the wax-producing Hoya family, which contains more than 500 different species of evergreen climbers or shrubs with thick leaves.
The name ‘Hoya’ is derived from the Malay word ‘hui’ which means wax and refers to the waxy leaves of many species. Many Hoyas are popular house plants due to their resistance to drought, strange colors, and large flowers. The Hoya benchaii has a few varieties that have different leaf shapes, but the main difference is in flower color: red or yellow with white edges.
In general, it can be summarized as an easy-to-grow plant with thick leaves and small, star-shaped flowers with a pleasant scent.
Hoya benchaii propagation
One of the easiest ways to propagate Hoya benchaii is by using cuttings, however, another way would be through air-layering which can also produce much larger plants in a relatively short space of time when compared with conventional methods.
Hoya benchaii propagates from stem cuttings. Cut a piece of the cutting about an inch from where it attaches to the plant and put it in water or damp soil. It should root within a few weeks, but you can speed up this process by rooting hormone powder. The main thing is that your cutting does not dry out, so make sure it has fresh water every day.
Hoya benchaii can also be propagated by planting offsets in the same manner as cuttings, though the wait time is typically shorter with them than it is for cuttings.
Hoya benchaii care
Hoya benchaii is a tropical plant. The perfect growing conditions are warm temperatures and moist soil all year long. On average, it should be kept between 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit during the day if you want your hoya to thrive. If this temperature range cannot be maintained in your home, then Hoya Benchaii can also do well in artificial lighting.
Hoya benchaii care indoors mostly involves keeping the plant moist and warm but also well-lit for proper photosynthesis to occur, which is how it gets most of its energy. The soil should never be allowed to dry out completely or else the leaves will begin to yellow and fall off. If this happens then your hoya has probably been overwatered.
Hoya benchaii is a vine plant, so it will need some type of support to grow on if you want it to climb up something like the side of your house or an artificial trellis. You can use twine, wire, or fishing line for this purpose.
Light requirements
Hoya benchaii does best on a sunny window ledge. It can be grown in partial shade but its leaves will not grow as large and the flowers may not open up fully.
The plant can survive in very low levels of light but it will become weak and leggy as the leaves that are not receiving any sunlight will be smaller than those that do.
If your Hoya benchaii is kept somewhere with no natural light, then you should consider moving it to an area where it does get some direct sun, otherwise, the plant will not thrive.
It can also be grown in a greenhouse or conservatory but it is important to ensure that the temperature remains above 40°F at all times and does not fall below 50°F.
Soil/potting mix
Soil or potting mix is important to consider when growing Hoya benchaii. When choosing soil, it’s best to use an organic medium with good drainage so the plant can grow well without being root-bound. An ideal Hoya benchaii soil should have some perlite in order for water and air pockets to be retained in the soil.
Hoya benchaii care is often easier than most hoyas because it can be considered a ‘low-maintenance’ plant. When growing Hoya benchaii, you need to ensure that the soil doesn’t dry out completely and also needs some water when the top of the soil has dried off as well as during colder weather. As mentioned previously, the soil needs to have good drainage and should be well aerated in order for roots to get enough oxygen needed when growing your plant.
Fertilizer
Hoya benchaii also requires regular fertilizing during its active growth period which is usually from spring until autumn (fall). During winter time, it is best not to fertilize your plant at all or you can feed it with some time-release fertilizer pellets that are applied in the soil.
Watering
Water plants when the soil feels dry. It is better to water your plants thoroughly than too often, but make sure they don’t sit in excessive wetness for extended periods of time or get dried out between watering times. Water freely with warm water every other week during the summer months and more frequently during winter months if needed; this plant needs water regularly to grow and stay healthy.
Temperature
Hoya benchaii can tolerate temperatures that are slightly below freezing, but may drop some leaves; they will recover. Mature plants can withstand the hot conditions of summer, but young seedlings should be grown in moderate to cool temperatures.
The optimum temperature is between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit (20-25°C).
Humidity
Hoya benchaii can tolerate humidity levels of 40-50% but prefer to grow in humid conditions. They should be misted once or twice a day and kept on the moist side, neither watered too little nor allowed to dry out completely.
Hoya benchaii is a moisture-loving plant so you should always ensure to provide this essential ingredient when growing Hoya benchaii. The ideal humidity level for hoyas is between 50 and 70% relative humidity.
Pruning
Hoya benchaii can be pruned to control its size and shape. If you have a plant with long stems, you may want to pinch back the top of it so that your hoya will grow more horizontally than vertically. This is especially helpful if your planter does not allow for much height or width as it will force horizontal growth.
If you have a plant that is too large to fit in its planter, or if your hoya has gotten top-heavy and bent over itself so much it seems unsightly, you can also prune back your Hoya Benchaii by cutting the stem off at an angle just above where there are leaves still attached. You may find that your plant blooms more profusely after pruning.
When to repot the plants
One of the most important factors in growing Hoya benchaii is when to repot. Repotting should be done every one or two years depending on how many roots are exposed at the surface and if it has been a dry winter. If you have a lot of roots exposed and the plant has been in the same pot for more than two years, then it is time to re-pot. The best time to re-pot your Hoyas is just after they finish blooming.
Dormancy in winter
Hoya benchaii does go through a dormant period in the winter. They will start to drop leaves and lose their health if they are not given enough light or water during this time so it’s best to keep them indoors on a window sill where there is bright indirect sunlight for most of the day. In summer you can take your Hoyas outside to enjoy the brighter light.
Be sure to water your Hoya benchaii about once a week during this time and mist occasionally, especially if you are taking them outside for summer since they will be more prone to spider mites.
Flowers & Fragrance
Hoya benchaii flowers are white and star-shaped. Each flower is about one inch wide, but blooms can be as large as three inches across a mature plant. They have five petals with the center being somewhat flat or convex. The fragrance of hoya may vary from plant to plant, but most people describe it as unpleasant or somewhat unpleasant.
Growth rate & Size
Hoya benchaii plants are slow-growing and can be kept as a houseplant or grown outdoors in warmer climates. In the tropics, they have been known to reach heights up to 15 feet tall, but most indoor specimens will only grow between three and six feet. The leaves of hoya benchaii also vary from plant to plant, but they are typically about two inches long and a little less than an inch wide. They may be wavy, slightly undulate with a pointed tip.
Toxicity
The plant is poisonous to pets and children. The sap may cause an allergic reaction if ingested or come into contact with the skin, eyes, mouth, etc. If you suspect your pet has been poisoned by a Hoya benchaii, consult your veterinarian immediately. In case of ingestion, call the poison control center or seek medical attention right away. Symptoms include excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and skin irritation.
USDA Hardiness Zones
Hoya benchaii plants are generally hardy in USDA zones 11 or higher.
Pests and diseases
Hoya plants are susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, including mealybugs, aphids, or ants. If you find any insects on your plant ensure that you remove them as soon as possible using an insecticidal soap or even neem oil if necessary. The results will be most noticeable with the young shoots so make sure that you target them.
