Last updated on August 25th, 2023 at 12:08 pm
Hoya keysii plant is a flowering plant that can be found in tropical climates. Hoya plants are often called wax plants because the leaves release waxy drops to protect themselves from insects and fungi. They thrive in humid environments and live an average of 10-15 years.
This hoya has many different names due to its uniqueness; hoyas are sometimes called waxplant, barred hoya, or climbing hoyas. Some people even call it a “ghost plant” because of its delicate appearance!
The hoya keysii is a plant that blooms with cascading, trumpet-shaped flowers. They can grow up to three feet tall and does best in the shade or filtered light of a greenhouse. Its leaves are evergreen and glossy and its stems can be green, red, purple, or yellow.
Origin and description
In 1859, the famous plant explorer and botanist Thomas Lobb sent a collection of plants back from his travels to India. Among them was a previously unknown species of Hoya which he named Hoye keysii, after John Keys who had inspired him on his journey through South East Asia. The following year another collector, Louisa Ann Keys (John’s sister) also sent back a collection of new plants, one of which was another new species. This time it would be named Hoya purpurea in honor of John’s memory.
Hoya keysii plant is known for its large purple flowers with bright yellow throats and cream-colored leaves that grow to around 30 cm. In its natural environment, it grows as an epiphyte at high altitudes and in cracks of large trees where the vines can reach out to nearby plants for support. It is endemic to Sri Lanka and India but has become increasingly popular with collectors around the world due to its easy nature and beautiful flowers which appear all year round on mature plants.
Hoya keysii plant is a deciduous and semi-evergreen plant, meaning that it will lose its leaves in winter but return to life with new leaves when the climate becomes warmer again. It flowers best during the months of spring and summer which coincides perfectly with many gardeners’ high demand for flowering houseplants!
Hoya keysii propagation
The easiest way to propagate hoya keysii plant is through cuttings. Cut off a branch and remove the leaves from the bottom half of it, leaving four or five leaflets on top. Stick them in a damp rooting medium with at least one leaf node submerged in water. Keep it out of direct sunlight until new growth appears.
Another way to propagate hoya keysii is through seeds. Seeds can be collected from ripe fruit and planted in a warm, humid environment with plenty of indirect light until new plants germinate. It usually takes two or three weeks for seedlings to appear.
Hoya keysii care
Hoya keysii care is easy. It is a good plant for beginners and experienced growers alike. It has few requirements, tolerates lower light levels well, requires minimal care once established in a pot or hanging basket, and blooms readily year-round with proper lighting conditions.
Light requirements
Hoya Keysii will thrive in moderate light. They can survive, and even bloom well with little to no direct sunlight; however, they do need bright indirect lighting for at least half a day. This plant prefers shade or partial sun as the intensity of the sunlight affects its growth much like most other plants listed here.
Soil/potting mix
Hoya Keysii is not fussy about soil conditions. They can tolerate a wide range of soils, but they do thrive in moist soils with high organic matter content like the Sarracenia mix. A good rule-of-thumb to follow when potting any type of hoya would be “the wetter the soil, the better”.
Hoya Keysii will bloom best when it is potted in a hanging pot or basket. They climb using aerial roots that are typically pale brown to white and have small hairlike projections that allow them to cling onto surfaces for support. The leaves can be smooth-edged or serrated depending on the specimen aspect ratio (long and thin, triangular with a wide base and narrow edges). The leaves are typically dark green, but they can also be red or purple depending on the environmental conditions.
Watering
Hoya Keysii is an epiphytic plant that will benefit from being watered thoroughly and then allowed to dry out in between watering. They should be given enough light so they do not wilt, but also need moist soil for at least half of the day (preferably all day).
There are no specific guidelines on how much water to give this plant, but it is best to use the “soak and dry” method. It is very important not to over-water hoya plants as they are prone to root rot (when fungi start growing in their roots).
Hoya Keysii likes moist soil conditions; however, they should never be allowed to sit with wet feet for extended periods of time as they are prone to root rot.
Fertilizer
Hoya Keysii thrives when given moderate fertilizer throughout the growing season (spring and summer). They should be fertilized once a month with an orchid fertilizer, diluted to half-strength for normal feedings.
They can survive on less frequent but larger doses of fertilizer; however, this will most likely inhibit blooming as they prefer smaller and more frequent doses of fertilizer.
Hoya Keysii is an epiphytic plant and should be fertilized once a month during the growing season (spring and summer). The soil mixture used for this hoya should contain high amounts of organic matter such as sphagnum peat moss or coconut coir to help retain water between watering.
Temperature
Hoya Keysii prefers moderate temperatures and should be kept between 70-90°F (21-32°C) during the day and around 65 to 75°F (18 to 24°C) at night. They will not thrive when exposed to freezing or fluctuating temperatures, but they can tolerate a wide range of temperature conditions.
Humidity
Hoya Keysii prefers moderate to high humidity and will benefit from being placed on a humidity tray or in an enclosed terrarium with other tropical plants. You can also use a room humidifier as well, but make sure it is not too moist as this hoya does not like wet feet for extended periods of time.
An ideal humidity range is 50-70%. The leaves of this hoya will turn brown if the humidity is too low, but they may fall off completely if it’s too high.
Hoya Keysii prefers moderate to high humidity and should be placed on a humid tray or in an enclosed terrarium with other tropical plants that prefer moist conditions.
Pruning
Hoya Keysii works best when it is pruned back hard during spring and summer. They can also be cut back to the desired length in-between seasons to control their growth.
This hoya benefits from being pruned regularly, typically once a month during spring and summer. Pruning should only be done on healthy plants that are beginning to recover from the previous season.
When to repot
Hoya Keysii should be repotted in a new mixture about every two to three years. You can also use the same soil as before, but make sure it is completely dry before you do so to prevent any pathogens from entering through fissures and cracks on their roots.
This hoya only requires being repotted once every few years in a new mixture. If the same soil is used, make sure it has completely dried out before repotting to avoid introducing pathogens through cracks and fissures on their roots.
Dormancy
Hoya Keysii will go dormant during the colder months and can be kept outside, but they may suffer slightly from frost damage. They should ideally be brought inside before temperatures drop below 50°F (or around 11 degrees Celsius).
This hoya benefits from being placed outdoors in a sunny location where it is exposed to cool winter days and nights down to about 50°F. Follow this by bringing them inside before temperatures drop below that point if they are being kept in an area where there is any threat of frost damage.
Flowers & Fragrance
Hoya Keysii can produce small, white flowers during spring and summer. These are followed by yellow-green fruit that attracts birds to your garden.
This hoya produces small, white blossoms throughout the year in addition to attracting birds with its yellow-green fruits. This is especially true once they reach maturity where their fragrance becomes more potent.
Growth rate
Hoya Keysii is a climbing vine that can reach up to 200 feet in length, but it usually remains between 60 and 100 inches.
This hoya grows quickly during the summer months where they will shoot out new vines at an accelerated rate. They also work well when grown as a ground cover or used for lining walkways.
Toxicity
Hoya Keysii can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and other digestive issues if ingested. It is also considered poisonous to cats and dogs.
This hoya may look like a lovely plant for your home or garden space, but it actually has toxic effects on both humans and animals when consumed. This includes vomiting, stomach cramps, headaches, etc.
USDA Hardiness Zones
Hoya Keysii can survive in USDA hardiness zones of 11 and above.
Pests and diseases
Hoya Keysii is resistant to most pests and diseases. This makes it a good plant for beginners as well as experts in the field of gardening.
This hoya doesn’t seem to be affected by any common pest issues or plant pathologies, making it an ideal choice for those who are new to gardening as well as experienced gardeners alike.
The main benefit of this hoya is that they don’t appear vulnerable to any common pest or disease issues, making it an ideal choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.
Conclusion
Hoya Keysii is a beautiful flowering vine that can be used in the home or garden to add some life during the winter months.
This hoya plant can provide your house with a lovely burst of color while attracting birds and providing you with fragrant flowers no matter what time of year it happens to be. They are also pretty hardy making them an ideal choice for outdoors or indoors.
