Last updated on August 25th, 2023 at 12:08 pm
The hoya speciosa is a plant that originates from the Philippines. It can grow up to 3 meters tall and has flowers that are fragrant, but not very showy (they only last for one day). Hoya plants produce long, slender leaves with serrated edges. They look like they’re covered in purple velvet. These plants are great for people who don’t have much room for gardening because hoyas’ roots do not need soil to survive- they will grow on rocks or bark (which makes them perfect indoor plants)!
The hoya speciosa is a beautiful plant that can be grown inside or outside. It has long, green leaves and fragrant flowers. The hoya recreates well in humid conditions and will grow up to four feet tall if it is given enough space.
If you are looking for a hoya to add to your collection, hoya speciosa is a perfect choice. This hoya has many unique qualities that make it stand out from other hoyas. Hoya speciosa is native to Central America, which makes it an unusual find for most people in North America.
It flowers continuously throughout the year without blooming much during the summer months making this hoya ideal for those who want their plants flowering constantly with no downtime between blooms. The flowers can grow up to 3 feet long and produce 8-10 inch leaves at maturity so they require very little trimming or pruning once planted outside.
This article will help you learn more about this incredible plant!
Origin and description
The Incredible Hoya Speciosa is a tropical plant native to Asia and Australia. Most notably, this species comes from the island of Java in Indonesia. It is commonly known as waxvine hoya. It has the vine-like appearance of most hoyas, but it can grow to be quite large and heavy with age. At maturity, this species forms a woody trunk up to two feet tall that supports its branches and leaves well above ground level.
The leaves are dark green and leathery. They grow from the stem in pairs, with one leaf at a time starting further down on the plant first. As new growth starts to appear along the length of each branch or trunk, this is where more branches emerge as well. The flowers of hoya speciosa vary greatly between cultivars, but most have a similar shape. They are tube-like with five petals, and the stamens point out from them in all directions. In some varieties of this species, they can be light to dark pink or red depending on weather conditions during the flowering season.
Hoya speciosa propagation
There are many ways to propagate a hoya, but one of the easiest is through stem cuttings. Take six-inch pieces from an existing plant and place them in moist soil or rooting medium, about two-thirds up from the bottom end. New roots will appear in a couple of weeks. When they have formed at least three inches of new growth, repot into fresh soil or medium.
Hoyas are also easy to propagate using leaf cuttings. Just place one of the obovate leaves on its side with about half of it covered in moist rooting medium or potting soil and wait for roots to form. Once they have reached an inch long, you can pot up your cutting.
Hoya speciosa care
Hoya speciosa is a strong, robust plant that can handle a variety of conditions and requires very little care to thrive indoors. There are several interesting forms available including the standard upright form with waxy flowers in pink or white blooms, there’s also a variegated form where leaves have yellowish spots all over them.
The hoya can be trained into unusual shapes by cutting the vine or even forcing it to grow in unnatural ways on a trellis with string. It will easily root wherever nodes come in contact with soil, so propagating is very easy as well.
Hoya plants are great for beginners because they require minimal care and produce beautiful flowers.
Light requirements
Hoya speciosa will do well in bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight; the leaves can get sunburned and turn yellow or brown if exposed to too much sun. If your plant doesn’t appear green on the edges of its leaves, it is likely getting too little light (and you may need a supplemented grow-light).
Soil/potting mix
Hoya speciosa can be potbound, but new roots will form along the edges of its leaves. It prefers a loose, well-draining potting mix (such as an African violet soil) to help prevent root rot and encourage healthy growth of new foliage.
Watering
Hoya speciosa has high water needs, but should never be left to sit in water. The soil should always be moist (but not soggy) for optimal growth and flowering; avoid letting the plant dry out between watering. Hoya plants tend to grow on their own accord with very little intervention on your part.
Fertilizer
Fertilize them once a month with half-strength, balanced fertilizer (such as African violet food) to keep the growth up and increase blooming; stop fertilizing during dormancy or winter months when your plant is less likely to grow anyway.
Temperature
Hoya plants are tropical and cannot tolerate cold or freezing temperatures. Keep it at room temperature (60 to 80 degrees F) year-round; warmer in the summer months with cool nights, cooler during colder weather with infrequent watering.
Humidity
Hoya plants thrive in high humidity; if the air is dry, consider setting your plant on a tray of wet pebbles or misting it frequently (note: don’t let water sit against the leaves for long). The ideal humidity range is 40 to 70 percent; raise the humidity if your plant is wilting and drooping.
Pruning
Pruning hoya plants is not necessary, but you can prune it back if needed or desired. Pruning will increase branching and blooming; look for the ‘bumps’ on new growth where a leaf may form soon to cut off that section of stem at a node (the bump) to encourage more leaves and flowers.
When to repot
Hoya plants are not particularly sensitive to being repotted but do so in the spring before new growth begins if it’s feeling cramped or potbound. Hoya speciosa can stay in the same pot for two years, but if it is getting too large or growing out of its pot (or you need to divide your plant), repot them in spring.
Dormancy
Hoya plants need a winter rest period, but it isn’t too cold. When the days shorten and temperatures drop to around 50 degrees F at night, reduce watering and stop fertilizing until springtime.
Flowers & Fragrance
Hoya speciosa is famous for its fragrant white flowers (which can be quite large and beautiful). The blooms appear from spring to fall but are most abundant in the summer months.
Growth rate
Hoya plants are slow growers but can get very tall over time. Prune it to keep the plant compact and encourage branching; new growth should be happening all year round for you to snip at any point.
Toxicity
Hoya speciosa is toxic to both cats and dogs, so keep your plant out of their reach. It’s also considered poisonous for humans if ingested, so use caution when handling or repotting it.
USDA Hardiness Zones
Hoya speciosa is hardy in USDA zones 11 and up but can be brought indoors to grow in cooler climates. If you live in an area with frost or severe cold snaps, bring your plant inside when the temperature drops below 50 degrees F at night until it’s safe again outside (usually around early spring).
Pests and diseases
Hoya plants are fairly resistant to pests and diseases but can be attacked by aphids or mealybugs. Treat any infestation with a pesticide as soon as possible; never apply pesticides when your plant is wet (wait until it’s dry) and always follow the instructions on the label carefully for best results.
Conclusion
Hoya plants are popular for their interesting and exotic foliage, but they also produce large gorgeous flowers. They do best in high humidity at room temperature with infrequent watering; fertilize once a month to keep growth up and repot once every two years or as needed. Hoya speciosa is toxic if ingested by cats and dogs, but otherwise, it’s a fairly easy plant to take care of.
