What is a Hoya?
The porcelain flower belongs to the porcelain flower genus, Hoya , which consists of 565 accepted species. The plant is originally from the tropical and subtropical parts of Asia and was introduced to the Western world by the Scottish botanist Robert Brown. The name "hoya" comes from Thomas Hoy, an 18th century botanist who studied these fascinating plants. The porcelain flower is durable and easy to care for. All these properties make it a favorite among easy-care green plants indoors.
Hoya's natural range is in tropical Asia and the western Pacific region
Hoyas are characterized by their deep green, waxy leaves and their star-shaped flowers that are often white, pink, purple or red. The flowers are not only decorative, they also spread a pleasant fragrance, especially in the evenings. With the right care, a Hoya can become a long-lived flowering houseplant that lasts for many years.
Brief botanical information about Hoya
Hoya is a genus of about 565 species of tropical and subtropical, lianas and shrub-like plants. They originate from Asia and the Pacific Islands and grow naturally in rainforests, on coasts and on cliffs. Hoya can grow as epiphytes, where they attach to other plants, or as terrestrial plants.
Hoya callistophylla , originally from the Borneo rainforest and endangered in the wild.
The leaves of Hoya are simple and often succulent. They vary greatly in size, from as small as one centimeter ( Hoya engleriana ) to as large as 25 centimeters ( Hoya latifolia ) . The shape of the leaves is equally diverse: some are round ( Hoya obovata ), others narrow and linear ( Hoya linearis ), or heart-shaped ( Hoya kerrii ). Some have leaves that look almost prehistoric like Hoya callistophylla .
The flowers on Hoya usually grow in clusters on perennial inflorescences, so-called spurs, which are extended each time the plant blooms. Many species have fragrant flowers and sometimes produce large quantities of nectar.
Each flower has a star shape, typical of Hoya, with five thick, triangular petals and a central structure, which contains the reproductive organs of the flower.
The popular houseplant Hoya bella has been described as an "amethyst in frosted silver" by William Hooker, the first director of the botanic garden, Kew Gardens in England.
Hoya pollen is packed in small, sticky pollen sacs that easily attach to pollinating insects such as moths, flies and ants. In the East Asian species Hoya carnosa, pollen sticks to the legs of moths as they search for nectar among the flowers.
Where should Hoya stand?
The porcelain flower thrives best in indirect sunlight. A light with filtered sunlight is perfect, but this tropical plant can also survive in somewhat shadier environments, Hoya is one of those plants that does not need direct light. However, avoid too much strong sunlight, which can burn the sensitive leaves. However, to make your Hoya bloom, it is important to have enough light, so place it in an east or west window.
Hoya wayetii placed in strong indirect light. Originally from the Philippines (Northern Luzon)
How often should you water Hoya?
When it comes to watering the porcelain flower, less is usually more. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings, especially during the winter months. In spring and summer, you can water every two to three weeks. Use room temperature water and avoid overwatering – Hoyas are susceptible to root rot.
Hoya prefers high humidity, at least 60%, which makes it perfect for bathrooms or kitchens where the air is often more humid. If the air in your home is dry, you can spray the leaves with water to increase the humidity.
What type of soil for Hoya plants?
Hoys thrive in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil. A peat-free potting soil mixed with perlite or orchid soil works great. Repot your Hoya every three years or when the plant has outgrown its pot. Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the old one - hoyas thrive when their roots are cramped.
Originating in Vietnam & the Malacca Peninsula, Hoya erythrina is best known for its flowers in deep red colors, which gives rise to the name. 'Erythrina' means 'red' in Greek.
Vermin on Hoya
The porcelain flower is a hardy flower that rarely suffers from problems, but it is important to keep an eye out for pests such as thrips or spider mites. Use livestock or biological pesticides if vermin are detected. Beneficial animals are small natural predatory insects and come in small bags that you simply hang on the plant. They crawl out of the bag over several weeks and hunt vermin on your houseplants. You can read more about our farm animals and buy them home with free shippinghere .
Why is my Hoya not blooming?
Lack of light is among the number one factor you can influence to get your Hoya to bloom. If you have a mature plant that still doesn't bloom and you feel you've tried all the care you need. Try placing the Hoya in a sunnier location or buy a plant lamp that gives extra light to the plant.
Another common reason for Hoya not blooming is that the plant is simply not ripe . Sometimes it takes up to 7 years before Hoya blooms, if you have a small plant you need to be patient.
too much water can also cause non-bloom. Hoya likes to dry out between waterings and wet soil for too long causes root rot in Hoya. As long as the roots are not well, plants generally do not flower.
Why do the leaves turn yellow? Overwatering is the most common cause. Allow the soil to dry out thoroughly between waterings.
Propagation of porcelain flower
Taking cuttings from porcelain flower is easy and fun. Choose a cutting with at least two nodes (the lump on the stem where leaves grow from) and place the cutting in water or moist sphagnum moss . Once the roots have grown, you can plant the cutting in a well-drained soil mixture. Then place the Hoya cutting in a bright place and keep the soil slightly moist.
The picture shows the nodes (the lumps where roots and leaves come out) that must be included when cuttings of china flower are taken.
Hoya's relationship with ants.
Some species, such as Hoya imbricata from the Philippines and Sulawesi cooperate with ants. This species climbs tree trunks using aerial roots, and its round leaves overlap slightly, like roof tiles. Beneath the slightly concave leaves, ants find shelter and create hidden passages to move up and down the trees. The hoya benefits from this cooperation because the ants leave organic material that acts as a nutrient for the plant.
In other words, Hoya is not only a beautiful and versatile plant, but also a biological partner in its natural environments.
Why are Hoyas so popular?
The porcelain flower is a perfect balance between entertainment and easy care. It is both a hardy flower and an exotic plant that contributes to a tropical feel in your indoor cultivation. If you are looking for small plants, a large potted plant, a flowering pot plant, hanging plants, a hardy green plant or larger indoor plants, there is a Hoya for everyone. Explore varieties such as Hoya carnosa and Hoya compacta , or try an Australian porcelain flower for something a little more ordinary.
Hoya linearis is known for being an extremely easy-care houseplant that also tolerates a little cold.
If you want to buy plants online or order cuttings, there are many opportunities to find both cheap flowers and unique specimens of this popular houseplant at Ferns.
Hoya, an easy-care plant with fragrant flowers.
With its long-lasting flowers and easy care, the porcelain flower is a great choice for all plant lovers. Give it some love, and it will reward you with the finest flowers and a tropical feel at home.
