Hoya Plant Care Guide

Written By Jennifer Bruce

Hoya plants, also commonly referred to as Hoya Carnosa, are native to tropical areas of the world. Hoya plants love to climb upward along trees and shrubs. This houseplant is a great choice for intermediate plant lovers as its humidity levels can be temperamental. The hoya plant is safe for cats and dogs and are great for adding a little bit of green to any space. This plant care guide will walk you through all of the tips and tricks for taking care of your hoya plant.

Hoya plants thrive best in bright, indirect sunlight. The hoya’s leaves will begin to scorch if it is exposed to too much direct sunlight. Keep your hoya plant at least 5 feet away from any window that gets direct sunlight throughout the day. If you are keeping your hoya plant outdoors, hang the pot in an area that recieves a significant among of bright, indirect light. For more information about sunlight requirements visit our sunlight exposure guide.

  • Hoya Carnosa

  • Dogbanes

  • Intermediate

  • Bright to Indirect sunlight

  • pH 6.0 to 7.5

  • Safe for Cats and Dogs

  • Zones 9-11 (USDA)

The reason why hoya plants can be difficult to take care of is due to its humidity requirements. Ideally your hoya houseplant should be in between 50-70% humidity. If your inside humidity levels run a little dry, consider investing in a humidifier or use pebble trays to ensure your hoya’s humidity needs are being met.

Hoya plants thrive when temperatures are within 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit. If you live in an area that temperatures drop below 50 degrees, gradually bring your plant indoors a few weeks before temperatures are predicted to drop. It is recommended to keep a hoya plant indoors as it is much easier to control its temperature and humidity needs.

When watering your hoya plant, never allow the plant the sit in standing water or allow the soil to completely dry out. The best rule of thumb is to wait until the top two inches are dry before watering. In summer months, you may need to water your hoya plant more frequently than in winter.

A great soil combination for your hoya houseplant is composed of peat moss, perlite, and orchid bark. It is important that the hoya plants soil is rich in organic matter and is well-draining. The pH of the soil should never drop below 6.0 or rise above 7.5.

Here is a simple list of some diseases and pests that hoya plants may be susceptible to:

Diseases:

Pests:

It is important to frequently check your hoya plant for any signs and symptoms of pests or diseases. If left untreated, pests and diseases can cause irreversible damage to your houseplants if caught too late. For more information on treating common pests and diseases, visit our pests and diseases blog.

  • Hoya plants are not toxic to cats and dogs. It is worth noting that consuming any plant can cause stomach upset and its important to keep all houseplants away from your furry friends if they are known to get into things.

  • One of the best ways for propagating a hoya plant is by taking a stem cutting and planting it in a small pot with soil.

  • Hoya plants are generally easy to grow, but sometimes they can be temperamental about their temperature levels and humidity requirements.

  • Hoya plants are trailing or climbing plants with uniquely shaped wax leaves. In the spring, hoyas bloom beautiful flowers that smell so delightful.

Jennifer Bruce
Previous

Pothos Plant Care Guide
Next

Croton Plant Care Guide