Hoya Care Information
Hoya Care Information
Light
Hoyas like good light but need shading from hot sun. A north or east facing windowsill is fine but if you wish to grow the plant in a room with a south facing window, position it so it will not be in full sun during the hottest part of the day.
Watering and feeding
Take care not to over water Hoyas. Before watering check the compost with your finger and feel the weight of the plant. If it is dry and the plant feels light then it will need watering. It is best to sit the plant in a sink with a small amount of water and leave it to soak up water from the base then leave to drain. Do not leave it sitting in water for more than 10 minutes. The frequency of watering will depend on the size of the plant and the time of the year but about once a week will probably be required. Always check if the plant needs watering rather than working to a time schedule.
Feeding: Hoyas do not require much in the way of feeding. Once or twice a year with a balanced liquid fertiliser such as liquid Growmore will suffice. Only feed when the plant is in active growth.
Humidity
Hoyas need good humidity. A daily spray with water is beneficial and will be needed if your plant is in a hanging pot/ basket. If your Hoya is on a windowsill stand it in a shallow saucer with some pebbles in and fill with water to just below the surface of the pebbles, taking care that the plants roots are not in contact with the water. This will help to humidify the air around the plant. Remember to check the level frequently and top up as required. If you have other houseplants, growing them together in groups can help to create a beneficial environment as they will transpire water through their leaves, helping to keep the air moist.
Compost and potting on
Hoyas do not need to be potted on very frequently but when you do it is important to use the right compost mix. You will need to mix some Loam Based Compost (John Innes No.2) with equal parts of horticultural/ washed sand (not builders or play pit sand) leaf mould (see below) charcoal and fine bark.
When potting on do not increase the pot size by more than 2 inches in diameter and do this in summer when the plant is actively growing.
Making leaf mould
Leaf mould is easy and free to make and a very valuable material for plants which like a humus rich soil. Simply gather up fallen leaves in autumn. Oak, Beech or Hornbeam leaves are perfect but almost anything will do. Avoid using conifer, very tough leaves or leaves that have evidence of disease. If the leaves are large or thick, run over them with a lawn mower to chop them up in to finer pieces otherwise they will take too long to rot down. Place them in a black plastic bag and puncture with a fork to allow air to get in or suitable container with drainage holes, spray with water and leave for about 12-18 months to rot down. If you have chopped the leaves up very finely they may be ready to use in about 6 months’ time. Check it in the spring. You should end up with a rich, dark brown mixture which when it is quite fine can be used to mix into compost for potting plants up. If it is still quite coarse you can use it as a soil improver in the garden or give it a turn and a spray with water and leave to rot down further.