Hoja is known not only for its shiny leaves and fragrant flowers. Its hardiness and easy care make it an ideal plant for lovers of greenery – even for beginners. Find out how to grow a hoya so that it grows healthy. We will explain to you what to do to make it bloom beautifully, and we will present its interesting varieties.

Hoja (hoya) – a hardy potted plant

Hoja, also known as wax plant, is a potted plant characterized by glossy leaves and striking star-shaped flowers. It belongs to the wintergreen family (Apocynaceae) and comes from the tropical regions of Asia, Australia and the Pacific Islands. It is a climbing plant, which makes it ideal for interior decoration as a hanging plant or running on supports.

Interesting varieties of hoya

There are more than 500 species and varieties within the hoja genus, which differ in leaf shape, flower color or care requirements. The most popular and interesting varieties of hoya include:

  • kerri leaf (Hoya kerrii) – with heart-shaped leaves;
  • wax plant (Hoya carnosa) – with fleshy green leaves and pink flowers with a red center;
  • hoya obovata – with rounded leaves with white spots;
  • hoya pubicalyx – with brightly colored flowers and strikingly colored leaves.

How to grow hoya?

Although hoja is a hardy houseplant, it needs the right conditions to grow healthily and look stunning. The key to success is the right soil, location, as well as optimal watering and fertilizing. You also need to know how to properly prune, propagate and transplant it to ensure optimal growth. See our detailed tips on how to grow a hoya.

Substrate

Hoja prefers a permeable substrate with a slightly acidic reaction (pH 5.5-6.5). The ideal choice is a mixture of universal soil, perlite and pine bark in a ratio of 2:1:1. Adding coconut fiber or fine charcoal will improve the airiness of the soil and prevent it from becoming waterlogged.

Location

The plant grows best in a bright, but not direct sunny location. A location with diffused light will be suitable, for example near an east or west window. Too much sun can cause leaf burn, while a lack of light slows growth and flowering.

Watering

Moderation is required when watering the tree. The plant likes the substrate to dry well after watering. Water that stays in the pot can lead to root rot. For watering use soft water, preferably boiled or rainwater, at room temperature. Do not forget to limit the supply of water to the plant during the winter.

Fertilization

In spring and summer, you need to fertilize the lawn every 2-3 weeks, preferably with a fertilizer rich in phosphorus for flowering plants. Always do this in moist soil to avoid damaging the roots. In autumn and winter, during the dormant season, reduce or completely stop it. Avoid fertilizers with a high nitrogen content, which promote leaf growth at the expense of flowering.

Cutting

Hoja does not require regular pruning, but you can remove dry and damaged stems. After flowering, do not cut the flower stems, as more flowers may appear in the same place.

Reproduction

The easiest way to propagate hoja is by cuttings. In spring or summer, take shoots about 10-15 cm long that have at least two leaf nodes. You can root the cuttings either in water (and then transplant them into the ground), or immediately in a moist substrate with perlite.

Replanting

Repotting should be done every 2-3 years, when the roots fill the pot. The best time for this activity is the beginning of spring. The new pot should be just one size larger than the previous one.

Diseases and pests

Hoja is relatively resistant to diseases, but can be attacked by pests such as mealybugs, mites and aphids. Symptoms of problems include yellowing of leaves, stunted growth or the appearance of spider webs. The most common diseases are root rot caused by excessive watering and fungal infections. Products based on neem oil or potassium soap are effective against pests.

What to do so that the plant blooms beautifully?

Young plants often begin to bloom only after several years. However, if you have an older plant that has not yet produced an inflorescence, try to provide it with optimal conditions for growth. Ensure that the hoya receives bright but diffused sunlight, feed it regularly during the growing season and limit watering in winter. Also, don’t forget that this plant does not like to be moved frequently.

A flower in a pot that will beautify your plant collection. Hoja is beautiful and durable