Amazing genus evergreens Hoya (Hoya), part of the extensive Lastovnevye family, unites many species of spectacular vines and shrubs. Its representatives have been popular with florists for a long time.
IN natural conditions varieties of hoya (wax ivy) grow in Polynesia, South and Southeast Asia, and the west coast of Australia. Such plants like open forests. Here, not only trees, but also rock slopes serve as supports for them.
The flower got its name in honor of Thomas Hoy, a gardener who for many years specialized in growing tropical crops in greenhouses that belonged to the English Duke of Northumberland.
An adult hoya or wax ivy can reach a length of about 10 m. The color of young shoots is brownish-violet. The stems will acquire a green color after leaves begin to appear on them and aerial roots begin to form. Over time, lignification of the shoots occurs.
Hoya leaves, pointed at the ends, have an oval shape, shiny surface(in young specimens), later changing to matte. For most plant varieties, the leaf sizes are as follows: length about 5 - 8 cm, width about 3 - 5 cm. 
There are also certain species whose stems are covered with very small leaves. Some members of the genus Hoya have fleshy foliage.
The magnificent bloom of hoya causes bright emotions literally all people. Contemplation of the bisexual, star-shaped, five-membered flowers of the different colors(white, yellow, orange, red, purple, etc.), collected in an umbrella-shaped inflorescence, gives aesthetic pleasure. As a rule, their diameter is 1 - 2 cm (the exception is Hoya Imperial, the diameter of the flowers is very impressive - up to 8 cm).
The structure of the petals is fleshy and elastic. Inside each flower there is a distinctive five-membered crown of a contrasting shade. The aroma of the flowering plant is quite strong. In addition, its flowers have the property of secreting translucent droplets of nectar, which is extremely attractive to insects.
Types of Hoya for indoor growing
Hoya carnosa
As practice shows, caring for Hoya Carnosa, also called Hoya Fleshy, will probably be the easiest in comparison with growing other representatives of this genus. The length of this evergreen vine can reach 6 m, so it needs to be provided with support.
The leaves of the plant are small in size and oval in shape. Their hard, thick surface is dark green in color with characteristic silver strokes. The flower petals are white and the crown inside the calyx is pink. The unpretentious fleshy hoya feels great at home. For this reason, it is most often chosen by florists for breeding.
Today, scientists have studied several forms of the Hoyacarnosa plant. In particular, the variegated hoya (Hoyacarnosa Variegata) looks absolutely stunning. This flower is not only beautiful, but also hardy. When caring for Hoya Tricolor (Variegata Tricolor), you need to pay attention to its slow growth. But such a plant is capable of forming new flower umbrellas throughout the year.
Scientists have still not come to a consensus on whether Hoya compacta is a subspecies of the Hoyacarnosa plant or should be considered an independent species. This form is in great demand among flower growers due to its remarkable endurance and high decorative qualities.
Hoya bella
Many florists dream of growing this hanging plant, Hoya Bella, at home. In nature, it is found in Myanmar and Indonesia. This type of wax ivy is characterized by the presence of small leaf blades.
The corollas and flower crowns are white; the range of petal colors can include both pink and dark red tones. Luxurious beautiful Hoya can be grown at home without problems with the right approach to caring for the flower.
Hoya Kerry (Hoya kerrii)
This vine will certainly be an excellent gift for a loved one, as its fleshy leaves are heart-shaped. When caring for Hoya Kerry at home, you need to remember that its long lashes need a garter.
The spherical umbrella inflorescence can contain 15 - 25 flowers. Their paint (yellowish, lemon, soft pink) directly depends on the degree of illumination.
Hoya Multiflora (Hoya multiflora)
When caring for Hoya Multiflora, it is necessary to take into account that for it good development you will need to equip a reliable support. The flowers and leaves of this plant, also called Hoya Multiflora, are very beautiful.
The shape of the leaves is linear-lanceolate, they have well-defined veins, and there are strokes of contrasting color on the surface of the plates. The flowers have a light or straw-yellow color, long petals, bright edges. The outwardly curved crown has arcuate spurs. An inflorescence can contain up to 40 buds.
Hoya Imperialis (Hoya imperialis)
The imperial variety of hoya, also called Royal, Majestic, is a climbing vine with well-pubescent shoots. Leathery shape, smooth leaves plants (up to 20 cm long) oval in the petiole area, pointed towards the apex.
The flowers are very large, they are characterized by a dark red color, becoming somewhat greenish on the outside. Their aroma is extremely pleasant and sweet. In nature, Imperial Hoya grows in Borneo.
Hoya concave (Hoya lacunosa)
Wonderful Hoya Lacunosa (Pitted, Concave), grown as home flower, has a cascade shape. The densely growing vines of the plant are covered with diamond-shaped leaves with curled edges. The shoots, about 6 m long, are red-brown in color. Flowers collected in an umbrella are characterized by the presence of light, fleecy petals and a yellowish center.
Hoya linearis
Linear Hoya, also called Hoya Linearis, looks very unusual. Its foliage is very light. The length of the hanging lashes can reach about 6 m. The leaves of the plant are quite narrow (5 cm long, 0.5 cm wide). The color of young specimens is almost white; as they age, they darken slightly. In nature, the flower grows in the Himalayas.
Hoya Graceful (Hoya gracilis)
Spectacular Hoya Gracilis (Graceful) in natural environment found in Sulawesi, Philippines. It is a powerful vine, strewn with oblong-oval leaves (pointed at the ends) with a light green, somewhat spotted color. With sufficient lighting, their tint becomes pinkish, and the stains acquire greater contrast. About 20 flowers with long pedicels are formed in inflorescences.
Wax ivy care
To ensure that caring for hoya at home is successful, you will need to follow the recommendations of experienced florists. A thorough approach to growing this beautiful plant will be the key to its long flowering.
Lighting for culture
Hoya grows well in good light conditions. At the same time, wax ivy is contraindicated from being in direct sunlight (especially in summer period) because of possible occurrence burns on the leaves. The flower will feel best on the windowsill of an eastern or western window. Lack of light will negatively affect flowering.
Optimal temperature conditions
In the summer, normal development of the plant occurs while maintaining a temperature not lower than + 18 ... + 19 ° C. In the cold season, the flower tolerates temperatures well + 10 ... + 15 ° C. The only exception is the heat-loving Hoya Bella, which is capable of shed leaves.
Rules for watering a flower
The plant is recommended to have abundant but infrequent watering. This procedure should be carried out after the lump of earth in the flowerpot has completely dried. It is very important to promptly drain excess moisture from the pan.
During the cold period of the year, irrigating the soil in a pot is done even less frequently: 3 to 4 days after the soil becomes dry. The priority is to use settled or boiled water at room temperature.
Bathing hoyas done in spring and autumn has worked well. But in the summer, performing such a procedure is considered inappropriate. You need to pour warm water (+ 40 ° C) into the prepared basin and immerse the flowerpot with a flower in it for 30 - 40 minutes. Such an event stimulates flowering and will have a hardening effect on the plant. In hot weather, it is advisable to spray the flower.
Fertilizing the plant
During the growing season (spring - autumn), wax ivy should be fed once every 14 days, using mineral complexes, including components such as sodium, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium. It is also possible to use compositions suitable for flowering succulents.
Overfeeding hoya is not recommended, as it negatively affects flowering.
Transplanting Hoya into another pot
The young flower needs annual replanting in spring. An adult specimen is placed in a new flowerpot no more often than once every 3 years. To achieve abundant, long-lasting flowering, you should provide the plant with a cramped pot. If there is a need to obtain wax ivy with many powerful shoots, it is advisable to place it in a spacious container. It is mandatory to arrange a drainage layer of pebbles, expanded clay, and broken bricks at the bottom of the pot.
In most cases, transplanting or planting hoya at home turns out to be quite successful when choosing soil with any composition. However, experienced florists prefer to use the following substrate: 2 parts of soil for plants, 1 part of fine expanded clay, 1 part of peat or sphagnum, 1 part of vermiculite or perlite. You can choose a soil mixture for orchids.
Wax ivy propagation
When studying information on the topic - hoya: care and propagation, you need to know that layering, cuttings or seeds are used to propagate the plant. In the first case, you can count on flowering of young specimens in the year of planting. At the same time, the cutting method is considered the easiest and most reliable.
The use of the seed method will be justified if it is necessary to carry out breeding work.
Cuttings of indoor Hoya
The stems of adult plants are used to harvest planting material. Short cuttings should have at least 2 nodes and 1 - 2 pairs of leaves. To ensure that roots quickly appear on specimens placed in water, it is advisable to wrap the container in foil.
Rooting occurs at a temperature of at least + 22 ° C, high humidity air. After 2 weeks, the cuttings with roots appearing will be ready for transplanting. Also, cuttings for rooting can be placed in a moist substrate or sphagnum moss.
Crop propagation by layering
A branch of an adult hoya is cut slightly, wrapped in moistened moss, and covered with plastic film. When such a shoot has roots, it is separated from the mother wax ivy and placed in a personal flowerpot.
Sowing Hoya Seeds
This method is considered the most labor-intensive. It will take about 90 days for the sown seeds to germinate and the first leaves to form on young plants. It is worth taking into account that seed material is extremely rare on sale. Obtaining seeds from available plants is incredibly difficult. This method is practiced only by extremely experienced specialists - professional florists.
Hoya at home
Not all gardeners agree to grow wax ivy in houses and apartments, considering it a purely office plant. This is explained by the fact that many superstitions are associated with this flower. For example, there is an opinion that hoya is capable of surviving her husband from the family and expelling her grown-up sons.
At the same time, many people are sure that wax ivy growing in the bedroom can bring happiness to the house, relieve resentment and envy. In addition, the contemplation of a well-groomed, abundantly blooming hoya gives aesthetic pleasure and improves the mood of all household members, without exception. Many useful information in the article: .
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Hoya (Hoya, “wax ivy”) is one of the most common. And considering that this plant also blooms, its popularity in indoor floriculture increases significantly.
Is it possible to keep Hoya (wax ivy) at home?
“Can I keep Hoya at home?” – This is a question that novice gardeners often ask. Doubts about the advisability of breeding the flower are associated with an incomprehensible sign, according to which it is widely believed that all ivy discourages men from home. Believe me, this is just a superstition. Hoya at home is unpretentious and does not survive anyone in the apartment - on the contrary, this plant decorates the home and brings joy to its owners.
Hoya (wax ivy) fleshy (with photo)
Family: Lastovnevye, beautifully flowering, light-loving, shade-tolerant.
A classic representative of climbing plants, fleshy hoya (Hoya carnosa) first throws out a thin herbaceous shoot with small leaves that wraps around a support. Having established itself in this way, the stem becomes woody, the leaves grow and become leathery and fleshy, and at the ends of the shoots umbrella inflorescences of waxy star-shaped fragrant flowers, usually white with a pink crown, develop. There are varieties with pink, crimson or red flowers. IN hot weather Small droplets of nectar appear on the crowns.
Blooms from spring to late autumn. There are also varieties with colorful leaves: with a longitudinal yellow stripe or a creamy white rim around the edge.
Caring for hoya (wax ivy) at home
The main difficulty lies in untangling long (up to 6 m) shoots, which, once given free rein, entangle all objects and plants around, and cleaning up falling flowers.
Hoya grows well in the shade (even more intensely than in bright light, as it tries to “reach the sun”), but blooms beautifully only in bright light. Winter temperature is +13...+16 °C, loves fresh air and is not afraid of even a small draft. Water moderately, you can spray it daily and periodically bathe in the shower to wash away the dust accumulated on the leaves. Feed throughout the flowering period 2 times a month. Transplanted in the spring into a larger container with soil mixture from turf and leaf soil, compost and sand (1:2:0.5:1), preferably with the addition of bone meal.
The main thing is not to rearrange it anywhere after the buds appear.
Hoya, hoya (Hoya), wax ivy is an evergreen from the family of swallowtails (Asclepiadaceae). The genus Hoya, named after the English gardener Thomas Hoy, has about 200 species. IN natural conditions Khoya is found in Southern China, Australia, and India. In nature, these vines spread on rocky slopes and in forests on tree trunks.
Among them there are hanging and curly ones; some species have antennae with which they cling to support. The leaves are oval and heart-shaped, in most species they are dark green, but there are also two or three colors, with spots and specks. Hoya compacta (Hoya compacta) has curled leaves.
At home, one species is most often found - Hoya carnosa. This is a hanging plant with shoots up to 6-7 meters long.
Hoya's dark green, leathery leaves are arranged oppositely. Surface leaf blade It appears glossy, as if rubbed with wax, which is why the plant is called wax ivy.
Hoya is one of the few climbing indoor plants that bloom at home. Its flowers are graceful, white, pink, yellowish stars, collected in umbrella-shaped inflorescences. Khoya has a fleshy corolla white with a red center and there are about 24 flowers in an inflorescence.
Hoya carnosa
Hoya compacta
Adult plants, with good lighting and proper care, bloom for a very long time and profusely.
An east or west window is suitable for hoya in an apartment; it grows well in winter on a south window. In the summer heat sunny windows Leaves may lighten and dry out, and plant growth may slow down due to overheating.
Wax ivy, as is often used for vertical gardening offices and apartments. Also used as a creeping ground cover plant in well-lit areas of the winter garden.
Hoya is an unpretentious plant: if you don’t think about it often, don’t move it from place to place, water it and replant it rarely, then it will delight you with long and abundant flowering. That is why wax ivy can often be found in office premises; sometimes this vine entwines the entire wall with its shoots.
Hoya imperialis
Much less common in homes are species such as Hoya imperialis, Hoya bella and Hoya longifolia, although they are not particularly capricious and caring for them does not require any special knowledge.
Hoya bella is a small evergreen, branched shrub with small leaves with hanging shoots up to 30-50 cm long. This is an epiphytic plant, it settles on the branches tropical trees. Requires very moderate lighting, high humidity and uniform temperature throughout the year.
Hoya majestic (Hoya imperialis) has pubescent creeping shoots, its oval leathery leaves are up to 15-20 cm long. The flowers are collected in hanging umbels on pubescent short stalks, dark red, yellow on the outside, with pleasant aroma.
Hoya longifolia
Hoya curtisii
Hoya longifolia is a climbing vine with fleshy, dense, elongated leaves. The flowers are pubescent, pure white. Grows in highlands and likes cool conditions.
General rules for caring for wax ivy.
Hoya is not a capricious plant, does not require high humidity and frequent watering, grows well in poor soil, does not need frequent replanting.
Temperature. During active growth the optimal temperature is 17-25 C. In winter, 15 degrees is quite enough. Hoya can spend the entire winter even at 10 C. Hoya beautiful is more heat-loving and can lose its leaves during a cold winter.
Lighting and location. Wax ivy prefers bright light, but does not like direct sunlight in the summer. It grows well in a southern room, twining around the walls like an hanging plant.
The location cannot be changed - due to rearrangement, the hoya may lose all its buds and even shed its leaves. This is a permanent plant, so it is not suitable for summer gardening on balconies.
Humidity. Humidity is not significant. Only Hoya beautiful grows better in a humid room. In summer, it is advisable to spray hoya.
Watering. Watering is moderate, after the soil dries, and sparing in winter. The plant tolerates lack of moisture well. For good flowering In winter there is little watering.
Fertilizer. Fertilizer is applied 2 times a month throughout the growing season, starting in March. In winter they do not feed.
Bloom. Hoya blooms only in good light. For successful flowering, it is important to properly maintain this plant in winter. Wax ivy should grow in winter in a bright and cool (10-15 C) room; water it very little.
To stimulate flowering, the pot is immersed in warm water for 2 hours, and the entire plant is sprayed with water heated to 30-40 C.
After flowering, the flower stalks are not cut off - the next year new inflorescences appear on them.
Soil. Hoya is not picky about soil; in nature it grows on rocky screes or on trees. It grows well in almost any soil; you can prepare a mixture of leaf, turf soil, humus, peat and sand in equal quantities or from clay-turf, leaf and greenhouse soil (2:1:1).
Good drainage is installed at the bottom of the pot so that the earthen ball does not become waterlogged and the roots do not rot.
Transfer. All hoyas are replanted quite rarely, once every 2-3 years, sometimes less often. To stimulate abundant flowering, close containers are used. To achieve good shoot growth, it is better to choose a larger pot.
Be sure to have a hole in the bottom and good drainage.
Reproduction. Hoya propagates by seeds, layering, but most often by cuttings.
Each cutting must have at least two pairs of leaves. Cut the cuttings between the nodes. Hoya cuttings take root in water or in a mixture of peat and sand. The roots appear after 3-4 weeks at a temperature of at least 20 C.
Stem layering allows you to get a flowering plant in the year of planting. To do this, make a small cut on the shoot of an old plant and cover it with wet moss and covered with plastic film. When the roots appear, this part of the shoot with roots is cut off and planted in a pot. You can spread part of the stem on the soil in a new pot and secure it to the surface, covering it with damp moss. After rooting, separate from the mother plant.
For propagation, it is recommended to take parts of only mature, already flowering plants.
Crown formation.
For branching, plants are pinched after the formation of the 4th leaf. Shoots that are too long are cut off, which promotes intense flowering. The stems need support. Threads are often used to secure the plant to a window or wall.
You can use a ring of wire, the ends of which are simply placed in the pot. The pot should be heavy enough to prevent the plant from tipping over.
Diseases and pests. All common types of hoya are resistant to pests and diseases, but poor care(very high temperature, too dry air) can be affected by scale insects, red spider mites. It is necessary to treat the plant with Actellik or another insecticide.
Hoyas are also affected by root nematode. The soil for replanting must be steamed.
Possible problems.
Leaves fall off - excessive moisture or simply moved the plant to another window. “Leaf fall” also occurs when the soil is very cool in winter (for example, standing on a cold window or watering in the summer heat cold water).
Spots on the leaves - lack of light or, conversely, sunburn.
Hoya does not bloom - insufficient lighting or too warm wintering. You can try a warm shower for stimulation.
The leaves are too light, curl or dry out - the sun is too bright, it is better to shade the plant.
Fall off flower buds and flowers - plant movement or very dry and hot air.
Slow growth, leaves turn pale green - lack of nutrients in the soil. The plant needs to be replanted.
Or a bush of the Asclepiadaceae family. Homeland: southern regions Burma, Middle China, India and up to Australia. Plants live in their natural environment in open forests, on tree trunks or on rock slopes. The name of the culture was given by the scientist R. Brown in honor of his botanist friend, who was a gardener in the greenhouse of the Duke of Northumberland and was engaged in the selection of exotic plants. His name was T. Hoy.
What does hoya look like and bloom in its natural environment?
In summer, hoya blooms with fragrant, porcelain-white, pinkish, yellow-greenish and other shades of bisexual flowers, collected in umbrella inflorescences. Both the botanical description of the flowers of the hoya plant and numerous photographs confirm that they have a star-shaped appearance, consist of petals and a central five-part crown rising above them. The average diameter of flowers is from 1 to 2 cm, except for the majestic appearance (8 cm). While the hoya plant is blooming, a pleasant perfume aroma prevails around the bush or vine. Representatives of certain species are even able to secrete nectar, which is attractive to many insects. In its natural environment, the plant can reach 10 meters in length. Young shoots are immediately colored brownish-violet, and as they mature, they acquire a rich green tint, and then gradually become lignified. The foliage is fleshy, oval, with a pointed apex. Average length leaves - from 5 to 15 cm, width - from 3 to 8 cm. Both the color and the leaves are dense, have a matte appearance, which gives the visual impression that they are cast from wax. Familiarize yourself with some types and varieties of hoya from photos with official names to compose general impression about the plant before getting acquainted in detail:
Is it possible to keep hoya at home and the qualities of wax ivy
Many cultivars are grown indoors. This plant has decorative qualities and is often used for landscaping offices and offices. There are a large number of legends and superstitions regarding the issue of growing Hoya at home, many of which, oddly enough, contradict each other.
For example, according to one belief, this flower “drives out” men from their homes (husband, sons). According to other legends, culture is able to pacify resentment and envy. Still other sources, when asked whether it is possible to keep hoya or wax ivy at home, say that this plant is a source of happiness in the family, so the ideal place for growing it is the marital bedroom. Which version to take into account - individual solution gardener But whatever the choice, it will not cancel the fact that exotic flowers can captivate everyone with their beautiful color, even the most demanding florist.
Popular types and varieties of indoor hoya plants: photos, names and descriptions
Today approximately 200 species are known hoya plants. For growing indoors, the most popular among them are:
Noua bella(Hoya is wonderful).
Noua carnosa(hoya fleshy).
The following types of this plant are cultivated much less frequently at home:
Hoya imperialis(hoya majestic).
Hoya longifolia(hoya longifolia).
Hoya lacunosa(hoya concave)
Hoya pubicalyx(hoya fluffy cup).
Hoya kerrii(Hoyu Kerry).
Hoya multiflora (hoya multiflorum).
The type of hoya called beautiful is a low-growing, branched one, covered with small foliage (reaches a length of about 3 cm) and having drooping shoots (their length varies in the range from 30 to 50 cm). The leaves have a fleshy structure, lanceolate-ovate shape, and a convex surface. The foliage on the shoots grows very densely. The flowers resemble small stars in appearance, the color of the petals is white and the core is crimson. The color is collected in umbrellas, each of which has from 7 to 9 “stars”. Compare the description of the beautiful Hoya species with the photos below:
This is an epiphytic plant; in nature, its usual habitat is tree branches in tropical forests. In indoor conditions, it is grown as a hanging crop.
Bush varieties of hoya and vines
The images show those that are most popular in home gardening.
A hoya flower of this type, like the majestic one, is also climbing vine. It is densely dotted with lanceolate-oval foliage, the length of which reaches 15 cm and the width - up to 8 cm. The color of this plant is considered the largest among known species: the diameter of the flowers is 8 cm. The peduncles are long, they form flower umbrellas, each of which contains from 8 to 10 smooth star-shaped flowers with deep red petals and a white central crown.
WITH reverse side the petals are decorated with an admixture of green or yellow. Hoya imperialis is widely known for its pleasant perfume scent. Descriptions of popular varieties of this type of hoya with photos and official names are presented below - study and choose the green “pet” that is most suitable for your greenhouse:
This is a climbing plant, the thin shoots of which contain a large amount of milky sap. The liana is densely dotted with lanceolate-shaped foliage, smooth edges, rich green color, and a fleshy structure without visible veins. The length of each leaf is approximately 13 cm and the width is about 2 cm.
The surface is without pubescence and is not shiny. Fragrant flowers in quantities from 5 to 12 pieces are collected in a spherical umbrella. The diameter of each flower varies from 1.5 to 1.7 cm, and there is pubescence on the surface. The color of the petals is white, the central crown is pale pink or pure white.
"Tova"- a hybrid with monochromatic foliage, having a light green color.
"Eskimo"- a cultivar with leaves decorated with a marble pattern of a lighter shade.
Other varieties of indoor hoya flower: photo and description
The fluffy-cupped species is one of the most colorful plants of this genus and is very often used by breeders to breed new hybrids. This is a light-loving plant with a climbing stem, leathery foliage, on the surface of which there are silvery stripes and spotting. Fleecy flowers of 30 pieces are collected in umbrella inflorescences. The diameter of each flower is no more than 2 cm. They have a variety of colors - from delicate pink to dark burgundy. This type of hoya also has widely known hybrid varieties:
"Silver Pink"
"Silver Prince"
"Red Button"
"Dark Red"
"Philippine Black"
"Chimera"
"Leenie"
"Fresno Beauty" etc.
The flowers are pubescent and range from 1 to 1.5 cm in diameter. They are collected in umbellate inflorescences of 15-20 pieces. The color of the petals is determined by the amount of sunlight and can be pure white, lemon yellow, or pale pink. If you move a flower to another part of the room, the shade can change dramatically. The peculiarity of the plant is the darkening of flowers as they age due to the dark nectar released in them. You can compare the presented description of Hoya Kerry species with the greenhouse flowers shown in the photo:
The multi-flowered plant is a shrub with woody stems dotted with 12-centimeter leaves with wavy edges. One umbrella inflorescence contains from 15 to 20 flowers, which are colored white and yellow and emit a lemon aroma. A distinctive feature of the plant is its heat-loving nature: if the ambient temperature drops below +20 ̊C, it will shed both leaves and color. The bush needs to be sprayed and watered abundantly in the mornings and evenings. Look at the photo below to see what varieties it has. indoor flower Hoya multiflora, and check out their brief characteristics:
Hoya multiflora Variegata endowed with foliage with a white edge.
Hoya multiflora Speckles It has spotted foliage and cream flowers.
Hoya multiflora Shooting Star is famous for its flowers with petals shaped like the tail of a comet.
This is not a complete list of species, varieties and varieties of plants that are cultivated by modern gardeners and used to breed new hybrids that enchant with their unique flowers and an endless variety of perfume aromas.
How to properly care for Hoya at home
Caring for a hoya flower at home is generally not difficult and will not take much time, since the plant is considered not capricious. For a green “pet,” a well-lit location is suitable. The plant is tolerant of direct sunlight. Although caution in this regard will not hurt: due to exposure to direct ultraviolet radiation, burns may occur on the hoya. To prevent such a disastrous outcome, it is recommended to provide diffused light for the flower at noon by shading the window in one of the following ways:- Tracing paper.
- Tulle.
- Marley.
When it comes to the question of how to properly care for hoya at home, temperature conditions play an important role. Temperature: in summer the plant loves warmth (+18...+23 °C), in winter - a cooler atmosphere (+14...+18 °C).Many species can overwinter even at + 10 °C, but hoya is more thermophilic: if it is not provided with a warm winter, it can completely shed its foliage. Air humidity in general is not a significant factor in growing a plant. But, as in the case of temperature, the Hoya beautiful species requires special conditions - the flower loves a humid environment, grows better in it and blooms more profusely. In summer, during the period of shoot growth, bushes or vines should be regularly sprayed with a spray bottle.
Proper care for wax ivy hoya, organized at home, means that once every six months the plant needs to be bathed and completely submerged under water.To do this, fill the bathtub warm water(from +30 to +40°C) and place the green “pet” there (still at the stage before the buds appear!) in a flowerpot for 40 minutes. After this time, the shoots must be lifted and “hung” to dry, and the flowerpot with rhizomes must be left for another 1.5 hours. You can do it a little differently: just lower the pot under water heated to the temperature indicated above for 2 hours, and give the foliage a warm shower. This procedure will help stimulate flowering.
Watering and fertilizing when caring for hoya (with video)
An important aspect of caring for a home hoya flower is watering: moderate in summer, even less in winter. A feature of the culture is its ability to tolerate moisture deficiency well. IN warm time The plant should be watered every year as the soil dries out, but it is still better not to let the earthen lump dry out. In order for the vine or bush to enjoy abundant flowering next season, a minimal amount of liquid will be required during winter dormancy. If the soil is waterlogged, the plant may begin to shed both leaves and shoots. Water for irrigation should be used that has settled and is soft.Feeding: during the growth period - from March to September - once every 2 weeks. Hoya needs to be fertilized with mineral compounds during the growing process.Ready-made mixture “For flowering succulents” can be purchased at flower shop, or you can do it yourself at home, taking into account the recommended ratio of components:
- 2% magnesium.
- 10% nitrogen.
- 11% phosphorus.
- 18% potassium.
Hoya propagation by apical and stem cuttings
There are three ways to propagate hoya flowers at home:- Apical or stem cuttings.
- Seeds.
- Sheets.
- Age.
- Size.
The size of the rooting material should not be long. It is better to take cuttings that have two nodes covering two pairs of leaves. If you plan to propagate plant species with large foliage, then you can make an exception and take cuttings, keeping one node at a time.
How to take hoya cuttings to properly root the plant
On the question of how to properly cut hoya, special attention should be given to pruning the cuttings. The most best place For the appearance of roots, the zone located under the node itself is considered. Therefore, you need to leave a couple of centimeters of the stem under it, and cut off the rest. After a new shoot appears from the axil of the first node, you can cut off the second node and also root it. Rooting is possible in one of two ways:- Immediately in the substrate (at soil temperature +20...+25 °C).
- In water (at a temperature of + 22 ° C).
- Mix equal parts of sphagnum moss (or peat), vermiculite (or perlite), fine expanded clay (or polystyrene foam).
- Combine fine expanded clay (1/5 part), perlite or vermiculite (1/5 part), planting soil (3/5 part).
Before rooting, for 100% results, you can treat the cuttings with Kornevin, but this is not necessary.
Planting home hoya with cuttings and caring for the plant
Planting hoya with apical or stem cuttings is carried out as follows: in a slightly moistened substrate filled with plastic bag The cutting is placed so that the lower node is covered with soil. The bag is then placed horizontally, and after 10 days it will be possible to observe the appearance of roots.You can do it differently by planting the cuttings in a flowerpot. Drainage is placed at the bottom of the container, then a substrate is placed into which the cutting goes deep, as in the previous version. To maintain moisture, a transparent plastic bag is placed loosely over the pot.After 14-21 days you can get a germinated cutting, ready for planting. permanent place growth in soil prepared using one of the previously described technologies. Rooting in water is done like this. The container with the liquid is wrapped in foil on all sides, and holes are made in the top of the wrapper for the cuttings. Planting materials treated at will with Kornevin are lowered into the vessel so that the lower node is under water. A plastic bag is also placed loosely on the container (to allow air to flow freely). Roots will appear after 14 days. You need to transplant the cutting into the ground immediately, since the roots will become very fragile and may break off.
Hoya propagation by seeds and leaves at home
As soon as the first shoots appear, you need to monitor the soil moisture: Don’t overfill it, but don’t let it dry out either. The container with seedlings should be placed in a warm and well-lit place.To prevent the occurrence of fungal diseases, it is recommended to treat them with some preparation containing copper in accordance with the instructions on the package. After 90 days, the seedlings will already have several pairs of leaves - from this moment they can be transplanted into separate flowerpots.
How to transplant a Hoya into a new pot
The “advantage” of growing a crop is that it does not require frequent transplantation. It is carried out, if necessary, once every 1-3 years in the spring. Recommended substrate: flower soil mixture “For flowering succulents” or prepared independently according to one of the “recipes” discussed above.Usually, the plant itself signals that a transplant is necessary: root system protrudes from the drainage into the holes at the bottom of the flowerpot, the bush or vine does not grow, the leaves become drooping.Before replanting your home hoya, you need to choose the right new pot. If you have a goal to get abundant flowering, then the capacity should not be much more than that, in which the culture grew up before. If it is necessary to stimulate the growth of a bush or vine, then the pot should be much more spacious than the previous one. You must not forget to place drainage at the bottom (pebbles, broken shards, stones measuring from 1 to 1.5 cm, foam chips).
Red spider mites.
Scale insects.
Root nematodes.
If the presence of any insects on flowers, leaves, or branches is noticed, it is necessary to treat the bush or vine with an insecticide (for example, Actellik). If indoor hoya flowers with fleshy and thickened foliage have suffered from pest attacks, you can simply wipe them with a cotton swab dipped in medical alcohol.
If the rhizome of the crop is affected by nematodes, you also need to replant it into a fresh steamed substrate and a new disinfected flowerpot.Among the diseases of indoor hoya, the most common are:
Gray, black, root rot.
Spotting.
Powdery mildew.
If the soil is waterlogged, the room temperature is too low, the plant suffers from fungus. It leads to rot. The presence of the disease is indicated by spots - brown, gray - on the stems, leaves, buds, and wilting of the plant.
To cure the affected crop, you can use a soap-copper solution. If focal root rot occurs, then you need to remove the rhizome, treat it with Bordeaux mixture or colloidal sulfur and replant the vine or bush. If most of the root system rots, the plant will have to be destroyed.Appearance white plaque on a flower indicates the spread of powdery mildew. Humidifying the air in the room where the crop is grown, optimizing watering, and improving ventilation will help get rid of the disease.
Look at the photo what a hoya flower looks like when it is affected powdery mildew in order to be able to recognize the disease in time:
How to revive and make hoya bloom at home
Many gardeners - both beginners and professionals - are faced with the phenomenon of massive leaf fall in the indoor flowering hoya plant. The reason for this may be excess moisture, hypothermia of the soil in winter or summer when watering with cold water, or moving the pot with the crop to another place in the room. To revive a flower, you need to eliminate irritating factors.
If the leaves are covered in spots, this may indicate a lack of lighting or burns from direct sunlight. In this case, it is necessary to change the location of the flowerpot.
If the foliage has acquired a too light shade, dried out, or curled, this is a clear sign that the plant needs to be shaded, since it dies under the scorching sun.
Due to insufficient lighting and incorrect wintering temperatures, color may not appear on the crop at all. Effective method how to quickly make hoya bloom at home - bathe it under warm shower using the previously described technology.
Advice! Do not cut off the flower stalks of hoya fleshy: they will form new inflorescences next year. Do not move the flowerpot with the plant as soon as the buds appear on it, otherwise they may fall off, like all the foliage.Only with proper care mature plant will bloom profusely for a long period.
The hoya plant, so beloved by modern landscape designers, became known to the general public back in 1770, when the ship of explorer and traveler James Cook landed on the northeastern coast of sunny Australia. The plant was discovered by scientists Solender and Banks, they became interested in a new species that had never been seen before in any country or on any island; botanists were also attracted by the original, attractive appearance of the plant, which was a beautiful, evergreen shrub, which also bloomed with snow-white inflorescences .
From this moment begins a long history of selection and careful study of this species. In 1810, Professor Robert Brown introduced the term "Genus Hoya", which included two discovered species, Hoya viridiflora and Hoya carnosa; years later, over two hundred subspecies were discovered that grow in the forests of Popua New Guinea, some areas of India and on the shores of the Malay Islands an archipelago known for its humid, hot climate and some other tropical areas. The study of hoya does not end today: scientists around the world are working on developing new varieties, each of which is a real work of breeding art.
It is also worth saying that the plant received its name in honor of the famous gardener of past centuries, Thomas Hoy, who worked in the greenhouses of the Duke of Northumberland and made a great contribution to world botany.
Description of the plant and photo of Hoya
Hoya is a variety of evergreen shrubs, as well as vines of the Kutrovye and Lastovnevye families. It grows in the tropical zone of Polynesia, Southeast and especially southern Asia, Australia, Indonesia, Popua New Guinea. The liana prefers open forests that are well lit by the sun, but also retain moisture, which is so necessary for good growth; the plant also requires support, rocky slopes or a powerful tree, which the liana entwines and grows upward.
In nature, Hoya can reach ten meters in length. Young shoots have a brown color with a purple tint, young shoots do not have leaves, but over time, when the shoot begins to develop, it becomes covered with elastic, fleshy pointed or semicircular leaves, and the branches themselves lose their elasticity and are prone to fragility. The length of the leaf is about five cm, the width does not exceed eight cm.
In spring, hoya blooms wildly with white flowers, sometimes the white comes with a pink tint. The shape of the inflorescences is star-shaped, the flowers are collected in small umbrellas. In most types of hoya, the diameter of the flower is 2 cm, but in the imperial species they can reach eight cm. Flowering is accompanied by strong aroma and the release of nectar, so hoya is also a good honey plant.
Over time, the plant was cultivated and divided into two categories: indoor and outdoor.
The domestic subspecies is divided into the following categories:
- Ampelnaya;
- Shrub;
- Ivy.
Hoya varieties
Kerry is a heat-loving and light-loving plant
One of the most common plant varieties is Hoya kerrii, which can be found in China, Thailand, Cambodia and the island of Java, also famous for its tea. The variety was first discovered in 1911: the American scientist, Professor A. Kerry, went to northern Thailand to study the flora. This variety was discovered in the Chiang Mai region, in the highlands; it was later given the name Kerry, in honor of the discoverer.
The Kerry variety is very beautiful, it has thick, leathery leaves, shaped very much like a heart, the length and width of the leaf reaches 15 cm. The flowers, on the contrary, are very small, only 1 cm in diameter. Unlike many other hoya varieties, which bloom exclusively with white or pinkish flowers, Kerry's inflorescences have a slight lemon tint.
Caring for Hoya at home is not at all difficult; here you only need to know two basic rules:
- Kerry does not tolerate dampness, she does not need to be flooded, just dry soil suits her much better. In the hot season, it is better to simply spray the plant, but not water it. In winter, it can do without watering at all.
- Kerry is a heat-loving and light-loving plant, so you need to try to ensure that it receives as much sunlight as possible and does not freeze.
Kerry is good for everyone, the only thing you need to know is that it grows very slowly, unlike other varieties.
wax ivy
The second most famous variety of hoya is wax ivy, which has been widely used in indoor culture since 1802.
The advantages of wax ivy are its unpretentiousness and good growth. Attractive appearance also belongs to the category of plant advantages.
Wax ivy blooms three times a year. At the same time, the flowers give a pleasant smell and aroma.
In nature, ivy grows in the forests of Indonesia, India, Burma and Australia. The plant is an evergreen shrub or vine that creeps along the ground or twines around a high support, tree or rocky outcrop. The leaves of wax ivy are fleshy, dense, elongated and pointed at the end; they seem to be cast from wax, which is why the variety got its name. The plant itself cannot boast of brightness and showiness, but everything changes at the moment of flowering: hoya is covered with many fantastically beautiful constellations of white-pinkish flowers, having a burgundy corolla in the middle that looks like a pearl, in addition, the flowers emit a very pleasant, strong aroma .
After the wax ivy has faded, under no circumstances should you cut off the “stumps” formed after the flowers fall off; this is a platform for future inflorescences; if you cut them off, there may not be a flower next year.
As a rule, wax ivy blooms three times a year.
When talking about this plant, the thought immediately comes to mind: is it possible to keep hoya at home? The answer is clear: of course, especially in temperate zones, this plant does not grow outside, it loves warmth and light, which can be provided right in the house.
So, what do you need to know in order to grow wax ivy on a window?
- Firstly, he should provide good lighting, but again, it is important to know moderation in everything, because ivy does not like direct sunlight, it is not for nothing that it grows in nature in open forests, and not in open meadows.
- In winter, do not water the ivy and keep it at a temperature of 16-18 ° C, this is an ideal temperature close to natural in winter.
- In the spring, in order for the plant to grow better, you can place it together with a lump of earth in a bowl of warm water and keep it there for 30 minutes; this procedure will be a good stimulus for growth and flowering.
- It is better to replant ivy no more than once every two to three years.
Carnosa
Carnosa tolerates cool air well up to 12 ° C
The third variety, Hoya Carnosa, is no less popular. The variety grows in the woodlands of southern China, India, Taiwan, Japan, the Fiji Islands and Australia. Carnosa was included in the general list of plant names in 1810 by the American botanist Robert Brown.
Hoya Carnosa is a vigorous, evergreen vine. The shoots have a pale gray tint, young ones are flexible, elastic, over time they lose their smoothness and often break. The leaves are dark green, sometimes with silvery-white markings, elongated, pointed, about 10 cm long, 5 cm wide.
The diameter of the flower is one and a half centimeters, the color is white or with a pink tint. As a rule, there are 24 flowers in an inflorescence, this is the largest number of flowers, compared to wax ivy there are 19 of them, and in other varieties there are even fewer. The moment of flowering lasts for ten days.
Like all varieties of Hoya, Carnosa is a honey plant and is famous for its wonderful aroma.
Rules for caring for Hoya Carnosa
- The first thing you need to know is not to get carried away with watering;
- The second rule is good lighting;
- Third, don’t forget about fertilizer.
It is worth noting that Carnosa easily tolerates a drop in air temperature to 12 ° C, so some florists plant hoya in the garden in the summer, replanting it again at home with the onset of autumn coolness.
Hoya plant care
Hoya grows well at home; in warm weather, it can also be taken outside, in a flower pot, or buried with the condition of replanting it back with the onset of cold weather; some varieties can withstand air temperatures as low as 7°C. Supports are installed for the plant to support it. In order for hoya to grow well, it needs to be provided with lighting conditions, but avoid direct sunlight, which can lead to scorching of the leaves. You should also avoid overwatering, as mentioned earlier.
Questions from flower growers
Sometimes gardeners wonder: why not Hoya blooms? It seems that the lighting is ideal and watering is rationed. What could be the reason? If the basic conditions: temperature, lighting, humidity are met, then it is possible that flowering does not occur due to poor soil, in which case simple fertilizing will help. Liquid fertilizer should consist of a 3:1:2 ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, in an amount of 0.5 g/l. This simple procedure will force the vine to awaken from sleep and bloom.
For the ideal condition of Hoya, its temperature in summer should not exceed 24 °C, and in winter it should not be lower than 7-10 °C, depending on the variety.
Breeding Hoya
Hoya propagation is a simple process, but based on certain rules. Reproduction is carried out in the spring in three ways:
- layering;
- vaccination;
- cuttings.
In order to propagate hoya by cuttings, you need to take cuttings 10 cm long, but only from the tops. For further planting a peat-sand mixture is prepared. You can also use phytohormones, which improve the process of root formation and growth. After the cuttings are planted in the peat-sand mixture, they are covered with a small piece of polyethylene; the temperature should be no lower than 18 ° C and no higher than 24 ° C. After the cuttings have taken root, they are transplanted into separate cups filled with a mixture of peat and sand.
Hoya transplant
Transplantation is also a very important issue. As stated at the beginning of the article, Hoya should not be replanted often, correctly - once every two to three years. Hoya is replanted only when the roots have filled the entire space of the pot; it is not recommended to simply change pots, since after replanting, even the neatest hoya gets sick for a long time. For replanting, drained soil is used; it is good to use phytofertilizers.
Hoya diseases and treatment methods
Hoya is harmed by insects, one of them is scale insects; a soap solution helps well against this disease
As a rule, the most difficult period for hoya, as well as for other plants, is autumn, at this moment there is a sharp change in temperature, lighting and humidity, which is a problem for tropical plants. For home hoya, the difficulty is that the heating season begins, and the fumes that come from hot radiators always negatively affect the green foliage. In Hoya, aversion to climate change is expressed in the yellowing of the leaves. What to do in this case?
- Firstly, to prevent the foliage from turning yellow, you should not move the hoya close to the radiators.
- The second condition is not to forget that during the cold period you should not overwater the plant.
- Third, don’t forget about lighting; the lack of sunlight can be compensated with lamp light.
- Yellowed leaves must be carefully removed.
But these are ways to solve the simplest of problems, but what to do when the plant is affected by a disease? A simple potato decoction helps to cope with plant diseases; it contains potassium, which makes the plant stronger, more resilient, and with good immunity.
An equally serious problem is mold. It appears for several reasons: either the plant was watered too often, or the water has an increased hardness coefficient. But if everything is clear with overflow, then with hard/soft water everything is more complicated. How to soften water? Just settling the water is not enough here. To make the water softer, you can use the following advice:
Take 100 grams of peat and wrap it in a gauze bandage. Then place the bag in a small watering can (about two liters) and leave for a day. After this procedure, the water becomes soft, and it becomes suitable for watering flowers, including hoya, which is so sensitive to the level of hardness.
If it turns out that the soil itself has become moldy, then the top, affected layer must be removed and freshly added. If all the soil is affected, then replanting is necessary, and the pot is disinfected with a solution of vinegar and water (1:2)
Hoya is also harmed by insects, one of them is the scale insect, which sucks the juice, and therefore the vitality, from the stems. In order to cope with scale insects, you need to manually remove the insect, and then the plant is washed soap solution and washed with warm water.
Cherventsy also cause a lot of harm; they are removed with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. Afterwards the hoya is washed with water.
And, finally, an excellent preventative measure is to wash the hoya with onion or garlic infusion. It is prepared as follows:
15 g of garlic or onion is poured into a liter of warm water, left for an hour and filtered.
And a few words in conclusion
Using these simple tips, you can become a true friend of Hoya, and this plant will repay you with the same kindness, brightness, fresh look and fabulously beautiful flowering and fragrance.
And in conclusion, we invite you to watch a video about how you can make a hoya bloom. We assure you that these gardener tips will be useful for you.