Hoya Plant in Bloom

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Editor’s note: This is an updated version of an article originally posted February 2009 with better photos and additional information.

Watching Hoya Buds Develop

I am highlighting two of my favorites, the classic Hoya Carnosa and the striking Hoya Carnosa ‘Krimson Queen’ with detailed images of their growth and blooming habits. Learn how these trailing beauties develop, what encourages them to flower, and why they’ve become staples for houseplant enthusiasts everywhere.

What is a Hoya?

How to Propagate Hoya: Rooting Cuttings

There is more than one way to propagate hoya, but here is the method I’ve had the most success with:

Water Method

• Take a cutting from softwood using clean, sharp pruners or scissors. It should be about 4 to 12 inches long and cut at an angle.
• Place the cutting in a container of water, making sure the bottom node stays submerged. Keep the rest of the stem above water.
• Roots typically begin to appear in about 4 weeks.

Soil Method

• Use shorter cuttings with 1 to 3 nodes. Remove all leaves except the top set.
• Dip the cut ends in rooting hormone and plant in a light propagation mix. Insert deep enough so the lowest set of leaves sits just above the soil line.
• Create a humid environment by covering the container with a clear glass jar or a plastic bag. Lift it every other day to allow fresh air in.
• Roots usually develop in 3 to 4 weeks, with new leaf shoots following in a month or so. A fully established plant may take 5 to 11 months to grow.

Plant Requirements & Care

Hoya plants are wonderfully low-maintenance, but a few simple care tips can help them thrive and encourage regular blooming:

• Watering: Every 7–14 days. Allow the soil to dry out partially between waterings.

• Lighting: Bright, indirect sunlight is ideal. Avoid direct afternoon sun, which can scorch the leaves.

• Temperature: Best kept in temperatures between 60–85°F. Protect from cold drafts.

• Repotting: Every 2–3 years. Hoyas prefer to be a little rootbound and don’t need frequent repotting.

Tip: When in doubt, less water is better than too much. Hoyas are semi-succulent and store moisture in their leaves.

Encouraging Hoya Blooms

Want your Hoya to bloom? Here are a few things that help:

• Bright, indirect light: Both the Krimson Queen and standard Carnosa thrive in high-light conditions. A bright east or west-facing window works beautifully.
• Allow roots to fill the pot: Hoyas tend to bloom better when slightly root-bound.
• Don’t remove the spurs: Flowers return from the same spot, so never snip them off.
• Consistent care: Keep a regular watering schedule, letting the soil dry out a bit between waterings.

Propagation Tips

• Ideal temperature for rooting is between 70–80°F (21–27°C).

• If using tap water for propagation, let it sit for 24 hours to allow chlorine to dissipate, or use distilled water for best results.

• Avoid direct sunlight while rooting cuttings. Bright, indirect light encourages root formation without scorching tender stems.

• When propagating in water, refresh the water every few days to prevent bacterial growth.

• Label your cuttings with the date and variety, especially helpful if propagating multiple types.

Tips for growing and caring for a hoya houseplant

• Hoya plants make great houseplants.
• Hoya do well with bright indirect light, like a north-facing window.
• Keep soil evenly moist in spring and summer, but allow it to dry in the winter, with just enough so the leaves won’t shrivel.
• Humidity in your hoya habitat should be at least 40 percent. This can be achieved through regular misting with a spray bottle.
• Apply a balanced fertilizer only during spring and summer, the active growing season.
• Hoya prefer to be pot-bound and will flower more vigorously.
• Cooler temps are okay during the winter but make sure they don’t drop below 50. The plants enjoy the warm temperatures of the spring and summer growing season.
• Do not remove spurs after the blooms have faded. That’s where the next round of flowers will blossom. Allow faded flowers to fall off naturally.

Shop My Indoor Plant Favorites

• Hanging Planters – Modern or vintage-style planters that let trailing Hoyas shine
  Macramé Hanging Planter Set – Amazon

• Grow Light – A compact grow light for encouraging blooming, especially in low-light homes
  GooingTop LED Grow Light – Amazon

• Plant Mister – Gentle misting tool to keep humidity up
  Glass Plant Mister with Brass Pump – Amazon

• Watering Can – A long-spout watering can for reaching hanging pots
  Stainless Steel Long Spout Watering Can – Amazon

• Propagation Tubes or Bottles – Pretty and practical display for rooting cuttings
  Propagation Station Glass Tube Set – Amazon

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