By Amanda Rose Newton
February is the month of love, and what better way to celebrate than with a plant that has heart-shaped leaves? Hoyas, often called wax plants, are beloved for their thick, glossy foliage and fragrant, star-shaped flowers.
With a variety of species and cultivars, including the adorable heart-shaped Hoya kerrii, hoyas make a perfect Valentine’s Day gift—or a sweet addition to your own plant collection!
Let’s dive into the world of hoyas, explore their growing needs, and learn how to keep them healthy and pest-free.
Hoya Basics: What Are They?
Hoyas belong to the Apocynaceae family (the same as milkweed and plumeria) and are native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and Australia. These epiphytic or semi-epiphytic plants grow by clinging to trees and absorbing moisture from the air. Their thick, waxy leaves help them retain water, making them fairly low-maintenance houseplants.
While hoyas are best known for their foliage, their flowers are equally captivating. The blooms, often star-shaped and clustered in umbels, can be white, pink, red, or even purple, with some varieties producing a sweet fragrance
Heart-Shaped Hoyas for Valentine’s Day
If you’re looking for a plant that fits the Valentine’s Day theme, the Hoya kerrii is the perfect choice!
This variety is commonly sold as a single-leaf cutting in a pot, resembling a living green heart. While these single-leaf hoyas are adorable, they rarely grow into full vines unless they have a node attached.
If you want a trailing beauty, opt for a Hoya kerrii vine, which produces numerous heart-shaped leaves and can eventually bloom with delicate clusters of starry flowers.
Other stunning hoya varieties include:
Hoya carnosa – A classic variety with thick, waxy leaves and clusters of pink or white flowers.
Hoya compacta (‘Hindu Rope’) – Features twisted, curly leaves and fragrant blooms.
Hoya obovata – Known for its large, round leaves with splashes of silver.
Hoya linearis – A unique variety with long, trailing, needle-like leaves.
Hoya Care Guide
Hoyas are relatively easy to care for, but they do have a few specific preferences to thrive:
Light: Hoyas love bright, indirect light. A spot near an east- or west-facing window is ideal. Some varieties can tolerate lower light, but they may not flower as frequently. Too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, while too little can cause slow growth.
Watering: Let the soil dry out between waterings—hoyas dislike wet feet (roots)!
Water about once every 1-2 weeks, depending on humidity and temperature.
Hoyas prefer well-draining soil, such as a mix of orchid bark, perlite, and peat.
Temperature & Humidity: Hoyas thrive in temperatures between 60-80°F (16-27°C). They love humidity! If your home is dry, consider using a humidifier or misting occasionally.
Encouraging Blooms:
Mature hoyas flower best when slightly root-bound. Avoid repotting too frequently.
Provide consistent bright light and avoid excessive pruning.
Hoyas often bloom from the same peduncle (flower spur), so never cut them off!
Keeping Hoyas Pest-Free
Like many houseplants, hoyas can attract pests like mealybugs, aphids, and spider mites. Here’s how to prevent and treat infestations:
Mealybugs: These cottony white pests love to hide in leaf crevices. Use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove them.
Spider Mites: If you notice fine webbing or speckled leaves, your hoya may have spider mites. Rinse the plant under running water and increase humidity to deter them.
General Prevention:
Regularly inspect your plants for pests. Wipe leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust and prevent infestations. Quarantine new plants before introducing them to your collection.
Hoyas are a wonderful addition to any plant lover’s collection, and their easy-care nature makes them a great gift—especially for Valentine’s Day!
Whether you’re drawn to the heart-shaped Hoya kerrii or the trailing vines of Hoya carnosa, these charming plants will reward you with lush growth and (with a little patience) stunning flowers.
So, this February, why not treat yourself or a loved one to a hoya heart? It’s a gift that keeps growing—just like love!
