Hoya Care Guide (Wax Plants)
Hoyas (aka wax plants) are vining epiphytes that thrive on bright, indirect light, airy media, and measured watering. This guide covers care for both thin/grassy-leaf types (e.g., krohniana forms, linearis, wayetii-like habits) and thick, succulent-leaf types (e.g., kerrii, carnosa, compacta).
Light
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Best: Bright, indirect light 8–12 hrs/day (east window, diffused south, or under LED grow lights).
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Signs of too little: Slow growth, sparse nodes, green/long internodes.
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Too much: Leaf scorch, yellow/brown patches.
Watering — split by leaf type
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Thin & grassy types (finer leaves, faster transpiration):
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Water when the top 0.5–1″ of mix is dry. These tolerate (and often prefer) slightly more consistent moisture; avoid full dry-outs.
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Examples: H. krohniana (incl. Super Silver), H. linearis, “grassy” or narrow-leaf forms.
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Thick, succulent types (fleshier leaves):
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Water when the top 1–2″ are dry; let the pot lighten notably. They store moisture and dislike being kept wet.
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Examples: H. kerrii, H. carnosa (incl. variegates), H. compacta, H. australis, H. publicalyx.
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General: Always empty saucers. In winter, reduce frequency.
Soil / Potting Mix
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Goal: Fast-draining, airy.
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Recipe (by volume): 40% fine orchid bark, 30% high-quality potting mix, 20% perlite/pumice, 10% horticultural charcoal.
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Thin/grassy types: Can handle slightly more water-holding (swap 10% bark → potting mix).
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Pot choice: Plastic nursery pots or slotted orchid pots; size up only when roots fill the pot.
Humidity & Temperature
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Humidity: 40–60% ideal; thin/grassy types appreciate the higher end.
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Temps: 65–80°F preferred; protect from drafts below 55°F.
Fertilizer
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During active growth, feed every 2–4 weeks at ¼–½ strength with a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 20-20-20) or urea-free orchid fertilizer. Pause or reduce in winter.
Training & Pruning
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Provide trellises or hooks. Avoid removing peduncles (flower spurs)—they rebloom from the same points.
Blooming Tips
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Strong light, occasional mild drought for thick-leaf types, and stable moisture for thin/grassy types. Avoid repotting right before bloom. Do not cut peduncles.
Pests / Problems
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Common: Mealybugs, aphids, spider mites. Treat early with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
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Overwatering signs: Mushy stems/leaves (more common in thick-leaf types kept wet).
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Underwatering signs: Puckering, limp leaves (more common in thin/grassy types left too dry).
Repotting
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Only when root-bound. Move up one size (e.g., 4″ → 5″/6″). Refresh mix annually if not repotting.
Quick Care by Type
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Thin/grassy leaf: More frequent watering, slightly more water-holding mix, higher humidity.
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Thick/succulent leaf: Allow partial dry-down, ultra-airy mix, careful with winter water.
Internal links to add in Shopify:
Link “Beginner Hoya” → your Beginner tag; “Variegated Hoya” → Variegated tag; link each species name below to its species page (drafts provided next).