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Unveiling the Secrets of Hoya Plant Care in Denver: A Comprehensive Guide


Welcome, homies to another chapter of The Plant Room blog! Today, we're diving deep into the world of Hoyas, those lovely, trailing wonders that have captured the hearts of plant lovers for generations. Whether you're a seasoned plant parent or new to the plant game, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to successfully care for your Hoyas. 


Meet the Hoya: A Marvel of Nature
Hoya, also known as Wax Plants, is a genus of tropical succulent plants that belong to the Apocynaceae family. These charming plants are celebrated for their distinctive waxy, often fragrant flowers that range in color from creamy whites to deep pinks. Hoya plants come in various shapes and sizes, with their lush green leaves and elegant trailing vines making them a popular choice for both hanging baskets and tabletop displays. 


Watering Wisely:
Ah, watering! Should I? Shouldn't I? – the age-old question! For your Hoyas, the key is to strike a balance between hydration and drying out. In Denver's arid climate, you'll want to water your Hoya moderately, allowing the top inch or so of the soil to dry out before each watering during the spring and summer. Stick your finger into the soil 1-2" and if it feels dry, it's time to quench its thirst. Remember, soggy roots are a no-go, so ensure proper drainage in your pot. In the fall and winter let your plants dry out slightly more. 

Scientific Insight: Hoyas are epiphytic plants, meaning they naturally grow on other surfaces, absorbing water and nutrients from the air and rain. In our low humidity environment, overwatering can easily lead to root rot. Allowing the soil to partially dry mimics their natural conditions.  

Let There Be Light, but Not Too Much!

Our state's sunshine is glorious, but Hoyas appreciate a watchful eye to keep their leaves from burning. For ease of care, bright indirect light is your Hoya's best friend. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight, especially during the scorching afternoon hours. I prefer to keep mine in east facing windows to allow my plants to catch some direct sun in the morning. I also successfully keep many hoya in a west facing window with the added protection of a sheer curtain. 

Hoyas, being native to tropical forests, are accustomed to dappled light under the canopy. Extended periods of intense sunlight (specially southern/western exposure) can damage their delicate leaves and cause stress to the plant, specially smaller leaved hoya species.  As with most things, too much of a good thing, isn't great! 


Feed Me, Seymour! Fertilizing Your Hoya

Fertilizing provides essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium that are necessary for Hoya's growth and flowering. It is important to consistently fertilize your hoya throughout the year, specially if your goal is to get them to bloom for you! 

For basic care, a balanced fertilizer diluted to half strength on every watering in the spring and summer. Fall and winter, same frequency diluted to 1/4 strength. Hoya are also great candidates for a slow release fertilizer. My favorite is Nutricote with micronutrients.

Advanced approach: If you would like to increase the likelihood and abundance of blooms. I like switch up the fertilizer depending on what stage of growth the plant is at. Usually for early fall through early spring I like to use a liquid GROW formula, with the ratio 10-12-22. For late spring and all of summer (or at first sight of peduncles) I will switch to a liquid BLOOM formula with the ratio 7-12-27. This seasonal infusion of phosphorus is one of the keys to abundant, consistent, and long lasting blooms.   

Humidity – Not Just a Spa Day for Your Skin

Denver's dry air can leave your Hoya craving moisture. Boost humidity levels with a humidifier or a pebble tray.  Grouping plants together can also create a microclimate of increased

humidity in a pinch. Hoya without supplemental humidity can appear stagnant in growth. The difference in rate of growth between hoya keep in high humidity vs not is very noticeable. 

Scientific Insight: Hoyas thrive in humid environments, absorbing moisture through their leaves. In Denver's semi-arid climate, supplemental humidity prevents leaf desiccation and encourages healthy growth. 

Battle of the Bugs: Pesky Pests

Aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites – dang! Keep an eye out for these unwanted guests on your Hoya. Regularly inspect your plants, and if you spot them, combat them topically with an insecticidal product. I recommend Nuke Em' Flying Skull (available at the shop), Purecrop1, or Azamax. Like all my other plants I like to keep my plants supplied with a liquid systemic insecticide like SNS 209, also available at the shop, for ease of care and peace of mind. 

Scientific Insight: Left untreated these pests can sap your Hoya's vitality by feeding on its sap or damaging its leaves. Topical insecticidal products work by disrupting their cell membranes,  their growth, and reproduction.

The Soil Saga: Finding the Right Mix

Hoyas thrive in well-draining soil. Go with a peat-free blend that at minimum includes, perlite, and orchid bark for good aeration and water retention. 

Scientific Insight: Well-draining soil prevents root rot and allows the roots to breathe. The mixture mimics the loose, airy substrate of their natural environment. 

I like to mix a special substrate just for my Hoya, which is also available for sale at the shop! This specialty blend is composed of a small portion of soil, horticultural vermiculite, #2 & #3 perlite, coconut husk. It allows for superior airflow, reducing the time it takes the substrate to dry out, and thus minimizing your chances of accidentally rotting your Hoya.


Troubleshooting Woes: A Quick Guide
  • Yellowing Leaves: Likely overwatering; adjust your watering routine.
  • Drooping Leaves: Underwatering or low humidity; check soil moisture and humidity levels.
  • No Blooms: Insufficient light or improper fertilization; adjust light exposure and feed properly.
In Summary: Your Handy Hoya Care Cheat Sheet
  • Watering: Allow top 1-2 inch of soil to dry.
  • Lighting: Bright, indirect light; protect from intense sunlight.
  • Fertilization: Frequent fertilization. Diluted to 1/2 strength in spring and summer. 1/4 strength in the fall and winter. See above for advanced application.  
  • Humidity: Increase humidity with humidifier or pebble tray.
  • Pest Control: Regular inspections; apply liquid systemic insecticide. 
  • Soil: Well-draining mix with peat-free, perlite, and orchid bark.
  • Troubleshooting: Yellow leaves (overwatering), drooping (underwatering/low humidity), no blooms (light/fertilization).
So, there you have it friends! Your comprehensive guide to Hoya plant care in the mile-high. Armed with science-backed insights, you're ready to embark on a journey of lush foliage and stunning blooms. Remember, each Hoya has its quirks, so pay attention to its unique needs. May your hoyas bloom! 

For more plant tips keep an eye out for future posts. For a sneak peek into the green wonders at The Plant Room, hop over to our Instagram at @theplantroomdenver!

As always, if you have any questions or comments, feel free to contact me via email: helloplantroom@gmail.com or on social media. Thanks for reading! 

All imagines hereby contained are property of myself/The Plant Room, unless otherwise noted. 



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