Hoya linearis

Description

Hoya linearis, also known as the wax plant, is a low-maintenance tropical plant with slender vines and unique star-shaped flowers. With its impressive 80% success rate in propagation, this plant is perfect for any indoor garden. Enjoy its beauty and benefits of improved air quality and stress reduction.

Full Botanical Name:
Hoya linearis

Common Names:
Wax Plant, Porcelain Flower

Country and/or Region of Origin:
Native to the Himalayan regions of Northeast India, Bhutan, and southern China.

Growing Conditions in Native Habitat:
Hoya linearis typically grows in cool, humid environments at higher altitudes, where it thrives in mossy forests and often hangs from tree branches, receiving dappled sunlight.

Care Information:

• Light:
  Prefers bright, indirect light. It can tolerate some direct morning sunlight, but too much direct light can scorch the delicate, thread-like leaves.
• Ideal Room:
  Best suited for a room with stable temperatures and moderate to high humidity, such as a well-lit bathroom or kitchen. It also does well in a room with a humidifier.
• Feeding:
  Feed with a diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season. Reduce feeding in the winter months.
• Humidity:
  High humidity is crucial for Hoya linearis. Maintain humidity levels above 60% if possible. Misting regularly or using a pebble tray can help achieve this environment.
• Ideal Temperature:
  Thrives in cooler temperatures typical of its native habitat, ideally between 60°F and 75°F (15°C to 24°C). Avoid temperatures below 50°F (10°C).
• Watering:
  Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry. This plant prefers to be slightly moist but not waterlogged. Ensure good drainage.
• Pet/Child Safe:
  Generally considered non-toxic to pets and children.
• Soil:
  Requires well-draining soil. A mix of orchid bark, perlite, and peat is ideal, providing both moisture retention and drainage.
• Propagation:
  Propagate by stem cuttings during the warmer months. Place cuttings in water or moist soil until roots develop.
• Eventual Height and Spread:
  Can grow quite long, with stems trailing over 3 feet (1 meter) in optimal conditions.
• Growth Rate:
  Moderate, depending on care and environmental conditions.
• Pests and Treatment:
  Watch for common pests like aphids, spider mites, and mealybugs. Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil as needed.
• Repotting:
  Repot every 2-3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound, typically in the spring.
• Pruning:
  Pruning is not generally necessary unless to remove dead or damaged foliage. Trimming can encourage bushier growth.

Folk Law:
In some cultures, Hoyas are believed to bring love and protection to the home. Hoya linearis, with its delicate and beautiful blooms, is often seen as a symbol of elegance and grace.