Hoya Krohniana Care Infographic
Hoya Krohniana Care Infographic

Hoya krohniana is a delightful plant that grows as long slender vines. If you are keen on including these in your home and garden and are seeking more information, read this article to get your facts clear.

Our detailed guide will enhance your knowledge giving you step-by-step information on the care and propagation of the plant. So wait no longer and jump right into it.

What Is a Hoya Krohniana?

A hoya krohniana is a rare plant that comes with waxy green leaves and an overall delightful look. The plant is sought after due to its long vining stems that spread across spaces as green foliage. What makes this plant interesting is that it is hard to kill.

Hoya Krohniana Care

Caring for the hoya krohniana isn’t difficult. The plant may seem sensitive to certain aspects, but you can easily fulfill their requirement to create healthy foliage in your garden. Here is what you need to pay heed to.

– Water Requirements

Watering the hoya krohniana can be quite tricky for many gardeners. The plant essentially requires consistently moist soil. But take care not to keep it excessively wet as this may hamper the health of the plant in many ways. From root rot to limp leaves wet soil can be disastrous. 

Hoya plantThe solution to the right amount of water lies in monitoring the soil, apart from keeping it well-draining, schedule watering only when the topsoil is two inches dry. Summer months require more frequent watering of twice a week when the air around is dry. Scale back on the watering in winters to once in two weeks when the plant is in a dormant state.

– Light Requirements

Hoya krohniana thrives well in bright, yet indirect light. Place the plant preferably under diffused and filtered light to make it grow healthy and bloom. The plant prefers a good five to six hours of exposure to light daily. 

If indoors place the plant near an east or west-facing window so that the plant receives substantial light during the day. Use UV filters or curtains to block direct rays and give the plant diffused light. In the winter months, you can place the plant under LED grow lights to meet its complete light requirements.

– Soil Requirements

Hoya krohniana prefers coarse, well-draining soil. Use a potting mix comprising peat and perlite and mix in charcoal or fir bark to make it more draining. Having a coarse hoya krohniana soil keeps the roots aerated, moreover make sure that the soil stays slightly acidic to neutral between a ph of 6.5 to 7.0. 

– Temperature Requirements

The ideal temperature to grow the plant is between 50 degrees Fahrenheit to 77 degrees Fahrenheit. The hoya krohniana is sensitive to temperature fluctuations. They can wilt in extreme heat, develop sunburn on the leaves, and can die if exposed to cold drafts and frost.

Create a greenhouse during the hot months to minimize temperature changes. Place them amidst other plants for collective cooling. In winter months move them indoors to a heated room away from chilly winds and biting cold.

– Humidity Requirements

The plant requires moderate to high humidity to grow, between the ranges of 60 percent to 80 percent. In hot and dry months frequently mist the plant to bring in some moisture around it. Care to be taken not to overdo it as excess moisture can have serious repercussions as well.

If your plant is indoors, use a humidifier to maintain moisture in the air surrounding it. You can also boost humidity by placing a tray with pebbles and water below the pot. 

– Fertilizer Requirements

The hoya krohniana is a light feeder and growing it in soil mixed with organic manure will most often satisfy its nutritional requirement. During the growing months, you can enhance nutrition by using an organic liquid fertilizer with a slightly higher percentage of phosphorus.  Using fertilizer during the growing months will help the plant bloom. 

Do not add fertilizer in the winter months when the plant lies dormant as excess nutrition in the form of salt build-up can lead to fertilizer burn, killing the plant over time.

– Toxicity 

The hoya krohniana is not essentially harmful to humans and pests. It does not contain toxic substances however, consuming it is still not recommended. It can cause digestive disorders, discomfort and even vomiting, thus, keep them away from pets and children.

– Repotting

Repot the plant once every two years to prevent root-bound. This will help the plant grow healthy and help the roots to establish and spread themselves better.

– Pruning

The hoya krohniana can grow large and uncontrolled. Prune the plant regularly with a sharp sterile garden pruner to give it a neat look. Do note cutting the vine-like stems of the hoya krohniana can spew some latex, therefore wear protective gear to ensure they don’t splash over you. 

Another important point to note here is to not prune the flower peduncles after they have dropped. New blooms can grow from these older peduncles. If you cut them out, it will take the plant more time to produce fresh peduncles and flowers. 

– Pots

Hoya krohniana can be grown in ceramic, terracotta or plastic pots. Many gardeners choose hanging pots that add to the beauty of the plant. Irrespective of the shape or material, the prime factor to be ensured is good drainage holes that permit easy flow out of water. You can also choose to line the bottom of the pot with gravel to make drainage better.

 

Propagation

Hoya krohniana can be propagated through stem cuttings, seeds or air layering. You can choose whichever way you prefer, though stem cuttings deliver faster results. The right time to propagate is in early spring to summer as this will give the plant warmth to grow and thrive. 

– Stem Cuttings

  • Select a healthy section of a stem from the mother plant with at least one to two nodes and a few leaves present on it.
  • Plant this stem cutting directly in the soil, or place them in a container of water or sphagnum moss. Place this in a warm place under indirect sunlight. 
  • If you have your stem rooting in water, change the water every week. 
  • In four weeks you will notice the first few root sections emerging. Wait until it has reached an inch long to transplant it into the potting mix. 

– Seeds

  • Hoya seeds can be a challenge to find, but you can scan through flower pods to pick some fresh hairy and flossy seeds.
  • Rinse them clean and plant them in potting soil in a tray. Gently moisten the topsoil.
  • Cover the tray with a plastic sheet to retain humidity for the seeds to germinate well.
  • Place this in a warm area and maintain a schedule to keep the soil moist.
  • It may take several weeks for the plant to show signs of germination and months until they grow into tiny saplings.

– Layering

  • Pick a low-lying stem with aerial roots. Lower this into the soil. You can use the soil of the same pot or place it in another pot. 
  • Ensure the chosen stem has a node intact.
  • Apply rooting hormone powder at the nodes and place this in warm indirect light.
  • In a few weeks, you will observe fresh roots sprouting at the node. 
  • Snip this away gently from the mother plant and transplant it into potting soil. It will be a month more for the section to develop well-established roots.

Repotting

Repotting the plant once every two to three years is essential to prevent root-bound and help it to produce more blooms. Follow these below-mentioned steps to achieve a successful repotting.

  • Choose a pot that is two inches larger in diameter in comparison to the original pot. 
  • Gently remove the plant in its entirety with the help of a spade, taking care not to cause any damage to the roots.
  • Tap carefully to remove excess soil, bound to the roots. Loosen the mesh of roots and inspect at this stage for any signs of root rot. It is advisable to snip away any blackened sections immediately.
  • Place the plant in the larger pot filling the gap with fresh potting soil. 
  • Water gently to keep the soil moist. The plant may display a wilted look immediately after transplantation. But it should pick up health in a couple of days.

Hoya Krohniana Varieties

Much as the plant is rare, you will find a few varieties of the plant available around you. All of them are similar in their texture and looks and bear waxy heart-shaped leaves, with silver markings. The vining stems make them perfect to hang from baskets and pots in garden spaces. The most common varieties are as below.

  • Hoya krohniana eskimo: Characterized by white flowers that grow in clusters with silver-streaked pointed leaves. It is popularly referred to as the heart-leafed lacunose.
  • Hoya krohniana silver: More dominant silver splashes are present on the leaves. The flowers bloom several times a year.
  • Hoya krohniana black leaves: More dark leathery long leaves and grow as upright stems.

Common Problems

Growing hoya krohniana can come with its share of problems. They are fairly common issues and tackling them is easy as well. Find them listed below.

– Pest Infestations

Common pests that infest the plant are mealybugs, aphids and mites. They can be found on stems and undersides of leaves. Blast a jet of water with a hosepipe as soon as you spot them to wash it away. Isolate the plant to prevent its spread to other sections and plants in your garden. 

Follow it up by using an organic soapy insecticidal spray to get rid of them completely. You can also use neem oil spray regularly to keep them from infesting the plant. 

– Yellowing Leaves

Spot those leaves turning yellow? Check your soil and watering schedule. Overly moist or dry soil can result in yellowed leaves. The plant needs just slightly moist soil and any other condition results in stress conditions for them.

– Shriveled and Wrinkled Leaves

If the plant displays wrinkled leaves, it is either thirsty or has developed root rot. Monitor your watering schedule as mentioned in the care section to set the plant right. 

– Root Rot

Tackle root rot by gently removing the plant from the soil. Check for blackened sections and snip them away carefully with a sterile garden pruner, hence repot in fresh potting soil. Prevent root rot by avoiding overwatering.

– Slow or Stunted Growth

Lack of nutrients or poor light conditions is the prime reason for slow or stunted growth. Place the plant in bright light away from direct heat. Fertilize the plant with a liquid fertilizer, especially during the growing season to boost growth.

– Plant Not Flowering

Hoya krohniana flower when the plant matures, within two to three years of propagation. If your plant is not flowering the reasons could be because the plant is root-bound or is exposed to inadequate light. Move the plant under bright light and repot into a two inches larger pot, to fix the issue.

– Leaves Turning a Brownish Red

Leaves get sunburnt if exposed to too much sun. Move the plant into partial light or shade. Snip away the affected leaves to get them back to life.

– Buds Fall Before Blooming

If the buds are falling way before they bloom, check your soil. Extremely dry or wet soil can weaken them and make them fall off from the plant. 

– Mold and Diseases

Bacterial, fungal diseases and mold growth are all results of excessive moisture in the soil. Mold can be seen in patches on the soil whereas bacteria and fungi spread on roots, stems or leaves.

As soon as you suspect or spot any of these, scale back on the watering immediately. Repot into fresh potting soil that is well-draining.

6 Tips To Grow a Healthy Plant

  • The plant has thick leaves so treat it like a succulent, watering it just as much as required.
  • Wipe the leaves regularly with a damp cloth. It helps to prevent pests as well as keeps the thick leaves shining.
  • Move the plant indoors in the winter months to keep it away from cold drafts and chilly winds.
  • Do not prune flower peduncles. They will bloom again in a short time.
  • You can immediately remove mealybugs by applying a drop of alcohol.
  • The plant cannot tolerate sudden fluctuations in temperatures. Thus keep them away from room heaters and air conditioners that can alter room temperatures in relatively short periods.

FAQ

What do Hoya Krohniana flowers smell like?

Hoya Krohniana flowers have a sweet, spicy scent similar to cinnamon.

Are Hoya Krohniana flowers edible?

It is not recommended to consume Hoya Krohniana flowers as they are not commonly used for culinary purposes and may cause digestive issues if ingested.

What is the difference between Hoya Krohniana and Lacunosa?

Hoya Krohniana and Lacunosa differ in their leaf shape, flower size, and growth habits. Krohniana has rounder leaves, smaller flowers, and a more compact growth habit compared to Lacunosa.

Conclusion

In this article, you have read how easy it is to take care of the hoya krohniana. Let us summarize our learning about the care procedure of this delightful plant. 

  • Hoya Krohniana being a tropical plant requires warm and humid weather to thrive in. The health of the plant greatly depends on the watering schedule. Thus avoid both overwatering as well as underwatering.
  • The plant requires bright and indirect light. The ideal condition will be dispersed light through filters or a greenhouse. 
  • Repot the plant once in two years to keep it healthy and blooming.
  • Propagate in early spring or summer via stem cuttings, seeds or air layering. Do note, from these three methods, seeds deliver the slowest result.
  • Finally, most problems of the plant can be tackled by proving the right amount of water, light and keeping pests at bay.

Having understood what it takes to grow the hoya krohniana plant, you can surely include this species in your garden. The long vines can add a lovely dash of greenery to your home filling in hanging pots or indoor corners.

5/5 - (18 votes)
Evergreen Seeds
Latest posts by Evergreen Seeds (see all)

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR