Hoya Latifolia: The Small Plant With Huge Leaves

Hoya Latifolia of the Apocynaceae family are exotic plants that you’ll find on many horticulturists’ bucket lists. However, because its care necessitates warm temperatures and humidity, as this hoya genus plant is native to the hot and humid woods of Indonesia and Malaysia, many become discouraged.

To make your job easier, in this article, we’ve put together some pointers to assist anyone who wants to cultivate Hoya Latifolia. 

What Is Hoya Latifolia?

The Hoya Latifolia is an epiphytic climber endemic to Southeast Asia’s tropical rainforests, notably Indonesia, Singapore, and Malaysia. It has a combination of lovely green leaves and beautiful flowers. However, the flowers only appear when the weather conditions are ideal.

Hoya Latifolia Plant Care

Water Requirements 

To survive a prolonged dry season, some Hoya develops succulence. However, in the summer, Hoya Latifolia care necessitates a little more even moisture and humidity.

To cultivate Hoya Latifolia, it’s best to water it once a week to once every ten days. Between waterings, the roots dry out by 50 percent. It is important to use rainwater that has been stored is a valuable Hoya Latifolia care trick.

If your plant is young and has fleshy stems, you’ll need to water it more frequently. A mature plant with woodier stems can better withstand droughts.

Watering should be substantially reduced throughout the winter. One of the most essential Hoya Latifolia care instructions is that the soil proportions must be precise.

Waterlogged soil is generally the result of watering blunders. Therefore it’s critical to do it correctly. Hoya Latifolia cannot sit in water is a crucial part of their upkeep. Hence, empty your drip trays once the extra water has drained out. Water deeply and thoroughly, filling the root ball rather than in sips. This is to prevent mineral salts from accumulating.

Light Requirements 

The appropriate amount of sunlight is crucial for Hoya Latifolia’s health. The foliage provides vital information about the light conditions it has adapted to. Keep in mind that the large leathery leaves indicate low light levels in forest understory areas.

Similarly, if you reside near the equator, you can plant Hoya Latifolia in bright shade or dappled light, which is produced when sunlight is filtered through the leaves of trees if it is protected from direct sunshine.

It is very important to keep in mind that in the colder months, cultivate Hoya Latifolia beside a sunny east window if you live in the northern zones. Giving it a permanent place in your garden room under grow lights is another fantastic approach to supply it with year-round care.

However, note that they have also been reported to bloom when exposed to fluorescent light for approximately 12 hours each day, however, in order to thrive more and to be happy.

Soil Requirements 

The care of Hoya Latifolia requires recreating the habitat of a Southeast Asian rain forest. These epiphytic tree climbers live in the underbrush of the woods. They don’t always grow in a soil substrate in their natural environment, and their roots are frequently exposed.

They get their nutrients from the air, precipitation, forest detritus gathered around the roots, and the host trees’ decaying bark.

It is critical to note that the Hoya Latifolia can be grown at home using a 50 percent mix of organic clump-like bark fragments, chunks of coco husk, charcoal or sphagnum moss, and o vermiculite or perlite. With a handful of sterile garden compost, shake down the mixture.

Doing so is an essential step because it will provide the roots with everything they desire: perfect drainage, ventilation, moisture retention, and something to cling to.

Premium orchid medium is an easy Hoya Latifolia care hack. To make a chunky muesli texture, add bark or charcoal chunks. Some other proper potting mixes are:

• African violet soil
• Well-draining succulent mix
• Potting mix with coco coir and perlite
• Cactus mix with orchid mix and perlite
• Peat moss with perlite

You can buy African violet soil and a well-draining succulent mix from the store. If you want to do something “unique,” these are good choices. To increase drainage, seek a combination that includes gritty sand or something comparable.

The last three soil alternatives, on the other hand, are DIY potting mixes that you may manufacture at home.

Temperature Requirements 

Hoya species have a wide range of warmth requirements, so there’s no standardized solution. You must understand which range works best for your species – warmer, mild, or cool.

Hoya Latifolia is best cared for in cooler climates. It can survive for long periods at temperatures around 70 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius). Because Hoya Latifolia is not cold-resistant, it isn’t easy to grow it below 55 degrees Fahrenheit (13 degrees Celsius).

At the first sign of frost, it will almost likely perish. If you reside in a chilly climate, it is recommended that you cultivate Hoya Latifolia indoors all year in suitable room conditions. Winter temperatures will cause the plant to become dormant, but it will live if kept indoors.

Humidity Requirements 

Maintaining humidity is an integral part of Hoya Latifolia care because these plants thrive in humid environments. Nonetheless, keep in mind that when they are exposed to severe monsoon in their natural habitat, they flourish at levels of up to 60 percent.

However, because of their thick leaves, they are tolerant of dryness. If you want to plant Hoya Latifolia in a cooler climate, the winter months can be difficult due to the desert-like dryness inside homes.

Furthermore, you have to have insight that this plant has evolved to thrive in high-humidity environments. Make sure your Hoya Latifolia maintenance includes a humidifier and a damp sponge wipe now and again.

You don’t have to worry so much, but always remember never to keep the foliage moist, as this encourages illnesses.

Fertilizer Requirements 

Hoyas don’t require a lot of fertilizer. From the moment of potting, you should aim to cultivate Hoya Latifolia on a strictly organic diet. It’s good to mix a lot of decayed leaf and bark matter with store-bought organic manure.

Slow-release feeds are preferable to chemical fertilizers, especially for epiphytes like Hoya. You must always avoid using strong, low-cost chemical fertilizers.

It is acceptable to give it a diluted shot of orchid fertilizer once a month throughout the growing season. This is only to encourage blooming, therefore, using a liquid organic variety that’s easy to dilute and won’t produce damaging salt build-up in the soil is recommended. Remember not to feed your plant in winter as it will cause root burn.

Pruning Requirements 

The peduncles of dried Hoya flowers should not be pruned because the plant will develop new flowers from the old peduncles. However, many people prune their plants regularly, especially dead flower heads, because keep in mind that if you cultivate Hoya Latifolia for the flowers, this would be a waste.

This flowering plant is here to stay, but removing the flower stalks forces it to work harder to develop new flower heads. Plants’ dead tendrils can be pruned.

Overall, keep in mind that Hoya Latifolia is a low-maintenance pick because it doesn’t require much pruning.

Propagation

Herbaceous or woody stem cuttings can be used to propagate and grow Hoya Latifolia. They take root quickly and flower in approximately two years from when they are cut.

Professional cultivators are known to leave pods on the plant to dry before breaking them apart to collect seeds and propagate them through germination. However, because the seeds do not preserve well, they must be planted as soon as possible.

Layering is another reliable method of growing Hoya Latifolia. This is, without a doubt, a preferred tactic due to its increased likelihood of success.

Keeping the Hoya Latifolia rootbound is a recommended Hoya Latifolia care advice. Many people are swayed by the size of the leaves and opt for giant planters. On the other hand, the epiphytic root formations prefer a constricted potting situation in which they may tightly bind themselves to organic matter.

As a result, don’t try to cultivate Hoya Latifolia in a large container. Select a small pot. A terracotta planter (kind of object, e.g., made from coarse, porous clay vessel) is an excellent choice.

To regulate moisture levels around the roots of Hoya Latifolia, use the pot mentioned above. Furthermore, the pot’s weight adds stability to this top-heavy plant, which might otherwise tumble due to weight imbalance.

Regular propagation is one of the Hoya Latifolia care principles that one must follow. Every growing season, take three to five cuttings from a mature plant. This is the best way to protect against damage.

– By Cutting

Wait til June, right before the tropics’ growth season starts. Make use of a bug-free mother plant and a healthy herbaceous tip cutting. It must have three leaf nodes. Only the leaves from the lower node should be plucked.

Allow the cut to heal for a day or until it produces a callous. You can try rooting hormone powder; however, it usually grows fine without it.

Afterwhich, you have in a four-inch container, plant it in a decent soil mix with good drainage (utterly necessary). A simple and successful rooting soil mix is 50 percent peat and perlite. Never allow the mixture to dry and keep it damp but not wet.

Until the plant establishes itself, keep the cutting in the warm shade. Assemble the pot with the other plants. This provides much-needed shade and humidity to the cutting area. Remember not to interfere with the cutting until it starts to settle, or else it will make some things a little complicated.

– Water Rooting

This strategy is ideal given the abundance of aerial roots on Hoya Latifolia vines. Take a fresh cutting from a healthy tip with about two nodes and many visible aerial roots. Use a tall glass jar 3/4 the height of the cutting– a jam jar would serve the purpose.

Fill the container approximately halfway with dechlorinated or RO water and a single drop of an excellent liquid rooting concentration.

Put your cuttings in this container and keep it unaltered between 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 25 degrees Celsius).

The nodes’ roots can take anything from two weeks to a month. Transfer the cutting to potting soil until the roots are approximately an inch long and firm.

– Layering

This is one of the best methods because it is non-invasive. Again, you should take advantage of the aerial rootlets along the stems as Hoya Latifolia grows. Note that a low-hanging stem with aerial roots should be identified.

While you lower the stem into the soil of the same pot or another pot with care, make sure the nodes with the rootlets are buried. Hairpins are used to secure it in the soil. Take care not to break the stem.

A pinch of rooting hormone powder could be applied at the nodes along the stem. Continue to look after your Hoya Latifolia as usual. You’ll notice roots emerging from the nodes after a while.

– Seeds

Remember that even seeds can also be used; however, the pods must dry out for several months before splitting apart and releasing bushy flossy seeds. Only the seeds that have been freshly collected will germinate.

Common Problems 

– Pests

Sucking bugs might be an occasional difficulty when growing Hoya Latifolia due to its modest succulence. Mealybugs, spider mites, aphids, and other pests are examples.

Individual leaves or stems that have withered and fallen off may result from infestation. Examine the leaf’s underside. A mealy bug infestation can be identified by fuzzy white bugs adhering to the leaf. If the bug has managed to expand into an infestation, the first step is to clean the plant with a water jet thoroughly.

Note that Hoyas, on the other hand, are pest resistant. Hence, you have to consider using horticultural oil or neem sprays regularly as part of your Hoya Latifolia care routine. Wipe the leaves down with a damp towel as needed. Getting rid of these bugs is a constant struggle. 

Examine the plant, particularly the undersides of the leaves, regularly. Spray a fine jet of water and blow the minor white spongy bug off the plant if I find it caught under a leaf.

You can treat your plant with a synthetic insecticide or an organic soap spray once it has been well cleaned and there are no apparent mealy bugs everywhere.

If the infestation is minor, apply an alcohol swab to each bug with an earbud. It’s time-consuming, but it’s beneficial. Things to avoid: don’t saturate the potting soil, and don’t contaminate surrounding plants with the dreaded bugs. As a result, it’s better to perform this procedure separately from everything else.

– Soft and Wrinkled Leaves

It’s a sign that you’ve been under-watering. If that’s the case, the plant is just thirsty.

– Root Rot

It is classified as one of the most common reasons for a plant going limp. Watering and soil are crucial aspects of Hoya Latifolia care. You’ll almost certainly get root rot if the soil isn’t well-draining. The second reason is that the roots died owing to a lack of water, which is the polar opposite of the first.

Discoloration: Cold exposure may cause leaves to discolor and fall off quickly. Bring the plant inside.

– Old Leaves Discolor

If it’s just old leaves that are discoloring and slowing down, there’s nothing to be concerned about. Your plant will exhibit symptoms, letting you know if it is not getting sufficient nutrients.

If this isn’t the case, for a few weeks, use a light-balanced fertilizer to boost the NPK levels. Misting with rainwater regularly is also beneficial. The plant can be repotted with a lot of good slow-release organic manure if it’s a mature plant.

– Patches Or Burns On Leaves

Sunburns caused by direct and substantial sun exposure could cause dry patches or burns on the leaves. The appropriate amount of sun is an essential part of Hoya Latifolia care.

– Low Flowering

This could be upsetting for those who grow Hoya Latifolia for its flowers. The most common cause is a lack of light. The other explanation is nutrient-depleted soil.

A balanced orchid meal or other organic fertilizer should assist if the problem is with the soil.

– Dying Vines

Many Hoyas send out leafless vines to seek sunlight and branches to entangle and climb. These vines will grow leaves if given enough time and sunshine.

However, the plant may decide that the vine is no longer viable and die back; if the tip of the vine dwindles, it is okay to cut it off. Just make sure it’s not a peduncle, or you’ll be removing the Hoya’s flowering point.

FAQ

– What Are the Best Growing Zones And Conditions for Hoya Latifolia?

These can be grown in USDA Zone 11: above 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Hoya Latifolia should be grown in a mounted pot with a tall stake that is three-foot (one meter). It can also be cultivated in a hanging basket; however, the coiling stems will need to be accommodated.

Summers are suitable for the plant and rest in winter. Within four months, the cutting should be put into a pot. Since then, the plant can take around two years to grow out around the stake.

Hoya Latifolia Care Suggestion Because the stems get woodier as they age, train them around the stake as long as they are still tender and flexible.

– Are Hoya Latifolia Toxic?

It is inedible. Hoya can cause respiratory problems such as nasal congestion, runny nose, and sneezing. Even though Hoya plants are not harmful to cats or dogs, they can make them sick. Cats and dogs’ digestive systems cannot break down the Hoya plant’s leaf sap.

– Is Succulent Care Also Applicable To Hoya Latifolia?

Succulents are a category of plants with various forms, colors, and flowers. These low-maintenance indoor and outdoor varieties are a gardener’s dream. Succulents are plants with specialized leaves and stem that store water. They are remarkably swift to adapt to challenging situations when water is sparse.

Because the Hoya plant’s leaves are slightly thick, it exhibits succulent-like characteristics. The requirements are comparable to those of epiphytic succulent Hoyas in maintenance.

– Is Hoya Latifolia The Same as Macrophylla?

The short answer is no. They are uncommon hoyas, although both of them have similar thick leaves, but they are not the same plants.

Conclusion

Hoyas can provide a wonderful experience for anyone who enjoys gardening succulents.

• It can be grown in a staked pot or even on the tree hollow. This species produces huge leaves and flowers abundantly in a variety of locations.
• You can cultivate this plant to use as an air cleaner. The University of Connecticut describes hoyas as particularly good at absorbing hazardous volatile organic chemicals in the air.
• This peculiar plant is a climber, and you’ll find it climbing in its natural habitat. Hoyas are more likely to wrap around the support. Therefore, they’re suitable for growing around shaped cables because they’ll take on the wiring shape. They look fantastic on the trellis because of this.
• Temperatures about 70 degrees Fahrenheit are required for Hoya Latifolia maintenance and a 50 percent mix of charcoal, coco husk, sphagnum moss, and perlite or vermiculite. In an east-facing window, grow these plants in bright shade.

That’s all there is to it. This is everything you’ll need not just to get started but also to care for Hoya Latifolia for many years to come. So, the next time you’re stuck on how to care for this plant, remember to pull up this guide.