Hoya Obovata, a beautiful, low-maintenance plant, is ideal for all kinds of gardens. Although it grows slowly, it may reaches up to six feet. The stunning plant is a native of Indonesia and India.
The eye-catching shape of the Hoya Obovata leaves paired with the fragrant hoya flowers makes it an ideal houseplant.
Contents
What Is Hoya Obovata?
Genus hoya includes 200 to 300 species. They are tropical plants that have variations in leaf shape, color, and blooms. They are the natives of Asian countries. These include China, India, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand.
– Profile
- Family: Caryophyllaceae
- Genus: Hoya
- Species: Hoya Obovata
- Scientific Name: Hoya Obovata Balf. f.
- Common Names: Hoya, sweetheart, heart-leaf hoya, wax plant, and waxflower
How to Care for Hoya Obovata
Hoya Obovata is a low-maintenance, succulent plant. It needs temperatures in the range of 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. To pot Hoya, you need a potting mix that contains peat, perlite, and fine orchid bark. You need to keep your Hoya plant near the window from where bright indirect light will fall on your plant.
Hoya plants do not need too much watering. Over-watering will kill your hoyas. Water the plant only when you feel that the top surface of the soil pot is dry. Hoya Obovata needs 60 percent humidity and is drought tolerant.
Let us look at its basic requirement of soil, temperature, humidity, water, and light in detail. We have compiled an easy guide for you to follow.
– Soil Requirements
The Hoya Obovata plant needs moist soil to grow. It should not be water-logged, and the pot or container should have good drainage. The potting mix for Hoya Obovata should contain peat, perlite, and fine orchid bark. Such a combination offers good drainage, thus reducing the risk of root rot.
Add horticulture charcoal to the potting mix to improve the drainage of the soil. Charcoal is the best choice to add to the potting mix because it absorbs excessive water. Charcoal also absorbs impurities and protects the potting mix from bacteria and fungi.
Garden soil is not suitable for Hoya Obovata because it is compact and dense and does not allow the air, water, and nutrients to pass through. Thus the garden soil is harmful to the plant as it deprives the plant of essential nutrients. Adding perlite and pumice improves the aeration in the soil and encourages robust growth.
– Light Requirements
Hoya Obovata needs bright light for their growth. Provide a sufficient amount of light if the plant is indoor. Keep the plant near a window so that the plant can get proper lighting.
The ideal location is an East or South facing window. However, you should arrange a curtain to filter the direct exposure of light or keep your plant at a distance from direct sunlight exposure. Arrange a substitute or an alternative of natural light if the plant is indoor.
You can arrange LED grow lights as an alternative to the natural light of the sun. They are suitable for growing Hoya Obovata indoors as they emit the right intensity of light for the support of the plant.
– Water Requirements
The leaves of Hoya Obovata are very thick. They retain more water than those plants with thin leaves. Due to this quality, the plant can survive without getting water for a few weeks. Water your hoya only when the top two inches of soil are dry.
If you feel that the soil is moist, you can wait for a couple of days to water the plant. Control the water to minimize the risk of root rot, which is caused by overwatering the plant. In winter, you should avoid giving water to the plant for weeks. In cooler months, the water is retained in the leaves for a long time due to less evaporation.
Hoya Obovata needs less water because they are semi-dormant and slow growers. It is another reason they only need a limited amount of water. The trick to healthy hoya plants is to check the soil before watering.
– Temperature Requirements
The Hoya Obovata grows better in a warm climate. The temperature ranging between 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal for their optimal Hoya Obovata growth rate. The plant should be kept safe during droughts. During drought, place the plant away from windows and doors to save it from warm and dry winds.
– Humidity Requirements
Hoya Obovata is a tropical plant. The plant needs a humid environment. They grow best at a 60 percent humidity level. In winter, when the temperature falls, the humidity level also drops. You need to give water to the plant to keep them humid.
When the temperature rises in the hot summer season, you should arrange to increase the humidity level. For maintaining humidity levels at home, you can use a humidifier and place your Hoya plant closer to the humidifier.
You can also shift the plant to the kitchen or bathroom because these areas have high humidity.
– Fertilizer Requirements
Hoya Obovata grows beautiful foliage. To maintain the lush look, the plant needs extra nutrients like nitrogen. You have to add nitrogen-rich fertilizer for the betterment of your plant. You can stop giving nitrogen-rich fertilizer when you feel that your Hoya Obovata plant has attained good size. Switch to a well-balanced fertilizer.
You can either use powdered or liquid fertilizer in diluted form. If you do not dilute the fertilizer, it may burn your plant. Fertilize your plant once or twice a month. During the growing period, the plant will use more nutrients.
During winter, do not fertilize the plant. The growth rate of the plant is slow in the winter season. Your Hoya Obovata plant undergoes a semi-dormant phase during winter. Let it rest in cool months and fertilize when it is the growing season.
How to Propagate Hoya Obovata
Propagation of Hoya Obovata is an easy process. Through propagation, we can get beautiful white and bright red flowers and foliage. You can choose more than one way of propagation.
– Propagation Through Cutting
- Take a pot or a container and fill it with the potting mix. The potting mix should have the best drainage. Use vermiculite and perlite to get the best drainage in the pot
- Water the potting mix and keep it aside to drain. Wait until the soil remains moist
- Select a healthy stem and cut it about 4 to 5 inches long. Select such a system which should have 2 to 3 leaves on it. Remove any extra leaves, then plant your cutting in the potting soil
- Make sure to add liquid-based or powdered rooting fertilizer to the stem in the pot. I will help the roots to grow well
- Water the potting soil regularly. Do not overwater the soil
- Place the pot with the cutting to a spot where it will get bright indirect sunlight
- The spot where you have placed the pot should be humid
- Wait for the shoots and the roots to develop. It will take a couple of weeks for the shoots to appear
– Water Propagation
For using the water propagation technique for growing your hoya plants, place the cuttings of your plant in water. You need to change the water once a week. The water should be clean.
When you see the roots, pot them up in the soil. Do not keep the cutting of your plant long in the water.
– Propagation By Seed Sowing
The traditional way of propagation, sowing seeds can also be used for multiplying your hoya plants. To start seed sowing, collect seeds and sow them in a pot filled with peat moss. Sow your seeds in a dark and dry location.
You should perform Seed propagation at the end of spring to early autumn. Sow the seeds in moist soil. After you sow the seeds, cover them with a plastic bag. Regularly, remove the cover for the seeds to allow the soil to breathe and take up moisture.
Water the soil. Germination of the seeds requires two to five weeks. It may take more time, depending on the conditions.
– Growth
Hoya Obovata has oval-shaped, large leaves that grow on delicate stems. When the plant is mature, it needs some support to climb.
The Hoya Obovata can be trained to grow over the doors, on poles, and hanging baskets. Try to look extra beautiful when they are in the hanging basket.
– Potting
Hoya Obovata is a houseplant and can be potted indoors in a pot or container. They do not need repotting unless the roots grow out of the pot.
Always keep in mind the season you are repotting the plant. Avoid doing the process in winter because the growth of the plant slows down. Always choose a pot with good drainage. Poor drainage causes root rot if the Hoya Obovata soil is soggy or waterlogged.
Common Problems
The Hoya Obovata grows beautifully, but it may encounter few problems while growing into a healthy plant. The most common ones are:
- Leaf drop and dieback of stems
- Root Rot
- Absence of flowers
- Pests
– Leaf Drop and Dieback of Stems
Soggy soil causes many problems for your plant. One of which is the dropping of leaves and sluggish stems that eventually die back.
This problem occurs during the winter when the soil remains soggy for an extended period due to less evaporation.
– Root rot
Root rot is the cause of overwatering. When you see root rot in your plant, avoid giving too much water to your plant.
– Absence of Flowers
Many times it has been observed that our plant is healthy but does not produce flowers. The cause of failure to bloom is that your plant is not getting sufficient light. Place your plant on such a spot that it will get bright sunlight.
– Houseplant Pests
Sometimes we see pests attacking our healthy Hoya Obovata plant. These pests are whiteflies, mealy bugs, and scale insects. To get rid of the pests, use insecticide or neem oil, spray with a mild soap and water solution, or any other organic substance.
Tips to Keep Hoya Obovata Problem-Free
The Hoya Obovata plants are easy to grow. Sometimes, it may face problems while growing and planting them, but you can keep your plants healthy by following these tips. Here are some tips and tricks which will allow you to grow the plant without contracting any problems.
– The Right Light Conditions
The Hoya Obovata plant grows well in bright, indirect lighting. The ideal place to keep your plant is in the east or south direction. You can determine the light exposure by the discoloration of leaves.
If the plant is receiving a sufficient amount of light, the foliage will turn dull green. If the plant is receiving less amount of light, then it will turn leggy.
– The Perfect Pot Size
Choose a medium-sized container or pot to plant Hoya Obovata. If the container is too large, it will retain excess water and cause root rot. Always ensure a proper drainage system. It will not allow the soil to be soggy and keep plants healthy.
– Use Well-Draining Soil
Choose the best potting for your plant. The potting mix is an essential element in the growth of the plant. Potting mix promotes growth by offering a good balance of aeration, nutrition, and drainage.
– Maintain Watering
Water your Hoya Obovata plant only when you feel the soil is dry. The plant has thick leaves and can store water.
Do not overrate the plant because it will cause damage to the plant.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hoya Obovata
1. When should I repot my plants?
Hoyas obovata are slow growers. The plant needs to be potted every few years. Repotting the plant should be done considering the growth of the plant.
2. My Hoya Obovata is not flowering. What is wrong?
Hoya Obovata produces white and red star-shaped flowers in clusters. They are fragrant. Flowering takes five to seven years. The problems due to which the plant stops blooming could be:
- Absence of proper sunlight
- Deficiency of any of the nutrients in the soil
- Lack of fertilizers
3. Am I under or overwatering my hoyas?
It is difficult for beginners to differentiate between overwatered and under-watered Hoya Obovata. The plant shows the same symptoms when they are under or overwatered. It makes the beginners confused. In both cases, the leaves of the flower become discolored and wilt.
The only difference between the two conditions is that hoya has a flabby appearance when the leaves are over-watered. And those underwater have dry leaves. As soon as you identify the problem, you should adjust your watering schedule.
4. How can I rescue an overwatered Hoya Obovata?
Overwatered hoya can be rescued if the damage is not severe. You should immediately solve the issue because hoyas are sensitive to overwatering.
You can help your plant in this condition by extracting the plant from the soil. Remove excess moisture from the roots of your plant with the help of paper. Place your plant on a flat surface, and the roots should be exposed, and leave it to dry.
It will dry completely within a couple of days or a week. When the roots are dried up, pot it again and start your watering routine.
5. Does Hoya Obovata like misting?
Hoya Obovata does like misting and high humidity. Misting should be done to increase the level of humidity around the plant. Use a humidifier, set the pot on a tray with pebbles and water, or mist if the humidity level is low indoors. Misting also makes the leaves of the plant dust-free.
6. Is Hoya Obovata safe for children and pets?
Hoya Obovata is not toxic. They are safe to have around cats, dogs, other pets, and children. However, they should not be ingested.
Conclusion
We hope our guide was helpful for you. Here is a quick recap of everything that we have learned about the Hoya Obovata:
- The Hoya Obovata are easy to care for plants
- The Hoya Obovata are slow growers, especially during the winter season
- The Hoya Obovata needs bright indirect sunlight to grow well
- Watering schedule is important for the Hoya Obovata plant. Over and underwatering causes problems
- The pot must have a proper drainage system, and the potting mix should have good drainage
- The soil should not be soggy; otherwise, it will cause root rot
- Hoya Obovata plant grows well in the temperature ranging from 60 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit
- Hoya Obovata plant needs at least 60 percent humidity level
- Add fertilizers to your Hoya Obovata plant; it enhances the growth of the plant
- The Hoya Obovata plant is attacked by pests. Apply insecticides to your plant to get rid of these pests
- The Hoya Obovata plant blooms. The flowers are white or red, star shape-shaped, in clusters
Hoya Obovata is an excellent houseplant that can be easily grown in containers. With proper care, the growing experience can be rewarding. We hope that the guide assists you in growing the wonderful Hoya Obovata indoors and help you resolve problems that it may face.
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