How to Grow and Care for Hoya Balaensis

Hoya balaensis is a vining plant native to the evergreen forests of Thailand’s Narathiwat province. This plant is known for its large, heart-shaped leaves that can be as wide as six inches across. The leaves are a medium green with lighter-colored veins, and new growth can have a reddish tint when exposed to more sun. Its vining nature is suitable for hanging baskets or climbing structures.

Hoya Balaensis Care

Light

For healthy foliage, provide your Hoya with bright, indirect light. A spot near an east-facing window receiving gentle morning sun is ideal. While it can tolerate lower light conditions, leaf development may be slower and less robust. Direct, harsh sunlight should be avoided as it can scorch the leaves.

Water

Proper watering prevents root rot, a common issue for Hoyas. Use the “drench and dry” method, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. When watering, saturate the soil until it drains from the pot’s drainage holes. The frequency will depend on your home’s environment, so check the soil moisture regularly rather than watering on a fixed schedule.

Soil

A chunky, well-draining soil mix is necessary for this epiphytic plant. Standard potting soil is too dense and can retain too much moisture. A mix for aroids or orchids with bark, perlite, and coco coir provides the needed aeration and drainage for the roots to thrive.

Temperature & Humidity

This tropical plant thrives in warm and humid conditions. Maintain temperatures between 65-85°F (18-29°C) and avoid letting them drop below 57°F (14°C). While it can adapt to average household humidity, it will flourish with higher humidity levels. Placing it in a bathroom or grouping it with other plants increases ambient moisture.

Fertilizer

During the active growing season of spring and summer, feed your Hoya balaensis. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer, diluted to half-strength, once a month. Reduce feeding in the fall and winter when the plant’s growth naturally slows down.

Encouraging Blooms

Hoya balaensis can take around 20 months after propagation to bloom. To encourage this process, providing ample bright, indirect light is a primary factor. A plant that is slightly root-bound is also more likely to produce flowers than one in an overly large container. A fertilizer with a higher phosphorus content can also stimulate bloom production.

The flowers appear in clusters, known as umbels, and are a soft yellow color. These star-shaped blooms have a waxy appearance and are held on long, thin peduncles. The flowers may also have a subtle, sweet fragrance. Due to their drooping nature, the details of the flowers are best observed from below.

Common Issues and Solutions

Yellowing leaves are often a sign of overwatering, so ensure the soil is drying out sufficiently between waterings. If growth seems stunted, it may be a result of insufficient light; try moving the plant to a brighter location. Inspect for common houseplant pests like mealybugs and aphids, which can be found on the undersides of leaves or at the plant’s nodes.

Treat an infestation by wiping the pests off with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or by using an insecticidal soap spray. Regular inspection can help catch any issues early.