How to Grow and Care for Hoya Coronaria

Hoya coronaria is a vining plant from Southeast Asia, known for its large, oval-shaped leaves covered in fine, soft hairs that create a velvety texture. This fuzzy quality extends to the plant’s vines. As a climbing plant, it drapes well in hanging baskets or can be trained to ascend a trellis, showcasing its deep green foliage. The plant is also prized for its impressive and fragrant flowers, which contribute to its appeal.

Hoya Coronaria Care Guide

This plant flourishes in bright, indirect sunlight. An east-facing window that provides several hours of filtered light is ideal. While it tolerates some direct sun, prolonged exposure to intense afternoon rays can scorch its leaves. Insufficient light will result in slow, weak growth and may prevent the plant from flowering.

Hoya coronaria requires a chunky, airy, and well-draining potting medium to prevent root rot. A suitable mix can be created by combining orchid bark, perlite, and coco husk or peat moss. This substrate mimics its natural growing conditions, ensuring that water does not clog the soil and providing ample aeration for the roots.

A “drench and dry” method is the best approach for this species. This involves thoroughly watering the plant until water flows from the drainage holes, then allowing the soil to dry out almost completely before watering again. Its leaves store water, so it is more tolerant of dry conditions than of overly moist soil. Overwatering is a common problem that can lead to yellowing leaves and suffocated roots.

This tropical plant grows best in temperatures from 65°F to 85°F (18°C to 29°C) and should be protected from cold drafts or temperatures below 57°F (14°C). Average household humidity is adequate, but the plant performs better with levels between 50% and 70%. You can increase ambient moisture by misting the leaves, grouping plants together, or placing a humidifier nearby.

During the spring and summer growing season, apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half-strength every four to six weeks. Only fertilize when the soil is damp to avoid burning the roots. Feeding should be suspended during the fall and winter months when the plant’s growth naturally slows down.

Blooming Hoya Coronaria

The plant typically needs to reach a certain size before it will begin to flower. Along with providing sufficient light, blooms can be encouraged by a period of slightly cooler and drier conditions. This simulates natural seasonal changes and can help trigger flowering.

The large, star-shaped flowers appear in clusters known as umbels, with each flower measuring 1.25 to 2 inches across. The blooms have a thick, waxy, and fuzzy texture and can range in color from creamy white and pale yellow to reddish or purple, sometimes with a contrasting corona in the center. Many varieties exude a sweet fragrance that is most noticeable at night, and the flowers last for several days.

Propagating Hoya Coronaria

This plant is propagated through stem cuttings. Select a healthy, mature vine and use clean, sharp scissors to take a cutting that is at least six inches long. The cutting must include a few leaves and at least one node—the small bump on the stem where leaves and roots emerge.

You can root the cutting in a jar of water, ensuring the node is submerged while the leaves remain above the water. Alternatively, plant the cutting directly into a pot with a well-draining soil mix, sphagnum moss, or perlite. Keep the medium lightly moist and place the cutting in a warm spot with bright, indirect light to encourage root development, which typically takes a few weeks.

Common Problems and Solutions

This plant can face issues with pests like mealybugs, which appear as small white cottony masses, and spider mites. Regularly inspect the undersides of the leaves to catch an infestation early. If pests are found, manage them by wiping the leaves with a cloth dipped in soapy water or by applying neem oil.

Leaf texture changes can indicate an underlying care issue. For instance, leaves that appear wrinkled or soft are a sign of underwatering. This indicates the plant is using up the water stored in its leaves and needs a drink.