How to Grow and Care for Hoya Dinner Plate

The “Hoya dinner plate” is a sought-after houseplant, known for its impressively large foliage and the unique, often fragrant, flowers it produces. Its grand scale and vining habit make it a statement piece in any collection. The allure of this Hoya lies in its dramatic visual impact, combining substantial leaves with delicate floral displays.

What Is a Hoya Dinner Plate?

The name “Hoya dinner plate” is a common moniker, not a formal botanical classification, used to describe a Hoya with exceptionally large, round leaves. Most frequently, this name refers to Hoya latifolia, a species native to Southeast Asia. This plant has also been sold under other names, including Hoya loyceandrewsiana, and they are often treated as the same plant in the houseplant trade.

The defining characteristic of the Dinner Plate Hoya is its foliage. The leaves are thick, leathery, and can reach sizes of 15 to 20 cm across. These impressive leaves are a deep green, sometimes with visible, lighter-colored veins. The plant is a natural climber, and its flowers grow in clusters known as umbels, which are composed of many small, star-shaped blossoms that can be quite fragrant.

Hoya Dinner Plate Care Guide

Light

Proper lighting is a significant factor in the health of a Hoya Dinner Plate. This plant thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. An ideal placement is near an east-facing window for gentle morning sun, or a few feet from a west-facing window to avoid harsh afternoon rays. While it tolerates lower light, its growth may slow and the vibrancy of its leaves could diminish.

Soil

As an epiphyte, a plant that grows on other plants, the Hoya Dinner Plate requires a potting medium that is airy and well-draining. Standard potting soil is too dense and retains too much moisture, leading to root problems. Create a suitable chunky mix by combining components like orchid bark, perlite, and coconut coir or peat moss. This mixture mimics its natural growing environment and helps prevent waterlogging.

Water

Watering for a Hoya Dinner Plate should follow a “drench and dry” approach. This involves thoroughly soaking the soil until water runs out of the drainage holes, and then allowing the medium to dry out almost completely before watering again. Since these Hoyas store water in their thick leaves, they are more tolerant of drought than overwatering. Feel the top inch or two of the soil; if it is dry, it’s ready for another watering.

Temperature and Humidity

This plant performs well in typical indoor temperatures, preferring a range between 18°C and 29°C (65°F and 85°F). It is important to protect it from cold drafts and sudden temperature fluctuations. The Hoya Dinner Plate is native to humid environments and appreciates higher humidity levels, between 50% and 70%. Providing extra moisture through misting or a humidifier can encourage more robust growth.

Fertilizer

To support its growth, the Hoya Dinner Plate benefits from regular feeding during the spring and summer. A balanced liquid fertilizer, applied at half strength, is a good option every four to six weeks while the plant is actively producing new leaves. During the fall and winter, reduce or stop fertilizing to allow the plant a period of rest.

How to Encourage Blooms

Many Hoyas, including this one, tend to flower more prolifically when they are slightly root-bound in their pots. This mild stress can signal the plant to shift its energy from vegetative growth to flower production. Frequent repotting should be avoided if flowering is the primary goal.

Consistent, strong light is one of the most important triggers for blooming. While direct sun can scorch the leaves, a spot that receives several hours of bright, filtered light daily is necessary. Some growers find success using a fertilizer with a higher phosphorus content before the growing season, as phosphorus supports bloom development. Once the plant forms peduncles, the small spurs from which flowers emerge, do not cut them off after the blooms fade, as Hoyas will re-flower from these same peduncles.

Common Problems

Pests such as mealybugs and aphids can occasionally become a problem. These can be managed by wiping them off with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or by using an insecticidal soap. Observing the plant’s leaves can also provide clues to its health.

Yellowing leaves are a frequent sign of overwatering, indicating that the soil is staying wet for too long. If you notice this, let the soil dry out completely and adjust your watering schedule. Conversely, if the plant’s growth appears “leggy,” with long, bare stems and sparse leaves, it is likely not receiving enough light. Moving it to a brighter location can help encourage more compact growth.