How to Grow and Care for Hoya ETS 10

Hoya ETS 10 is a sought-after collector’s plant known for its distinct appearance. It features small, somewhat fuzzy, olive-green leaves that grow along trailing vines, making it an attractive hanging plant. Its appeal lies in its compact growth and the unique texture of its leaves, which can sometimes display a silvery splash pattern.

Hoya ETS 10 Care Requirements

Light

This plant thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. An ideal location would be near an east-facing window where it can receive gentle morning sun, or a few feet from a south or west-facing window, shielded by a sheer curtain. Too much direct, intense sunlight can scorch the leaves, while insufficient light may cause the plant to grow leggy, with smaller leaves.

Water

Like many epiphytic Hoyas, ETS 10 is accustomed to periods of dryness and is sensitive to overwatering. It is best to allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. You can check the soil’s moisture by inserting a finger about two inches deep; if it feels dry, it is time to water. When you do water, drench the soil thoroughly until water runs out of the drainage holes, then discard the excess water to prevent root rot.

Soil

A chunky and well-draining soil mix is important for Hoya ETS 10. Standard potting soil is often too dense and can retain too much moisture. A suitable mix can be created by combining one part peat moss, one part perlite, and one part orchid bark. This combination provides the aeration and quick drainage the plant needs.

Temperature & Humidity

This Hoya prefers a warm and moderately humid environment. It grows best in temperatures between 60°F and 85°F. While it can tolerate average household humidity levels, it will benefit from increased moisture, ideally above 40%. Placing it near a humidifier or grouping it with other plants can help create a more suitable microclimate.

Flowering and Fragrance

The blooms of Hoya ETS 10 appear in small, ball-shaped clusters known as umbels. Each flower is fuzzy, with reddish-pink petals that curve backward. Their sweet fragrance, which is often likened to butterscotch or caramel, is typically more pronounced in the evenings.

To encourage your Hoya ETS 10 to flower, providing it with ample bright, indirect light is the most important step. A plant that is slightly root-bound in its pot is often more inclined to produce blooms. Maintaining a consistent watering schedule during the active growing season of spring and summer is also beneficial.

Propagation Methods

Propagating Hoya ETS 10 is most successfully done using stem cuttings. The best time to take cuttings is during the spring or summer when the plant is actively growing. This timing increases the likelihood of successful rooting and growth.

To begin, select a healthy stem and, using clean shears, make a cut just below a node—the small bump on the stem where leaves emerge. Ensure your cutting has at least one or two leaves and is about four to five inches long. You can then place the cutting in a jar of water, ensuring the leaves remain above the surface, or plant it in a moist rooting medium like sphagnum moss or perlite. Providing high humidity by covering the cutting with a plastic bag can help accelerate rooting.