How to Grow and Care for Hoya Krohniana Eskimo

The Hoya krohniana ‘Eskimo’, also known as ‘Super Silver’, is a houseplant recognized for its distinctive foliage. It is characterized by small, spade-shaped leaves almost entirely covered in a silver-flecked pattern. Its compact growth and decorative appearance make it a popular addition to indoor plant collections. Native to the Philippines, its popularity stems from its appearance and relatively straightforward care requirements.

Hoya Krohniana Eskimo Care

Proper lighting is fundamental to maintaining the signature silver splashing on the leaves of the Hoya krohniana ‘Eskimo’. This plant thrives in bright, indirect sunlight for several hours each day. A position near an east-facing window is ideal, as it provides gentle morning sun without the harsh intensity that can scorch its leaves.

This plant’s epiphytic nature dictates its soil preferences. In its native environment, it grows on other trees, meaning its roots are adapted to excellent air circulation. To replicate this, a well-draining and airy potting medium is necessary. A mix of orchid bark, perlite, and coco coir creates a chunky, porous substrate that allows roots to breathe.

A “drench and dry” method is most effective for this hoya. When watering, thoroughly saturate the potting mix until water drains freely from the pot’s drainage holes. After this drenching, it is important to allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again. Checking the top few inches of the soil or feeling the weight of the pot can help determine when it’s time for another drink.

This hoya prefers temperatures between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit and does not tolerate frost. It also appreciates higher humidity levels, so placing it near a humidifier or in a naturally humid room like a bathroom can be beneficial. During the active growing season of spring and summer, a diluted, balanced fertilizer can be applied about once a month. Feeding should be stopped during the fall and winter dormancy period.

Growth and Flowering

The Hoya krohniana ‘Eskimo’ has a vining growth habit that makes it versatile for indoor styling. Its vines will cascade over the sides of a hanging basket. Alternatively, its climbing tendencies can be encouraged by providing a small trellis, allowing the plant to grow upwards and create a vertical display.

To encourage this hoya to bloom, provide specific conditions. Abundant, bright, indirect light is a primary factor for flower development. A plant that is slightly root-bound in its pot is also more likely to produce flowers rather than new foliage, as these mild stressors can trigger blooming.

The plant produces clusters of small, fuzzy, star-shaped flowers. These blooms are typically white or pale pink with a reddish or purplish center. They grow from a spur, or peduncle, which should not be removed after flowering as it will produce blooms year after year. The flowers are known to emit a sweet fragrance, particularly in the evening.

Propagating Hoya Krohniana Eskimo

Propagating your Hoya krohniana ‘Eskimo’ is achieved through stem cuttings. Select a healthy, mature vine from the mother plant that has at least two or three nodes, which are the small bumps on the stem. Using a clean, sharp pair of scissors or pruning sheers, make a cut just below a node.

Once the cutting is taken, remove the leaves from the lowest node to prepare it for rooting. There are several mediums you can use for this process. Placing the stem in a jar of water is a simple method that allows you to watch the roots develop, though these water roots can sometimes struggle when transferred to soil.

Alternatively, rooting the cutting in a container of damp sphagnum moss or a lightweight perlite mix can provide more aeration and a smoother transition to a permanent pot. You can also plant the cutting directly into a small pot with a well-draining hoya soil mix. Providing warmth and humidity will increase the chances of successful root formation, which typically occurs within a few weeks.

Solving Common Issues

One common issue is reversion, where new leaves emerge with significantly less silver variegation and appear mostly green. This change is a direct result of the plant not receiving enough light. Moving the plant to a location with brighter, indirect sun will encourage the development of the characteristic silver markings on new growth.

This hoya can attract pests like mealybugs, which look like small white cottony spots, and aphids. These can be managed by wiping them off with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or by treating the plant with an insecticidal soap or neem oil spray.

Yellowing leaves that feel soft or mushy are a classic indicator of overwatering and potential root rot. If you suspect this, check the roots and repot the plant into a fresh, dry, airy mix if necessary. Allowing the soil to dry thoroughly between waterings is the most effective way to prevent this issue.