How to Grow and Care for Hoya Suzie Q

The Hoya Suzie Q is a cultivar of Hoya carnosa, resulting from a cross between the ‘Krimson Queen’ and ‘Krinkle 8’ varieties. It is distinguished by its waxy, lance-shaped green leaves with prominent silver splashes, flecks, and occasional cream-colored margins. New leaves sometimes emerge with a pale pink hue before maturing. This plant has a vining growth habit, with long stems well-suited for hanging baskets or training onto a trellis.

Hoya Suzie Q Care Guide

Light

This plant thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. An east-facing window with gentle morning sun is ideal, though a southern or western exposure also works if the light is filtered. Several hours of this light each day will enhance the silver variegation on its leaves. Avoid direct, intense sunlight, as it can scorch the foliage.

Soil

Hoya Suzie Q requires a chunky, airy, and well-draining potting medium to prevent root issues. Standard potting soil is too dense and retains excess moisture. Create a suitable mix by combining potting soil with components like orchid bark and perlite. This blend ensures proper air circulation and drainage, mimicking its natural epiphytic conditions.

Water

Due to its succulent nature, this plant is drought-tolerant and prone to root rot from overwatering. Allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again. Check the soil’s moisture by inserting a finger an inch or two deep; if it feels dry, it is time to water. A more definitive sign the plant needs a drink is when its leaves start to pucker slightly.

Temperature and Humidity

Hoya Suzie Q prefers temperatures between 60-80°F (15-27°C) and should be protected from frost and sudden temperature drops. While it tolerates average home humidity, it will flourish with more moisture in the air, ideally around 70-80%. You can increase humidity by placing it in a kitchen or bathroom, or by occasionally misting the leaves.

Fertilizer

To support growth during the spring and summer, a balanced liquid fertilizer can be applied. It is recommended to dilute the fertilizer to half-strength and feed the plant every two to four weeks. During the fall and winter, when the plant’s growth slows, fertilizing should be reduced or stopped altogether as the plant enters a dormant period.

Encouraging Blooms

For a Hoya Suzie Q to produce its signature flowers, it needs to be mature and slightly root-bound in its pot. Consistent, bright, indirect light is the most significant factor in encouraging blooming. The blooms appear in clusters, or umbels, of small, star-shaped, pale pink flowers known for their sweet fragrance.

Once you notice the formation of peduncles, the small spurs from which flowers grow, it is important not to move the plant. Changes in its environment can cause the plant to drop its buds before they open. After the flowers have faded, do not remove the peduncles, as the plant can re-bloom from the same spurs in the future.

How to Propagate Hoya Suzie Q

Propagating Hoya Suzie Q is best done using stem cuttings. Select a healthy, mature vine and use clean, sharp scissors to make a cut below a node—the small bump on the stem where leaves and roots emerge. Your cutting should have at least one or two nodes and a few leaves.

Once you have your cutting, there are a few methods for rooting it. You can place the cutting in a glass of water, ensuring the node is submerged. Another method is to root the cutting in a container of moist sphagnum moss. You can also plant the cutting directly into a small pot with a well-draining soil mix.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

One common issue is the presence of pests, particularly mealybugs. These small, white, cottony insects cluster on the undersides of leaves and at the nodes. If you spot them, treat the infestation by dabbing the pests with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or by using an insecticidal soap.

Yellowing leaves are another concern, often signaling an issue with overwatering that can lead to root rot. If you notice yellow leaves, check the soil moisture and adjust your watering schedule accordingly. Ensuring the pot has adequate drainage is also a key preventative measure.