How to Grow and Care for the Hoya VL9

The Hoya VL9 is a distinct and sought-after plant among collectors, appreciated for its unique aesthetic and manageable care. This variety is formally identified as Hoya sp. aff. burtoniae VL9, indicating its close relation to the burtoniae species but with its own specific characteristics.

Hoya VL9 Key Characteristics

The leaves are relatively small, oval-shaped, and covered in a fine, fuzzy pubescence that gives them a soft, velvety texture. A notable feature of this plant is its ability to “sun stress,” where the leaves develop a reddish or purplish-bronze hue when exposed to high levels of light. This color change adds a dynamic visual element to the plant throughout the year.

As a vining plant, the Hoya VL9 has a trailing or cascading growth habit, which makes it an excellent candidate for hanging baskets or for training up a small trellis. Its flowers grow in umbels, which are ball-like clusters of small, star-shaped blooms. These flowers are a mauve or pink color and may emit a subtle, pleasant fragrance, adding to the plant’s overall appeal.

Care Guide

Light

Hoya VL9 thrives in bright, indirect light, with an east-facing window that provides gentle morning sun being ideal. While it can tolerate lower light conditions, its growth may become sparse, and it will be less likely to flower or develop the desirable sun-stressed coloration. Direct, intense sunlight should be avoided, as it can scorch the leaves.

Water and Soil

Watering for this plant should follow a “drench and dry” approach. Water the plant thoroughly until water drains from the bottom of the pot, and then allow the soil to dry out almost completely before watering again. Overwatering can lead to root rot. A well-draining, chunky potting mix is necessary for proper aeration, and mixes designed for aroids or a combination of orchid bark, perlite, and peat moss work well.

Temperature and Humidity

Hoya VL9 prefers warm and humid conditions. Standard indoor temperatures between 60-80°F (15-27°C) are suitable, but it does not tolerate cold temperatures well and should be protected from drafts. While it can adapt to average household humidity, it will flourish with higher humidity levels around 50-65%. Placing it near a humidifier or grouping it with other plants can help create a more favorable microclimate.

Fertilizer

During the active growing season of spring and summer, the Hoya VL9 benefits from regular feeding. A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer, diluted to half-strength, can be applied every four to six weeks. It is best to reduce fertilization during the fall and winter months when the plant’s growth naturally slows down.

Blooming and Propagation

The plant is more likely to produce flowers when it is slightly root-bound, so avoid repotting it too frequently. The Hoya VL9 blooms from specialized stems called peduncles, which should not be removed after the flowers fade, as the plant will re-bloom from the same spot in the future.

The most common method of propagation is through stem cuttings. Select a healthy vine and take a cutting that includes at least one or two nodes, which are the small bumps on the stem where leaves and roots emerge. These cuttings can be successfully rooted in water, sphagnum moss, or perlite.