Hoyas, also known as Wax Plants, are a popular choice among plant enthusiasts due to their stunning foliage and unique flowers. With their low maintenance requirements and resilience, they make an excellent choice for beginners who are just starting their indoor gardening journey.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the best Hoyas for beginners, providing valuable insights into their characteristics, care tips, and growth habits.
The Fascinating World of Hoyas
Hoyas, belonging to the Apocynaceae family, are native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and the west Pacific. These epiphytic plants are known for their beautiful flowers, which bear a striking resemblance to the flowers of the common milkweed plant.
With a wide variety of Hoya species available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for beginners. However, we have curated a list of the easiest-to-grow Hoyas that are perfect for novice plant parents.
1. Hoya Carnosa: The Classic Wax Plant
One of the most iconic Hoyas, Hoya carnosa, is often passed down through generations as an heirloom plant. Its plain green variety, as well as variegated cultivars like Krimson Queen and Krimson Princess, are popular choices among plant enthusiasts. Hoya carnosa is a slow-growing plant that requires minimal care and can thrive in various indoor conditions.
To ensure the optimal growth of your Hoya carnosa, hang it near a window where it can receive bright indirect light. Water the plant when the top inch of the soil feels dry and avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot.
Additionally, provide support for the vines to climb or trail, creating a stunning display of cascading foliage. Check out our detailed Hoya carnosa growing guide for more in-depth care instructions.
2. Hoya Compacta: The Hindu Rope Plant
Hoya compacta, also known as the Hindu Rope Plant or Krinkle Kurl plant, is a cultivar of Hoya carnosa. This unique Hoya features tightly packed, crinkly leaves that create a captivating texture. Both variegated and plain green varieties are available, with the variegated form being slower-growing.
Similar to Hoya carnosa, Hoya compacta requires bright indirect light and well-draining soil. However, this Hoya is more sensitive to moisture levels and should be watered when the top inch of the soil is dry. It’s important to keep an eye on the plant for mealy bugs, as the crevices between the leaves can serve as hiding spots.
Our comprehensive Hindu Rope Hoya growing guide provides detailed care instructions to ensure the health and vitality of your plant.
3. Hoya Curtisii: The Miniature Beauty
For those looking for a compact Hoya that doesn’t take up much space, Hoya curtisii is an excellent choice. This trailing Hoya features small, spade-shaped leaves with attractive grey mottling. It forms a dense mat of leaves over the surface of the soil before cascading over the edges of the pot.
While Hoya curtisii may be slightly harder to find than other varieties, it is equally easy to care for. Provide bright indirect light and water the plant when the top half inch of the soil has dried out. Our detailed Hoya curtisii care guide offers valuable tips to ensure the optimal growth of this miniature beauty.
4. Hoya Kerrii: The Sweetheart Hoya
Hoya kerrii, commonly known as the Sweetheart Hoya or Valentine’s Hoya, is adored for its heart-shaped leaves. It is available in both plain green and variegated forms. However, it’s important to note that the variegated Hoya kerrii is a slower grower.
When purchasing Hoya kerrii, ensure that the plant has at least one node to encourage vining growth. Place the Hoya kerrii in bright indirect light and water it when the top inch of the soil is dry. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot. Our comprehensive Hoya kerrii care guide provides further insights into the care requirements of this charming Hoya.
5. Hoya Multiflora: The Shooting Star Hoya
Hoya multiflora, also known as the Shooting Star Hoya, stands out among other Hoya species due to its thinner leaves. It is a free bloomer, often producing flowers even at a young age. The Shooting Star Hoya requires consistent moisture levels to prevent bud drop.
To care for Hoya multiflora, maintain a fairly evenly moist potting mix and provide bright indirect light. Avoid letting the potting mix dry out completely, as it can cause stress to the plant. Our comprehensive Hoya multiflora care guide offers detailed instructions to help you nurture this unique Hoya.
6. Hoya Obovata: The Resilient Beauty
Hoya obovata is a resilient Hoya species that can withstand periods of complete dryness. Its succulent leaves and rapid growth rate make it a favorite among plant enthusiasts. The leaves are often speckled with white or pink flecks, adding to its visual appeal.
Place Hoya obovata in bright indirect light and water it when the top inch of the soil has dried out. This Hoya appreciates a well-draining soil mix to prevent waterlogged conditions. For more detailed care instructions, refer to our Hoya obovata growing guide.
7. Hoya Shepherdii: The String Bean Hoya
Hoya shepherdii, commonly known as the String Bean Hoya, features long, succulent leaves. While its flowers may not be as large as those of Hoya carnosa cultivars, they are dainty and the plant itself is a prolific bloomer.
Hoya shepherdii is an easy-to-care-for plant that thrives in bright indirect light and well-draining soil. Its vines gracefully hang down the sides of the pot, making it a space-saving choice. For comprehensive care instructions, refer to our Hoya shepherdii care guide.
8. Hoya Wayetii: The Slow Grower
Hoya wayetii is a slow-growing Hoya with thick, large leaves. The plant’s leaf coloration intensifies with increased exposure to light, with the edges turning reddish. This Hoya produces beautiful mauve-colored flowers.
To enhance the growth of Hoya wayetii, consider using an organic fertilizer like Sustane (4-6-4 formulation). Bright indirect light and well-draining soil are crucial for the health and vitality of this slow grower.
9. Hoya Australis ‘Lisa’: The Fragrant Beauty
Hoya australis ‘Lisa’ is a stunning variegated Hoya that grows fairly quickly and produces fragrant flowers with notes of vanilla and chocolate. The new growth of this Hoya showcases a beautiful reddish-pink color that gradually fades.
While Hoya australis ‘Lisa’ is relatively easy to care for, it appreciates bright indirect light and well-draining soil. Patience is key with this Hoya, as it may take some time to bloom.
10. Hoya Linearis: The Unique Foliage
Hoya linearis is a favorite among plant enthusiasts due to its long vines and unique foliage. Unlike many other Hoyas, Hoya linearis has skinny, slightly hairy leaves. It requires bright indirect light and well-draining soil to thrive.
Ensure adequate support for the vines to climb or trail, and be prepared for its impressive growth potential. For a complete care guide on Hoya linearis, refer to our Hoya linearis care guide.
Conclusion
Choosing the right Hoya for beginners can be an exciting and rewarding experience. The Hoyas mentioned in this guide offer a range of options, from classic favorites like Hoya carnosa to unique varieties like Hoya linearis. Remember to provide them with bright indirect light, well-draining soil, and regular watering routines. With proper care and attention, these Hoyas will thrive and bring joy to your indoor garden. Happy growing!