Hoya's

1.
Do not assume all Hoyas are equal in their care needs

While it is true that many Hoyas require similar care, there are over 500 species, cultivars, and hybrids of Hoyas from all parts of the world.

When you start to collect different Hoyas, research their various needs.

Some like hot and humid, some like cooler temps and can tolerate dry air. Some like to dry out a bit, and some like a good amount of water.

Generally Hoyas with thicker leaves are more drought tolerant and Hoyas with thin leaves tend to be on the thirsty side.

There are many different factors for blooming, from light, maturity, roots, and temperature

2.
Correct well draining medium

Even though some Hoya species likes to stay on the moist side, a well-draining substrate is key and is possibly more important than anything else when caring for Hoyas.

A standard cactus/succulent soil can work in a pinch, but I have found that even soils formulated for succulent-like plants still aren’t well-draining enough and need amended.

Using coco coir in place of bagged potting soil and so far it is going well.

Some Hoya growers grow solely in pine bark, semi-hydro using expanded clay balls, use sand to amend… the possibilities are endless.

All that matters is that the substrate is fast draining. Otherwise, the Hoyas could suffer from root rot, and healthy roots are essential to Hoya growth and flowering.

3.
Overwatering

This is part of above advice of using a fast-draining mix.

The reason a well-draining substrate is important is that it can help ameliorate overwatering.

Even if a Hoya prefers a moist medium, they’re still sensitive to overwatering.

Make sure to let the substrate dry down enough between waterings, do not let the Hoya sit in water (like a tray), and do not plant it in a pot that is too big.

In fact, a snug pot not only helps prevent soggy roots, it can sometimes aid in blooming.

4.
Airflow and Humidity

Hoyas like humidity.

In fact, for some species, humidity is absolutely essential to their growth.

Hoyas grow in tropical and subtropical regions where it is quite humid, they are not desert-dwelling succulents.

Humidity can really help speed up Hoya growth, which is infamously slow for many species. In fact Hoyas can still grow fast in more moderate light if the humidity is high.

Now, with all that humidity, fungus can often be a problem, which is why good air flow is important.

Crowding too many Hoyas together with not enough space in between them, or stagnant humid air are not good.

Space your Hoyas out more

5.
Lighting

Hoyas are not lower light plants.

Some non-variegated species and many H. carnosa cultivars can absolutely handle more moderate light from an East-facing window (northern hemisphere) or even right in front of a north-facing window.

But one of the worst things you could do for a Hoya is stick it in a corner or on top of a dark bookshelf.

Think about where Hoyas originate from and how they grow - they are in tropical climates, growing up trees.

They need that bright, dappled light.

If you’re growing Hoyas indoors, light from a west or south-facing window is ideal.

I am using T5 HO lights this winter and they come highly recommended by many growers.

Hoyas can definitely benefit from artificial light.

Outdoors, diffused light is best and too much direct sun can cause the leaves to fade and yellow.

Keeping the light high not only allows the Hoya plant to grow better, it also helps keep the soil from staying too damp.