Over the past three years, plant lovers all over the world have grown their collections to incredible sizes, investing large sums of money in rare aroids such as variegated monstera, philodendrons, and alocasia. Unfortunately, many home collectors are finding their once tranquil tropical dens becoming overgrown and overwhelming. Fortunately, there is another genus of tropical plants that are highly collectible, valuable, and compact in size—hoyas!
Hoyas are a genus of blooming and vining plants from the milkweed family. Also known as the ‘wax plant,’ hoyas often have thick, succulent-like leaves with a waxy shine.
Hoya Kerrii demonstrating its epiphytic growth habitThese plants are epiphytes, meaning they typically grow in the canopy of trees in their natural environment.
If you are new to hoyas or have been on the fence about starting your collection, let’s explore five reasons why you should run out and get your first hoya today.
1.Low Maintenance
Due to their succulent-like leaves and slow growth habit, hoyas are very low maintenance when compared to other tropical plants such as philodendrons and monsteras. Hoyas require little pruning and can tolerate periods of drought, making them an excellent choice for enthusiasts who want a plant that won’t take too much effort to keep looking healthy.
2.Variety
According to Oxford University, there are currently over 300 known species of hoya in cultivation, making hoyas an incredibly diverse genus and perfect for collecting. Each species has a unique growth habit, leaf shape, size, color, and even more unique blooms. Many hoya collectors choose plants for their foliage characteristics, while others focus on the flowers. Either way, each hoya species has something interesting to add to your collection.
Hoya Bella Blooms3.Size
Unlike many tropical plants, hoyas can stay a compact size for many years. This means you can collect many different hoya species and appreciate them in their mature forms, while still keeping them a manageable size. Many enthusiasts choose to display their hoyas in glass display cases which they are unlikely to outgrow for several years.
4.Propagation
Another benefit of collecting hoyas is their ability to be propagated. Hoyas will propagate easily from stem cuttings in water, Fluval Stratum, soil, or sphagnum moss. For the best chance of success, take a cutting from your plant that has at least two growth nodes. Remove any leaves from the bottom-most node and submerge the end in the rooting medium of your choice. Place in a warm, sunny spot and watch as your plant grows new roots within a couple of weeks!
5.Longevity
Since the start of the pandemic, plant prices have increased significantly, and most collectors are looking for plants that will live long, healthy lives in their indoor jungles. Hoyas are incredibly hardy plants and have the potential to live over 100 years old if given the proper care. Still not convinced? Click Here to read the incredible story about a hoya that has been passed down in one Oaklahoma family since 1889!
Interested in learning more about hoyas? Visit our Plant Care Guide for more information, or stop by the plant shop today!
