Common Name: Hoya Black Margin
Botanical Name: Hoya parasitica 'Black Margin'
Each lovely leaf of the Hoya Black Margin is tinged with ebony along the outer edges, creating a delicate framework for the speckled green leaves! We see them as little modern paintings, each one unique and alluring. Caring for Hoya Black Margin is a breeze if you follow a few basic rules. Learn more about how to care for Hoya Black Margin!
Light
These vining houseplants like heaps of bright, indirect sunlight and will be right at home if they can make contact for at least 8 hours each day (indirect sunlight, that is!). Wax Flowers can tolerate medium light, but they'll become weak and leggy and produce fewer leaves in lower light. The more natural dappled light they absorb, the greater the odds they will shower you with flowers during the summer! If you place your Hoya Black Margin outside for the summer, or if you live in a tropical climate, then choose a setting that receives early morning sun, and afternoon shade. Direct afternoon sunlight will burn the leaves!Water
Water the soil thoroughly after the soil is almost completely dry. When the leaves first show signs of wilting, is the best time to add water. Make sure you add the water slowly and evenly making sure that all the soil can absorb the water! Water more often in the growing season (spring and summer, into early fall) and reduce the frequency during winter. If the soil becomes compacted, soak the entire root system (root ball) in a bucket of water for 10 minutes to help loosen up the soil. A great way to test the soil for dryness is to pick up the plant; if it feels very light, it is most likely time to water your Hoya Black Margin! You will need to water more often during the summer, or if your hoya is living in a space that is consistently warm or hot. Make sure to check the soil for dryness every few days and water accordingly as you can never rely on a schedule! Learn the basics of watering your indoor plants!
Temperature
Most Hoya species love warm environments - 65-85℉ - and should be kept away from drafty windows and doorways during the colder months. Prolonged exposure to cold temperatures can be fatal to these tropical indoor vines. Extremely high temperatures (over 90°F) can cause the soil to dry out quickly requiring you to adjust your watering routine. Hoya Black Margin, and all other indoor plants benefit from air circulation so consider using a fan to crank up the breeze. Stagnant air can cause bacteria, and pest problems.
Humidity
Although Wax Vines can handle most household humidity levels, they will grow more rapidly when the humidity is higher than 50%. Do what you can to increase the humidity for these tropical, hanging, indoor plants. Try adding pebble trays filled with water under your indoor plants, group plants together, or use a cool mist humidifier. Learn how to increase the humidity in the air around your indoor plants!
Fertilizer
For Hoya Black Margins, a higher nitrogen fertilizer encourages foliar growth. When they're about to bloom, switch to a fertilizer with higher phosphorus content. Fertilize with a complete liquid fertilizer (diluted to ¼ the recommended strength) or fish emulsion twice a month during the summer. You can also apply a top dressing of worm castings or compost in the spring, as this acts as a slow-release fertilizer. Only fertilize during the growing season (spring through early fall).
Growth Rate
Hoya Black Margin is a tropical climber that may reach lengths of 8’+ if cared for properly. Each leaf may reach a length of 4 to 8 inches and a width of 2 to 4”. It can be grown in a hanging pot, where it will tumble over the edge, or in a pot with support, where it will twist and climb.
Pet Friend or Foe
Hoya Black Margin is non-toxic to pets. Friend!
Pro Tips
- Hoyas tolerate being root bound so don't be so quick to re-pot!
- You can train your Hoya Black Margin to grow up a pole or some other support as their aerial roots will cling to the surface as the vines grow.
- When you find the right spot for your hoya, and it is living its best life, try not to relocate it.
- New growth on a Hoya Black Margin can look like a dried up and dead vine, please do not cut off this new growth! Give it a few weeks, and you will be glad you did not remove it!
- If you decide to trim your Hoya parasitica, place the cuttings in soil, or water to grow a new plant!
- If the soil becomes compacted from infrequent watering, soak the soil in water for ten minutes to open the capillaries. This will loosen up the soil.
- If your plant isn't thriving, try to flush the soil of possible salt and mineral build-up. Place the potted plant under running water for a few minutes as this will help leach out the excess minerals and salts!