Family: Apocynaceae
Common Name: Hoya Bella
Botanical Name: Hoya lanceolata ssp. Bella
There is a hoya party going on, and you are invited: by the host -- Bella! Hoya Bella is a small-leaved Wax Vine that radiates an emerald-green glow! When this hoya flowers, you will be overjoyed with the aromatic scent of the pink and white flower clusters! To encourage Hoya Bella to bloom, give it at least 6 hours of indirect sunlight each day! Hoyas grow very well when it is warm and humid and will stop producing new growth if not given these conditions.
Hoya Bella will give you bursts of flowers in optimal environments like warm temperatures and plenty of bright dappled light. However, their bloom time is brief, so keep your eyes peeled for their fragrant and fleeting offering. Hoya is an easy-care indoor plant if you have the medium to bright indirect light that they need.
Light
Hoya Bella likes lots of bright, indirect sun. These hoyas can tolerate medium light, but they’ll become weaker and leggy and produce fewer leaves (and flowers) in lower light.
Water
Let your hoya indoor plants dry out between waterings. Soak the soil thoroughly until the water drains out of the drainage holes. You’ll need to water more when they’re receiving more light, so adjust accordingly. Avoid over-watering. When the colder months arrive, cut back on watering; in wintertime, only water the soil when dry for a few days. Keep in mind Hoya Bella has thinner leaves than many other wax vines; therefore, closely monitor the soil and water thoroughly once the soil is dry through and through.
Soil
Almost all types of hoya need soil with excellent drainage. Hoya should never be planted in dense soil mixtures with moisture-retaining crystals. You can use a universal potting soil for hoyas, but reduce the watering frequency when using this type of soil as it will retain water longer causing potential damage to the roots! Nutrient-rich, loose soils are perfect mixtures for Wax Vines!
Temperature
Most hoyas love warm environments between 65-85℉ and should be kept away from drafty windows and doorways during the colder months.
Humidity
Although hoyas can handle most household humidity levels, they will grow more rapidly when the humidity exceeds 50 percent. Do what you can to increase the humidity for these tropical, hanging, indoor vines. Add pebble trays filled with water under your indoor plants, group plants together, or use a cool-mist humidifier.
Fertilizer
For hoyas, a higher nitrogen fertilizer encourages foliar growth. When they’re about to bloom, switch to a higher phosphorus content. Fertilize with a complete liquid fertilizer or fish emulsion twice a month during the summer. You can also apply a top dressing of worm castings or compost in the spring, which acts as a slow-release fertilizer. Only fertilize during the growing season (spring through summer).
Growth Rate
Hoya Bella has a medium-to-fast growth rate once established. From peduncle formation to flowering, it takes roughly 6 to 8 weeks for this plant to bloom. In some instances, gardeners have seen over 100 blossoms in a single flowering season. The vines of the Hoya Bella houseplant can reach a length of two to three feet.
Pet Friend or Foe
The Hoya Bella vine is non-toxic to both cats and dogs. Friend!
Pro Tips
- Hoyas like to be root bound, so don’t be so quick to re-pot!
- You can train your hoyas to grow up a pole or some other support if you like tall, gorgeous vines!
- When you find the right spot for your hoya, try not to relocate it.
- Hoya Bella will blossom during the summer if given the proper conditions and care.