Family: Apocynaceae
Common Name: Hoya retusa
Botanical Name: Hoya retusa
The unique and spectacular Hoya retusa will quickly become the center of attention wherever you place it. First, its jumble of narrow paddle-like foliage has a delicate beauty, unlike any other houseplant. And if and when this houseplant blooms, it displays individual flowers with pink-red centers. A world apart from the other hoyas which bloom in clusters. This plant likes bright indirect light and should be allowed to dry out between watering. Learn how to care for these elegant indoor wax vines!
Light
These vining houseplants like heaps of bright, indirect sunlight and will be right at home if they can make contact for at least 6 hours each day (indirect contact, that is!). Hoya retusa can tolerate medium light, but they'll become weak and leggy and produce fewer leaves in lower light. To avoid being sad and somewhat guilty, ensure these wax vines are close to an east, or north-facing window or set back from a south or west-facing window. The more natural dappled light they absorb, the greater the odds they will shower you with flowers during the summer! Learn where to put your plants for the best light!
Water
Let your Hoya retusa dry out between watering, but do not let it remain dry for more than a day or so as their foliage is less succulent than hoyas with waxy leaves. 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 when their soil is completely dry. If the soil becomes compacted, place the entire rootball into a bowl of room temperature water for 5-10 minutes, or until the water has been completely absorbed! This will soften up the soil and allow for better drainage!
Soil
Potting soil that is rich in nutrients and organic matter, but still has the ability to drain well is the perfect growing medium for all hoyas. Most coco coir or peat-based potting soil mixes will be adequate but make sure that they do not contain water-retentive crystals as they can cause the soil to continually stay moist causing root rot. Loose soil with ample drainage is what you should be using to re-pot your hoyas, but only re-pot when the roots are bound. Hoya retusa takes a long time to develop mature roots so it is very unlikely you will need to transplant it any time soon! If you are feeling adventurous and think it’s time to re-pot then try creating your own potting soil!
Temperature
Hoya retusa loves warm environments - 65-85℉ - and should be kept away from drafty windows and doorways during the colder months. When the temperatures are hot and stagnant, we recommend using a fan to provide good air circulation! Moving air helps keep pests and diseases, and fungus away! Temperatures that are too hot cause restrict development. For the best results, keep your Hoya retusa away from air conditioners, heaters, and other cold or hot air sources.
Humidity
Although Hoya retusa can handle most household humidity levels, they will grow more rapidly when the humidity is higher than 60%. 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 Retusa, 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 1/4 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 summer).
Growth Rate
The Hoya retusa plant is a slow to moderate growing plant and can reach a height of 10’+ indoors when grown in optimal conditions!
Pet Friend or Foe
Hoya retusa is non-toxic to pets. Friend!
Pro Tips
- Hoya retusas take a long time to fully develop their roots so don't be so quick to re-pot!
- You can train your Hoya retusas to grow up a pole or some other support - if you like that look, but they will need to be tied to the stake in the early staged of staking!
- When you find the right spot for your Hoya retusa, and it is living its best life, try not to relocate it.
- New growth on a Hoya retusa 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!
- Hoyas enjoy being placed outside during the summer to enjoy increased humidity and temperatures!