Family: Apocynaceae
Common Name: Hoya Rosita
Botanical Name: Hoya wayetii x tsangii hybrid
The lovely Hoya Rosita is a cross between Hoya wayetii and Hoya tsangii and is undoubtedly a head-turner! This rare indoor vine loves to bath in bright indirect sunlight, and the more exposure it receives, the more vibrant the leaves become. Direct exposure to the morning sun can heighten the red and pink tones, but intense afternoon sunlight can scorch the leaves! Hoya Rosita doesn't require much care as with most hoyas. Water Rosita when the soil becomes dry, and fertilize this exquisite indoor plant when you notice new growth. Hoya Rosita makes a splash with its ephemeral yellow and red-hot flowers. Each delicate flower sits on an umbrella-like formation (umbel), with each bud popping open almost in unison. Hoya Rositas generally bloom after 4-5 years with the proper care and environment! Learn more about how to properly care for Hoya Rosita!
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 Rositas can tolerate medium light, but they'll become weak and leggy and produce fewer leaves in lower light. Place Hoya Rosita near 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! Move your hoyas closer to the windows during the winter, but remember that temperatures can be much lower closer to glass window panes. Learn where to put your plants for the best light!
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 it! 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 when and how to water 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.
Humidity
Although Hoya Rositas 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 Rositas, 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 Rosita's vines can grow to be 3’+ long when grown in bright indirect light and above average humidity! They are slow to moderate growers when they are young, but once the roots are established the foliage will grow faster if cared for properly.
Pet Friend or Foe
Hoya Rosita is non-toxic to pets. Friend!
Pro Tips
- Hoya Rositas tolerate being root-bound so don't be so quick to re-pot!
- You can train your Hoya Rositas 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 Rosita, and it is living its best life, try not to relocate it.
- New growth on a Hoya Rosita 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 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!