10 Neat Things About Hoyas
Hoyas are a botanical treasure that captivates plant lovers around the world. Known for their dazzling star-shaped blooms, fascinating pollination strategies, and incredible adaptability, these tropical plants are as resilient as they are beautiful. Whether you’re a novice plant parent or a seasoned green thumb, hoyas offer a unique blend of low-maintenance care and long-lasting charm. Here are 10 Neat Things about hoyas that will deepen your appreciation for these remarkable plants.
1. Where they grow.
Hoyas originated in Asia. People often call them “wax plants” or “porcelain flowers,” and they are often epiphytes, which means they naturally grow on other plants, like trees, without being parasitic. They derive nutrients and moisture from the air and rain. Those that aren’t epiphytic are lithophytic, which means the grow on rocks! This can make for highly decorative displays when grown this way as houseplants.
2. A genus with diversity.
There are over 500 species of hoyas, each offering unique foliage, flower shapes, and colours. Most of them are described as star-shaped flowers arranged in umbels. This doesn’t quite capture the wonder of them, though. Watch this time-lapse video of a hoya blooming:
3. Unique flowers with nectar production.
The star-shaped flowers of hoyas produce fragrant nectar – sometimes very fragarant – attracting pollinators like moths and ants in their native tropical and subtropical habitats. Some species have such strong scents that they are best appreciated in well-ventilated areas. They rely on specific pollinators and employ a unique pollination strategy involving their pollen being packed into “pollinia” (sticky pollen sacs). These are transferred to other flowers by insects like moths.
4. Wait…pollinia?
That’s right. Pollinia are found in only a few plant families, including hoyas and orchids. These masses of pollen grains are bound together by a waxy substance and attached to a corpusculum – a small, sticky disc. The corpusculum sticks to a pollinator, like a moth or bird, and un-sticks when the creature gets to a compatible flower, and only a compatible flower. The compatible flower and pollinia fit together in an intricate way, or the compatible flower emits a specific chemical signal that triggers the release of the pollen. Nature is so cool!
5. Hoyas as houseplants
Hoyas thrive in bright, indirect light but can tolerate some direct sunlight, especially in the morning. They prefer well-draining soil, such as a mix designed for orchids or succulents, to prevent root rot. The soil needs to dry out between waterings, as hoyas are drought-tolerant and dislike overly wet conditions, though they do like plenty of humidity. They also thrive outdoors through the summer, out of direct sunlight.
6. Hoyas benefit from being root-bound.
Unlike many houseplants, hoyas often prefer being slightly root-bound. This characteristic encourages flowering, which is why hoyas a favourite for small pots or hanging baskets.
7. Some species can live for decades.
With proper care, hoyas can live for decades, often becoming heirloom plants passed through generations. They are known to thrive even in the same pot for years without repotting. They also bounce back from suboptimal conditions; when stressed by insufficient light or water, they go dormant.
8. Reviving a hoya.
If a hoya has been in low light or drought, reintroduce water and brighter light slowly to avoid shock. Trim back dead leaves and stems. Increase the humidity. And if you’ve overwatered it, replant it in fresh, well-draining soil, trimming damaged roots as you do so.
9. Soothing your skin.
Some species, like Hoya lacunosa, are used in traditional medicine in Southeast Asia. Extracts are believed to have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial benefits.
10. But can you eat it?
Hoyas might be edible, but not many people eat them. While hoya nectar might be harmless to taste, most species, including Hoya lacunosa, are valued more for their ornamental beauty and topical benefits than for any edible or culinary purposes. Nonetheless, some plant owners report that the nectar tastes sweet and floral.
