Hoyas are native to the jungle climates of East Asia and parts of Australia. In these climates, Hoya is semi-epiphytic and grows attached to host plants, receiving all its nutrients and moisture from the atmosphere. Growing Hoyas as a houseplant is very easy to do when the basic needs of light, water, and air are provided. Outdoors, Hoyas thrive in filtered direct sunlight. Dappled shade at the hottest part of the day helps the plants to remain cool yet receive enough light for vigorous growth and flowering. Providing the same light levels indoors is crucial if you want to grow a Hoya as a houseplant. The light inside a house may not seem less bright than outdoors to our eyes, but plants require higher light levels indoors. A spot with bright indirect light is perfect for Hoya to grow.
Best Rooms To Grow Hoya
Along with bright filtered or indirect light, Hoyas require consistently high levels of humidity. Rooms that are naturally humid such as bathrooms and kitchens with an east or west-facing window are ideal. South-facing windows can be used also as long as the light is filtered by curtains or the plant is placed on either side of the window. If there is a wall directly opposite a south-facing window, this is also a great spot for Hoya to live.
Providing Supplemental Sunlight To Hoya
Low light levels in a house without a bright exposure will not bother Hoya much. The growth may be slower and flowering will be suspended, but there is less need for watering and fertilizing while Hoya is in a moderate or low light setting. A broad spectrum grow light can be used in the winter months, when light is less available. LED lights or fluorescent t-5 bulbs work beautifully and are energy efficient, an advantage since the lights will need to be on for up to 12 hours a day.
Sunlight Needed For Growing Hoya Outdoors
Hoya growing on your patio or deck for the summer will need lower-intensity light as well as a period of adjustment between indoor growing and outdoor life. The first step in acclimatizing Hoya successfully is to place the plant in a shady, protected spot for about a week to 10 days after the nighttime temperatures are above 50f. This shady location protects Hoya from getting scorched or bleached out in too bright of light. The final position for Hoya should be a partially sunny spot with protection from the sun during the hottest part of the day.
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Author Robbin Small - Published 4-05-2023 |