How to Grow and Care for Hoya Obovata

Hoyas are extremely popular houseplants and for good reason. These attractive trailing plants are characterized by thick, waxy leaves and long tendrils. They make fantastic hanging plants, but can also easily climb trellises and moss poles. Hoyas are semi-succulent epiphytic plants—they naturally pull nutrients and moisture from the air, and their thick leaves hold water similar to succulents. This makes them drought-tolerant, and, overall, relatively easy to care for.

Hoya obovata is a unique variety that is identified by its large, deep green oval leaves that often have a silver ‘splash’ pattern. It is typically harder to find than the more common Hoya carnosa but is known for being a faster-growing variety. Its unique appearance makes it sought after by collectors and beginners alike.

Hoya Obovata Care

Hoya obovata requires very little ongoing care and maintenance. They do best in bright, sunny windows and require infrequent watering. One important aspect of hoya care is proper fertilization—these fast-growing foliage plants benefit from regular fertilization during the spring and summer months to keep their growth healthy and full. 

While they are typically not grown for their blooms (they usually don’t bloom until they are at least two to three years old), hoya flowers are quite stunning and fragrant if you are lucky enough to see them. If your hoya does bloom, do not dead-head the flower stalk as the hoya will bloom again from the same stalk within the next couple of years.

Light

Hoya obovatas require consistently bright light to thrive. In their natural habitat, they grow up among trees and receive bright, dappled light.

If they are grown outdoors, keep the plants away from harsh, direct rays to prevent sunburn. When grown indoors, place your hoya obovata in the brightest location that you have. A sunny south-facing window is ideal.

Soil

Airy, well-draining soil mixes are best for hoya obovata plants because the roots require good drainage and aeration. A mix of peat, perlite, and orchid bark is popular for hoyas to provide adequate drainage and room for the roots. Alternatively, use a mix of potting soil, pumice, compost, and orchid bark. 

Water

Hoya obovatas are very sensitive to overwatering and should be allowed to dry out thoroughly between waterings. The frequency of watering for your hoya obovata depends on a variety of factors such as the amount of light it receives, the type of pot (plastic, ceramic, terracotta), the potting mixture, and the season. Wait until the soil has dried out and then water thoroughly. In the fall and winter months, reduce the amount of water while the plant is in dormancy.

Temperature and Humidity

Since they are epiphytic, hoya obovatas appreciate humidity and/or regular misting. However, this is not a requirement and hoyas can typically thrive in regular household temperatures and humidity levels.

Avoid placing your hoya obovata too close to fans, heat vents, or drafty windows to ensure they are not exposed to any extreme temperatures.

Fertilizer

Hoya obovatas are fast-growing plants that require regular fertilization during the spring and summer to help support their growth.

To encourage foliage growth, use a fertilizer that is high in nitrogen. If you notice that your hoya is about to bloom, switch to a fertilizer that is higher in phosphorus to encourage vigorous blooming.

Hoyas should be fertilized approximately twice a month during the spring and summer seasons.

Propagating Hoya Obovata

Hoyas are easy to propagate in soil or water. Simply take cuttings from a healthy Hoya obovata plant, remove the lower leaves from the stem, and place the exposed nodes in water or soil. The nodes can be found at the spots where the leaves grow from the stem. If you are propagating in soil, keep the soil moist until the new plant is established. 

Potting and Repotting Hoya Obovata

Hoya obovata does not require regular repotting and can tolerate being slightly rootbound. Rootbound hoya plants are more likely to bloom. Repotting your hoya obovata every two to three years should suffice.

These trailing plants do well in a variety of different pots, but the pot must have a drainage hole at the bottom to prevent waterlogged soil and root rot.

Terracotta pots tend to be a popular choice for hoya obovata plants because the weight of the pot helps to offset the weight of the plant as it matures, but any type of pot with adequate drainage is appropriate.

Common Pests and Plant Diseases

Hoyas are susceptible to a range of common ‘sap-sucking’ houseplant pests including aphids, mealybugs, scale, and spider mites. They are also susceptible to a disease called sooty mold which grows on sweet, sappy residues on the leaves.

The best way to avoid sooty mold on your hoya obovata is to clean the leaves regularly with a damp cloth to ensure that any sap that leaks onto the leaves is not left there for extended periods.