Hoya Longifolia Care

Identification

Genus	Hoya
Origin	China, Himalaya, Nicobar Islands
Light	Bright light
Watering Frequency	Allow soil to dry completely between waterings
Toxicity	Non-Toxic

Characteristics

Hoya longifolia is the botanical name of the common named Hoya shepherdii. They are known for their long stems and thin, green-bean-like leaves. Other common names for the Hoya longifolia are the wax plant, string bean hoya, shepherd’s hoya, and porcelain flower.

Origin and Indoor Environment

Hoya longifolia is part of the Hoya genus, and as such its care guide is generally the same. Native to China, Himalaya, and the Nicobar Islands, Hoya longifolia prefers bright light, infrequent waterings, and a well-draining potting mix.

As these plants grow epiphytically in their natural environments – using trees and branches to support upward growth – the Hoya longifolia may also benefit from a trellis to climb on to when grown indoors.

Lighting Needs

Like other Hoyas, Hoya longifolia prefers bright indirect sunlight and dappled shade conditions. We recommend placing your Hoya longifolia in east, west, and a few feet away from south-facing windows.

If you are concerned about your home’s lighting conditions, you can always purchase a grow light to meet your Hoya’s lighting needs.

Watering Frequency

Overwatering will lead to the Hoya longifolia’s demise (root rot). These plants prefer having their soil dry out completely in between waterings. If you’re someone with a heavier watering hand, we recommend developing a watering schedule for your Hoya longifolia. However, do keep in mind that schedules will change from season to season – the spring and summer months may require more frequent waterings in comparison to the fall and winter months.

Alternatively, you can use a moisture meter to check how wet the potting mix is, or simply stick your finger into the pot. If the top 2 inches of soil are dry then it is probably a good time to water.

Potting Mix, Soil, and Fertilization

Hoya longifolia prefers to be root bound, but once it outgrows its pot we recommend repotting with a well-draining, chunky potting mix in a pot with a drainage hole to avoid dealing with root rot.

If you’re concerned about nutrients, typically the potting mix your Hoya came in is equipped with the nutrients it will need for a few months. However, using a nitrogen-rich fertilizer in the growing season can encourage new growth.

Hoya Longifolia Blooms

Hoyas are well-known for their beautiful blooms and the Hoya longifolia is no different when it comes to producing beautiful, star-shaped flowers.

The Hoya longifolia is capable of producing wide clusters of sweet-scented, star-shaped, white, or pink flowers. To promote the likelihood of Hoya longifolia blooms from occurring, we recommend ensuring that it is in the right growing conditions i.e. bright indirect light, infrequent watering, and well-draining potting mix.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you propagate Hoya longifolia?

Propagate your Hoya longifolia by taking a cutting with at least 2 nodes and removing the leaves from the bottom node. Place the cutting in water and wait for the roots to grow at least an inch before potting it up in the soil. Be sure to replenish the water weekly.

How do I get my Hoya to flower?

Making sure that your Hoya is in the right growing conditions will increase the likelihood of your plant from flowering. Placing your Hoya in bright (indirect) light, well-draining potting mix, and only watering when the soil has dried out will make for a happy Hoya – who might be more willing to bloom.