Hoya wayetii is native to the Philippines and is from the Asclepiadaceae family. It is often grown in hanging baskets because of its trailing growth pattern. It is easy to care for, like most Hoya plants, preferring warm and humid environments.
Hoya Wayetii Appearance
These Hoya plants grow trailing vines up to 3 feet (1 m) long. The thick leaves grow 5 inches (12.7 cm) long and are deep green with red edges. The more sun exposure, the more red appears on the leaves.
Hoya wayetii produces mauve-colored flowers growing in clusters. This plant’s blooms are known for their strong, sweet fragrance. This Hoya plant may not bloom every year and often takes up to three years to commence blooming.
Hoya Wayetii Light Requirements
Place this Hoya plant in indirect sunlight near a sunny window. It requires more sun than other Hoyas, so choose a south-facing window if possible. It should be exposed to a minimum of six hours per day, or 70 to 90 percent of daylight hours. Increased light exposure encourages frequent blooming.
Watering and Soil
Let the top three inches of the plant’s soil dry before watering. Do not let excess water remain in the pot’s drip tray or root rot may set in. A humidity level of 60 to 80 percent is preferred to encourage optimal growth.
This Hoya plant needs loose, airy soil. Use a potting mix amended with perlite and bark to encourage good drainage. Pot selection can affect soil moisture levels. Clay or terra cotta pots allow wicking, reducing the chance of waterlogged roots. Hanging plants should be placed in a basket, instead of plastic, to encourage air flow, prevent overwatering, and create healthy roots.
Temperature and Humidity
Hoya wayetii prefers temperatures of between 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (15.5 to 29.4 Celsius) during the day. These temperatures will encourage better growth during spring and summer. Extended exposure to temperatures 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 Celsius) or lower will cause the plant to become dormant or damaged.
Keep the humidity level of your home between 60 and 80 percent for optimal growth. To supplement lower humidity, place the plant’s pot on top of a tray filled with gravel and water. Do not let the roots touch the water to prevent root rot.
Pruning and Propagation
Hoya wayetii requires pruning only when it becomes unruly, has unhealthy vines, or to encourage bushier growth. Prune the plant in spring before vigorous growth starts.
Snip below a node and don’t remove more than one third of the foliage at a time. Any leafless stems, called spurs, should remain intact. The Hoya plant blooms from these each year.
Propagate a new Hoya wayetii by taking a cutting from a mature, healthy stem of the mother plant. Snip below a node with one or two leaves attached to a length of 4 to 5 inches (10 to 13 cm).
Fill a glass with water and place the cutting inside so the bottom of the node is immersed. Roots will appear within three to four weeks. Transfer the rooted cuttings to a soil-filled pot and cover the roots. Plant two cuttings in the same pot for a bushier plant.
Hoya Wayetii Pests and Disease
Pests
The fungus gnat is a common pest infestation in these Hoya plants. The fly-like insect crawls on the soil’s surface but is mostly a nuisance and doesn’t hurt the plant. They are attracted to fungus in soils containing peat. Sprinkle cinnamon onto the surface of your soil to kill the fungus and discourage the gnats.
Rid your plant of white, fuzzy insects called mealy bugs by placing your plant in the shower and spraying it vigorously with water to remove the bugs. Use horticultural oil or neem oil, as directed, repeating the treatment weekly for one month. Quarantine this plant from other Hoya plants until the infestation is gone to avoid spread.
Disease
Fungal infections are caused by too much water and not enough air flow around your Hoya wayetii. Using this plant as an outdoor ground cover may also result in fungus. Prune affected leaves for a quick fix. If the problem persists, take the plant outside and spray, as directed, with a fungicide for houseplants.
Hoya wayetii is a more readily available variety of Hoya plants. Its two-tone leaf coloring and unique, mauve flowers make it a popular choice as it stands out from other species. Enjoy its strong fragrance and beauty by adding it to your houseplant collection.
In a rush? Here are 10 Hoya varieties for beginners to discover:
Hoya Linearis
Hoya Wayetii FAQ
No. Like all Hoya varieties, it is not considered toxic to pets or humans.
The fragrance of this Hoya plant is described as sweet and resembling butterscotch.
The parts of the plant’s stem that produce flowers are called the pedicel and peduncle. The pedicel of the Hoya kentiana is pink and the pedicel of the Hoya wayetii is green.
