Hoyas are one of the plants I never even consider leaving outdoors once winter approaches. I’ve learned that no matter how hardy they seem the rest of the year, cold weather is not something they tolerate well. Indoors, though, they’re some of the most rewarding plants I grow, especially when their vines stay glossy and their flowers don’t drop.
Winter care for hoyas isn’t complicated, but it does require paying attention to a few key details that make a big difference over several months.
Why hoyas belong indoors in winter
Hoyas are tropical plants by nature. In warm climates, they thrive outdoors, but once temperatures dip, they struggle fast.
From my experience, these are non-negotiable in winter:
- Temperatures above 60°F
- No cold drafts
- No exposure to chilly window glass
Even brief cold stress can stall growth or cause leaf drop, so I treat hoyas as indoor-only plants during the colder months.
Light placement that works for me
Hoyas like light, but not harsh light. I’ve found that bright, indirect light keeps them stable without stressing the leaves.
My go-to placements:
- Near east-facing windows
- A few feet back from south- or west-facing windows
- Anywhere that gets strong daylight without direct sun hitting the leaves
Direct winter sun through glass can still be intense, so I watch how the light moves throughout the day.
Temperature stability matters more than warmth
Warmth is important, but consistency matters just as much.
I avoid placing hoyas:
- Near drafty windows
- Close to exterior doors
- Under heating vents
Sudden temperature changes seem to bother them more than steady, slightly cooler conditions.
The balance I keep between water and humidity
This is where hoyas can feel a little contradictory.
In winter, I water less, not more. Growth slows, and soggy soil is the fastest way to lose flowers or damage roots.
My winter watering approach:
- Water only when the soil is mostly dry
- Keep the soil lightly moist, never wet
- Let excess water drain completely
At the same time, I increase humidity.
How I handle humidity for hoyas
Hoyas love humid air, even in winter. Indoor heating dries the air out quickly, and that’s when I start seeing dull leaves or stalled growth.
What works best for me:
- A room humidifier set to moderate levels
- Occasional light misting with room-temperature water
- Keeping plants grouped together when possible
A humidifier has been the most consistent solution. It keeps the air comfortable for me while giving the plants what they need.
What winter success looks like
When I get winter care right, my hoyas:
- Hold onto their leaves
- Keep vines firm and flexible
- Avoid bud drop
- Resume growth easily in spring
They don’t grow much in winter, and that’s fine. The goal is to maintain health, not push growth.
Why I don’t overthink hoya winter care
Hoyas don’t need constant attention, but they do need the right environment. Once light, temperature, and humidity are dialed in, they’re surprisingly low effort. For me, winter is about protecting what’s already there so the plant is ready to thrive once warmer months return.
If your hoyas struggle every winter, it’s rarely about fertilizer or watering schedules. It’s almost always about cold air and dry indoor conditions.
