hoya curtisii

Hoya Curtisii: The Little Wax Plant

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Nothing makes a statement quite like the Hoya curtisii, a low-maintenance and beautiful vining plant with star-shaped flowers. If you want to add a stunning tropical plant to your indoor or outdoor space, consider this one native to Asia. Read on to learn how to expertly care for this species!

Hoya Curtisii Overview

The Hoya curtisii plant is native to parts of tropical Asia, including the Philippines, Malaysia, and Thailand. This species is a member of the Hoya genus, named by the famed botanist Robert Brown after his dear friend T. Hoya, and has about 300 relatives in the group.

This tropical plant sports olive green succulent leaves shaped like spades and contrasting gray veining. The Hoya curtisii flower is tiny and star-shaped in white and light-pink shades that adorn the vines in clusters, adding to its charm.

This small leaf Hoya curtisii is also well-known by other nicknames, including the wax plant, porcelain flower, fung wax flower, and the hoya aloha. Other notable Hoya relatives include the Hoya kerrii, Hoya pachyclada, and the Hoya linearis.

Hoya kerrii: Also known as the “Reverse Variegata,” this plant is semi-succulent with gorgeous green heart-shaped leaves and yellow variegation.

Hoya pachyclada: The “Red Corona” Hoya plant is slow-growing with thick pointed leaves adorned with white petaled flowers with a red center.

Hoya linearis: This hoya relative displays hairy dark green leaves and stunning white flowers.

Botanical NameHoya curtisii
FamilyApocynaceae
GenusHoya
OriginMalaysia, the Philippines, and Thailand
Hoya Light RequirementsBright indirect light
WateringModerate
Hoya Soil MixWell draining and aerated
Temperature65-75 degrees Fahrenheit
PropagationStem cuttings
Re-PottingEvery three years
Pests and DiseasesAphids, fungus gnats, mealy bugs, spider mites, root rot
ToxicityNontoxic
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Hoya Curtisii Features

Hoya curtisii, also known as the porcelain flower or fung wax flower, are well known for their olive green spade-shaped leaves but also get these nicknames from their starry flowers. Since the Hoya curtisii is a tropical vining plant, it only grows to be two to three inches tall. However, once this height is reached, the vines begin to cascade and can grow about 20 inches long.

Once the plant reaches maturity, the leaves are about one to two inches wide. The creeping nature of these plants is what draws many to purchase them. They look beautiful with their unique leaves and white to star-shaped pinkish flowers. Another bonus to this species is that it is nontoxic.

Hoya Curtisii Care Guide

Caring for Hoya curtisii is easy once you get to know the requirements. Plants native to tropical areas enjoy warm temperatures, humidity, moderate watering, and bright light. During the growing season, give your Hoya curtisii plant some extra nutrients with fertilizer to help it grow.

Creeping vines like the Hoya aloha can successfully grow when planted in traditional pots, hanging baskets, and even terrariums under the right conditions. This versatility makes it a great addition to your houseplant collection.

Ideal Growing Place

The porcelain flower plant can grow indoors and outdoors under the right conditions. If you are growing this species outdoors, ensure your climate meets the right temperature, soil, and humidity requirements.

If you are planting indoors, this species successfully grows in pots and hanging baskets. With its long vines, it will be stunning to see the leaves and flowers cascade in your space.

The growing season of this porcelain flower plant is during the warm spring and summer months. This is the time where most growth occurs and is the best time to propagate. The colder fall and winter months bring dormancy to the plant.

Water

The Hoya curtisii plant thrives best when you keep the soil moist. On average, watering your plant about three times a week during the growing season is best. Simply place two fingers in the upper soil layers to see if your plant needs watering.

It is time to water if the soil is not moist but dry. An overwatered Hoya can lead to harmful root rot.

Sunlight

Many tropical plants like the Hoya curtisii require a lot of bright indirect sunlight. Too much direct sunlight can scorch their beautiful foliage. It is best to place your porcelain flower plant near a sunny window, but not in the sun’s direct light.

Temperature

An important aspect of Hoya curtisii care is the temperature to which the plant is exposed. The ideal temperature range for this species is 65-75 Fahrenheit. Due to this species’ tropical nature, it can tolerate higher temperatures but is extremely sensitive to temperatures that fall below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. If you are growing this plant outdoors, bring it inside if temperatures dip as this species is not winter hardy.

Soil

The best Hoya potting mix is well-draining soil that is also well aerated. Well draining soil is vital for this species, so the roots are not exposed to excess water. Be sure to plant your Hoya curtisii in a pot with drainage holes to let extra water escape. Adding perlite can be helpful with water drainage in the soil.

Humidity

The curtisii Hoya loves humid conditions both indoors and outdoors. Many tropical plants enjoy humidity levels around 70% but can also adapt to 50% humidity. If you live in a drier climate or have dry air indoors, consider using a humidifier or misting techniques to help give your plant some extra moisture.

Fertilizer

Giving your Hoya curtisii a liquid fertilizer during its growth season is important. When plants are growing faster, they need extra nutrients to support themselves. The best time to give your plant fertilizer is during the spring months, when growth starts to kick up.

Pinching/Pruning

The Hoya curtisii is more slow-growing than other hoyas, so pruning does not need to occur too often. However, if the vines of your plant are getting too long for your space, simply take sterilized shears and cut the desired length off the outermost vines.

Potting and Re-potting

As mentioned earlier, the Hoya curtisii has a slower growth rate. This also means that it must be repotted only every three years. When repotting, choose a new pot slightly larger than the original and fill it with fresh soil for your plant.

Growth Zone

The Hoya curtisii can successfully grow outdoors in warmer climates such as those found in the USDA Plant Hardiness Growth Zones 10-11. This area encompasses the southern states and west coast of the United States.

Common Pests, Toxins, Diseases & Other Problems

Like many houseplants, the Hoya curtisii can be affected by common pests such as aphids, mealy bugs, spider mites, and fungus gnats. However, these tiny insects can be treated with neem oil or insecticidal soap.

Another issue that can harm your Hoya aloha plant is root rot. This rotting occurs when excess water sits in the soil for too long. To avoid this, be careful not to overwater your plant and have well-draining soil present.

Hoya Propagation

How to propagate a Hoya plant: Stem cuttings are the most effective way to propagate the Hoya curtisii plant. To propagate this way, locate a stem area with one or more nodes beginning to show signs of rooting. Then, cut this stem area below the nodes and roots, ensuring the stem cutting is about three inches long. You can either place the cutting in water to propagate or in well-moistened soil and wait for root growth.

Hoya Curtisii Mature Timeline

Day 1-60: Hoya cuttings are placed in water or moist soil to encourage root growth. Roots are forming and growing out from the cutting.

Day 60+: Once roots are a few inches long, the cutting is now ready to be planted in fresh soil in a new pot. You can now provide Hoya curtisii care as recommended above.

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Hoya Curtisii Care FAQ

Is Hoya Curtisii a Fast Grower?

The Hoya curtisii is a slow-growing vining plant. Some benefits of this include not needing to prune or repot very often.

What Does Hoya Curtisii Smell Like?

Some report that the Hoya curtisii smells like citrus, fresh grass, and with age smelling more like melons.

Is Hoya Curtisii Rare?

Many species in the Hoya genus can be difficult to find, including the Hoya curtisii. The best way to find a Hoya curtisii for sale is to search for specialty plant stores or go online.

Are Hoya Curtisiis Toxic to Pets and Humans?

Hoya curtisii is a nontoxic plant and is generally safe around children and pets.

Is Hoya Curtisii Hard to Grow?

Hoya curtisii plants are well-known for being easy to care for. Their care requirements are easy to follow and make great indoor houseplants.

Does Hoya Curtisii Climb?

As a vining plant, the trailing Hoya curtisii can climb. In their natural habitat, they climb up trees. If you want to encourage climbing, consider using a moss pole for the plant to climb on.

Why Is My Hoya Curtisii Dying?

One common misstep people make when caring for plants is overwatering and incorrect lighting. If your leaves show signs of stress like yellowing and falling off, ensure you are watering correctly and placing your plant in the proper light.

The Bottom Line

Hoya curtisii plants are a wonderful tropical vine that provides lush color with their foliage and flowers. Now that you have read about the Hoya curtisii care requirements, you are ready to add this plant to your collection!

Last Updated on August 27, 2022 by Gustaf Johansson

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