Hoya Retusa Care- Save yours- 9 effective steps

Why are you worried about your hoya retusa care? Maybe you own a beautiful hoya retusa recently. This lovely plant is very unlike and unusual hoya which is called grass-leafed hoya because of its thin, narrow, long foliage.

It is a cool growing hoya. Its leaf and flower make a difference from other Hoya. The leaf is cylindrical in shape and 5 inches long when the leaf is totally grown.

It is also called a wax plant because it blooms wax-like, star-shaped, white with purple center flowers. The flower gives a lemon-like fragrance. Sometimes it is called a porcelain plant.
It grows both indoors and outdoor. Hoya retusa originated from India. It was named by the botanist R. Brown. For its flat-leaf, anyone can use a hanging basket or pot.
It can survive in synthetic light and low light conditions. Hoya retusa can help to purify the air. It is a low-maintenance plant so anybody can manage it without difficulty. It takes 60 days to grow up properly and look amazing from a baby plant.

Hoya Retusa Care Overview

Hoya Retusa Care (Step by step guide)

Though  Taking care of Hoya retusa is not tough, there are some facts we have to consider. Sometimes it doesn’t bloom in several conditions.

So here we will give you all the things about Hoya retusa care. And also give the answer to the frequently asked questions. 

Now let’s dive into our topic “Hoya Retusa care”.

How Much Light Does Hoya Retusa Need?

Ok, then firstly we’ll know about the light.

Hoya retusa light depends on the place where you live because it likes indirect sunlight.

 If you live in a cloud-covered area then you can place it in direct sunlight. But in the sunshine area then you should be careful about locating it. Direct sunlight can harm your hoya retusa.

The sign of getting direct light is a browning and twining leaf. Sometimes it may start to burn.  In this case, you should locate them in some place where shade is ideal. It might be south or east window.

 There is an advantage of Hoya Retusa, it can grow in artificial light. It also can bloom in low light. That’s why you shouldn’t be worried about locating it in your room. But be careful about the direct sunlight. 

To avoid direct sunlight you can induce any form of a screen that conserves it.

Does Hoya Retusa Give Flower Regularly?

 Hoya is a very different type of indoor plant. Because your lovely Hoya blooms. And the most beautiful Hoya Retusa gives you a single flower, not in a bunch.

Actually, the flower comes and goes into a  healthy plant. Though it blooms in the spring and summer season beautifully. It is also fragrant. it is lemon-like fragrant. 

The flower is star-shaped and the star is 5 points.  The color is white but in the center, there is purple color. There are some reasons it doesn’t bloom.

with perfect care, it blooms in the blooming time. for some reason, it doesn’t bloom in time.

•  When it doesn’t get the bright light.
• when its humidity is not in control.
• when you don’t provide enough water or give more water.
•  And keep it in your mind to feed your Hoya and boost its health. phosphorus is always a good option for  blooming a Hoya retusa.
• set your Hoya in an exact location Don’t move your Hoya frequently.
• Don’t fluctuate the temperature.

Those are the requirement for your Hoya Retusa blooming.

How Much Temperature Does Hoya Retusa Need?

This pretty hoya retusa blooms at night most of the time. So they love low and stable temperatures.

The temperature fluctuations aren’t suitable for them because their native is a tropical area. Don’t place them in some areas where temperature fluctuated. Because this fluctuation gives them stress. 

The fluctuation area might be near air conditioning or any fireplace like heater or cooker. But when you live in a cold area you should place them in a warmer spot.

They bloom at 50 degrees Fahrenheit to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.  They can undergo a few lower or higher. So this temperature is perfect for them.

 When you see the leaves are brown and have no blooms or curling, it’s a sign of fluctuating temperature. You can measure temperature manually by using this device, which can also measure humidity.

Always, keep in mind to spot them at a constant temperature. If your room temperature is sustained then it’s ok.

What is the perfect humidity for Hoya Retusa?

Hoya retusa loves medium humidity. Their native allows them for that. The 40% humidity is perfect when you grow them indoors. They can cope in the home environment.

But if you find some unusual things like browning or shriveling then you should care about humidity. In summer humidity isn’t a big deal. In winter or drier days, it is not easy to balance humidity. 

You can use a humidity meter to check humidity.

In that case, we can follow some points.

• You can make bunches of plants and put them close to each other. Because when plants grow they release water. And make a healthy environment. (But remember, constant air circulation is the first requirement for that. So that can level humidity.)
• Secondly, you can use a humidifier. I suggest this one below “ Levoit” It will remove most humidity in winter and in summer days work as inverse. Also it is not so costly.

• You can use a pebble water tray for moisture. And set the tray near to your plant. You can use more trays if needed.
• If those options do not work so well then you should try this easiest option. Place it in your bathroom. The water in the bathroom can give the right humidity.

Which type of soil is best for my Hoya Retusa?

Hoya retusa, this lovely plant needs well-draining soil. In these types of plants, we face root rot problems. Pulling water causes root rot problems. That’s why we need new draining.

So let’s take a look at draining.

First, you make a mixture of-

1. Peat or coco coir or orchid mix (Check amazon)
2. Cactus soil (Check amazon)
3. Perlite or coarse sand. (Check amazon)

Take the equal portion of these three things. Those three things are pretty good for well-draining.

Though First you can just use peat for well-draining. If you are facing any problem with soil then use perlite. You can also use a little bit of growing mix.

But in an equal portion of the mixture, those three things are the best. For draining better you can use some pebbles in the bottom of the pot.

Let’s know about the pH for Hoya retusa.

They prefer the 6-7 pH which is neutral. So remember about the peat ratio.

And the last thing you should care about is cleanliness. What you mix for well-draining make sure that those are clean. Otherwise, It damages your plant.

Hoya Retusa Watering Guide

 The water necessity is as ordinary as other plants. Don’t water it so heavily. They are very sensitive to overwatering. 

Adjust to light so you can water your plants. When they get more light, you should water more. On summer days water the plant twice or thrice a week.  In winter watering at once a week. Because in winter the soil doesn’t dry fast. 

When you find the surface of the soil is dry 3 or 4 inches you water the plant. Because of the root rot problem, you should be careful about pooling water.

Always Give the right amount of water that doesn’t make the soil soggy but moisten the soil. And make sure that giving water freely drifts into the soil. 

The amount depends on three things.

• One is which size of pot you use. Big pots prefer much water. Try to use a small pot.
• Next  the other is which kind of substrate is used in soil. And check the consistency of your soil. Lighter potting soil is the best. 
• Another is where you place your plant because of the light. 

To avoid any fungus attack water your plant in the morning. Sometimes if you give much water that water can evaporate in a full day. So don’t water your plant at night. And try to give water as early as possible you can.

The last thing is, don’t give cold water. The cold water gives them a shock. Try to give room temperature water. For room temperature water you can use tap water but set it for overnight. Otherwise, you can use distilled or sterilized water.  Aquarium water is also good.

Does Hoya Retusa Need Regular Fertilizing?

Hoya retusa is not hungry for fertilizer. Their nutritional requirements are very few.

Actually, in colder days of winter, they don’t need fertilizer.

In the growing season (at the end of spring) you can start fertilizer once a month until the summer ends.

In fertilizer, you can use the regular fertilizer or dilute. Water-soluble fertilizer is pretty good for hoya retusa. Organic fertilizer must be recommended. You can try this liquid one.

You can also use your own made organic fertilizer mix. Use coffee grounds and tea to make your fertilizer mixture.

Use those kinds of fertilizers mixed with water when you water your plant. But Don’t make it too strong to burn hoya’s root.

In the starting, you can use half-strength dilution.

Though Huge fertilizer can be a cause of root burn Always give a balanced fertilizer. If you don’t find any improvement in growth take a look at fertilizer.

How to Repot Hoya Retusa?

 Hoya Retusa requires repotting at the growing season. You can re-pot your Hoya every two years. But if you find some sign which indicates you have to repot your Hoya retusa, then repotting them once in a year.

The signs may be:

• Roots are bounding  in the planter.
• The stunted growth.
• Require more water that means dry out more quickly than normal.

When you repot it ensures that your new pot has many drainage holes because they have a root rot problem. And  Increase the pot size by 2 or 3 inches. If you increase it too much it can be a killer for your plant.

You can follow the steps:

• Firstly you  water them in the previous planter.
• Then loosen the roots softly using your hand.
• Unbind their roots gently and shake away excess soil .
• In the new pot you  mix some new soil, you can  use the  old with a little  extra new soil. Fresh soil will boost the nutrient.
• And then set the plant in the center of the new planter.

A  lot of soil packs can hamper your plant. Always use the clean things that you use in the repotting.

Then water your plant lightly so that it can settle in its new home.

How to Propagate Hoya Retusa Step by Step?

Hoya retusa is an asexual plant. So you have to propagate it by root or stem cutting. Stem tip cutting is quite easy.

Actually, the propagation of Hoya retusa is very simple. You should propagate in the growing season(spring is best)  because in winter they are sleeping.

For step tip cutting you have to follow some steps are  given below:

• First use a sharp knife or scissor or secateurs to cut a stem.
  You can use this knife especially for cutting the stem.
  Make sure that your knife is clean to avoid any disease. And cut the stem from the healthy plant.
  The cutting should be around 7 inches long. The cutting should be close to the roots and have at least two or three leaves. When you cut the stem, you can use a rooting hormone (Check Amazon) if you want. It’s not so important.

 Before going to the next step you have to know one thing is important. you can propagate your Hoya retusa in water or soil.

1. If you use soil you should water your new potting soil generously for moisten. you should wait a day for the best outcome.
2. If you use  water  just fill a jar or something else that is easy for you.The water must be distilled or sterilized water.
3. If you can’t do it then use normal water after letting it in a glass or jar for a night. I will prefer water because you can keep an eye on it.

•  Set the cutting in the water or moisten soil.If you place it in water then change it when it is fuzzy or once a week. Place the jar or pot in a warm place where indirect bright light is available till you  don’t see the root growth.

•  When you see the  new roots growing and it grows for 1  inches long,   you can transfer it. it’s  now ready to thrive. In water you can see the root growing or in potting soil you gently remove it and  check the root. Then transfer it in a pot with well draining soil.

•  The new baby plant is very vulnerable, so you should be very careful about that. roots develop in a month. Monitor it carefully for the next few months.  Don’t water it heavily that time. fertilize it Averagely. 

     After a few month, you will get a lovely Hoya retusa.

FAQs

Does Hoya Retusa Toxic to Cats and Dogs?

The toxicity should always be a concern of pet owners and those who have children in the house. The Hoya retusa contains milky latex which is toxic.

It causes severe allergic reactions when the leaf contacts the skin. The ingestion is quite harmful to pets as well as humans. 

So keep away your hoya retusa from your pet and kids.

Set your plant in any sight where pets can not reach or any remote place. 

Do Hoya Plant like direct sunlight?

 Hoyas don’t like direct sunlight. Don’t expose them to direct sunlight. make sure your Hoya can get 8-10 hours of indirect sunlight.

they always prefer the indirect bright light. always be careful about when you set them in any place. 

The direct sunlight makes spots on their leaves. Sometimes it causes sunburn. you should place it in those windows where direct sunlight doesn’t come.

A place about 4-5 feet from a bright window is enough. If you have any problems with this you can use a cover sheet.

What is the best fertilizer for Hoya Retusa?

Although they are not hungry babies, liquid-based fertilizer is best for Hoya retusa. Organic fertilizer is also good.

There is very exciting news if you can make your fertilizer. you can make it with coffee grounds or tea. You can use a fish fertilizer mixed with water.

Don’t use heavy fertilizer because it harms their roots. Remember that they don’t prefer fertilizer in the sleeping season(in winter).

fertilize your Hoya once a month in the growing season.

Can Hoya Retusa grow in low light?

 It’s maybe exciting news for an indoor plant lover that your pretty hoya can grow in low light. So you can place it anywhere in your home.

But be careful about the temperature. Low light doesn’t create any problem with blooming. But Don’t place it in any cool place.

How do I get my Hoya to flower?

They are blooming flowers when you maintain all the things they needed. The interesting thing is they bloom singly not in clusters.

•  Balanced fertilizer
•  Indirect bright light 
•  Water them gently  don’t pool it
•  Maintain the humidity

those things are required if you want the flower.

What time of year do Hoyas flower?

To see blooming Hoyas it’s amazing because of their most beautiful flower. It takes one year if you care for them properly and sometimes take a lot of time. 

So if you want them to bloom firstly take care of your Hoya follow the instructions which are given above. They bloom actually in the growing season. 

How often should I water my Hoya?

Hoya doesn’t like too much water and it is also harmful. You should water your Hoya retusa in the morning, not in the night.

Water your plant when the soil dries 2-3 inches at the top. always avoid overwatering which causes root rot problems. 

water your plant twice or thrice a week in the dry season. But in winter they prefer once a week.

Can you propagate Hoya from a leaf?

Hoya prefers to propagate by stem tip cutting, not leaf propagation. you can propagate your hoya in water or soil. 

So if you want to propagate your hoya retusa, I recommend stem tip cutting. It is a very easy process. 

Final Verdict

And that is everything about hoya retusa Care. I hope you’ve learned a little something about hoya retusa care. Or maybe you feel more equipped now to bring one into your own home. 

Did I miss anything?

Now I want to hear from you. Maybe I didn’t mention some of the points. Let me help to know by leaving comments.