Hoya Kentiana Plant Care

Did you know that this plant makes a fantastic houseplant? It’s because it requires a little maintenance, and that is what people like the most. Right?

The wax plant belongs to the family of hoyas. It has string bean-like blades that are slender, dark green, and almost “bent” along the length of the leaf. The blossoms are fluffy balls with a darker crown and reddish lilac backward bend petals. The Hoya kentiana is a night flowering species pollinated by night critters such as bats and moths drawn to the sweet, sugary-scented nectar.

If you want this indoor plant to be added to your collection, read below to find out more! The following table gives us basic information about the rare Hoya kentiana.

Hoya Kentiana care card

Hoya kentiana Care Basics

hoya kentiana plant

The Hoya kentiana should be given appropriate care. Complete knowledge on the Hoya kentiana care guides the gardeners on providing the plant an excellent growing condition. The following are the care tips on how to properly take care of your hoya:

Soil Requirement

potting mix soil

orchid bark

The soil requirement of the hoya plant is a well-drained mix that is very chunky and high in organic materials such as peat moss, orchid bark, perlite, vermiculite, etc. These organic materials help create a porous soil structure providing good drainage and air packets for oxygen.

You can buy a well-draining, peat, or moss-based potting mix that is ready to use. You may also create your own mixture.

How often should water them?

Only a low to medium amount of water is required by the Hoya kentiana. Therefore, there’s no need to frequently water the plant.

The amount of water should be adjusted depending on the season. During late spring to early summer (spring and summer), your hoya needs a medium amount of water. Plants easily lose moisture during hot seasons. It’s considered to be the growing season of the plant that’s why water is most needed.

On the other hand, lesser water should be given to the plant every fall and winter period. The plant is in a dormant state during these seasons. They don’t actually need that much water to survive during cold seasons.

Avoid underwatering or overwatering your hoya to prevent further complications. It is important to let the soil dry first before watering the plant once again.

How much light does the kentiana needs?

plant lighting requirement

Hoya kentiana loves bright indirect light. Filtered sunlight is most preferable so make sure to put the plant in locations near the east-facing window, filtered plant nursery, or a partially shaded area in the garden.

Full sun can cause the hoya plants to scorch their leaves. So, avoid direct exposure to strong light intensities. Keep the plant shaded especially during summer where sunlight shines the brightest.

Your hoya wouldn’t want a low light condition either. A fully shaded room is the worst place for the plant. If the light is lacking, you may provide artificial light sources.

Temperature Requirement

The Hoya kentiana is known to be a tropical plant. This is why it could only best thrive and tolerate conditions where the temperature is at 15-30 degress Celsius (59-86 degrees Fahrenheit ). This recommended temperature range is ideal for the plant to survive and thrive well in the area where it was planted.

Temperatures above and beyond the range can result in complications due to stress on the Hoya kentiana. However, there are ways to cope with sudden rise and fall in temperatures. If the temperature goes too high, consider placing the hoya plant in a temporary place where it’s warmer.

The Hoya kentiana is best to be placed outdoors during the summer and spring seasons. On the other hand, it is best placed indoors during the winter and fall seasons.

Humidity Requirement

High humidity is preferred by hoya plants including kentiana. This is the normal requirement for tropical plants. They thrive best when the moisture level in the air is high.

A medium level of humidity is also tolerable and the plant can still survive. However, a low humidity level is a big no, no. Your hoya will certainly be unhappy with this condition.

To ensure a consistent and higher humidity level, you can use various techniques and methods. You may use a humidifier, a pebble tray, or a mist spray. Either of these methods would help raise the moisture in the air around your hoya.

How often do we fertilize them?

The Hoya kentiana is primarily a foliage plant. Therefore, it requires fertilizer that’s higher in nitrogen content. You can use a houseplant fertilizer with 2:1:2 or 3:1:2 NPK. This will encourage the growth of foliage.

You can fertilize the plant every month during the summer and spring seasons. During these times, the plant is actively growing and would certainly need a steady supply of nutrients. However, during winter you must refrain from giving fertilizers. This is a dormant season so plants are typically at rest.

Whether you are using organic or synthetic fertilizer, we recommend that you dilute its concentration to half. This will prevent fertilizer burns.

How to propagate these vining plants?

This hoya species produce amazing star-shaped flowers. And we know this is one reason why you’d like to multiply your kentiana plants. The best way to do this is by means of stem cuttings.

Below is the step-by-step process of propagating a hoya plant:

  1. Always choose healthy cuttings free of pests and disease since this will provide you with a solid starting point.
  2. At least two nodes should be clipped below your cutting.
  3. Put some rooting hormone on the stem of your cutting. Because Hoya kentiana plants are more succulent, they should root easily. However, a rooting hormone will speed up the process.
  4. Pot it in a soil mix that is a little heavier in organic material than the one an adult plant would grow.
  5. Make the environment hot and humid. Throughout the day, aim for a constant temperature of 70°F (21°C) or above.
  6. Set them in a bright indirect light spot for a time and spray them frequently. The shift in humidity and temperature will cause the cuttings to adjust slowly. Give them some time and affection, and they’ll soon be awakened.

Growth Zone

hoya kentiana growth zone

USDA Hardiness Zones 9-11 are best suited for growing kentiana plants. This species can actually grow up to 20 inches or more, depending on how favorable the growing conditions are. If you’re living in areas under these growth zones, then, there’s a high chance of success in growing hoya plants.

Potting

Any pots will do for the kentiana plants, except too small or too big sizes. The important thing is that the roots have enough breathing room and will not easily get root bound within the pot. The container should have enough drainage holes.

You can repot your wax plant every two years. This will encourage new growth of

Hoya Kentiana Varieties and Similar Plants

There are approximately 300-450 species of hoya plants. One of which is the Hoya kentiana. Here are some of the examples of species or varieties of hoya that have a bit similarity to the Hoya kentiana:

Hoya carnosa

The primary (green) form of Hoya carnosa is less common than many of its excellent hybrids (of which there is a ridiculous number). The foliage can be plain, variegated, crinkled, or otherwise textured. The blooms are long-lasting, fuzzy clusters of fragrant stars.

Hoya pubicalyx

hoya pubicalyx plant

Pubicalyx is a hardy twining vine that can trail or climb, but it’s a little unruly: you may spend time unwinding the outdoor plant from its neighbors. It’s one of the fastest-growing Hoyas and very easy to propagate – just put a cutting in water.

Hoya kerrii

hoya kerrii plant

This plants, otherwise known as a Sweetheart Hoya or Lucky Heart, is commonly sold as a single, heart-shaped leaf planted in a small pot. The bright emerald green color of the cute, rounded leaves makes them popular St. Valentine’s Day gifts.

Hoya macrophylla

This large, rambling species is prized most especially for its waxy, light green, vein-patterned foliage. Their pointed oval leaves have an interesting 3-D texture. Prominent pale veins run longitudinally across a network of horizontally laid smaller veins.

Hoya Kentiana Diseases & Pests

Occasionally, you’ll encounter problems while caring for your kentiana plants. Some of them are simple to catch and handle, while others are more devious. Here are the common issues that your hoya may possibly encounter:

Pests

  • Mites can build microscopic webs on your plant’s leaves and feed on its juices. The plant will wilt or drop its leaves as a result of this. It can also cause yellowing of the foliage. Spray the plant with water to remove the webs and spiders or apply neem oil to cure the problem.
  • Mealybugs and aphids can be easily identified and eradicated by hosing water down the plant or wiping it down with an alcohol-soaked cotton ball.
  • Thrips are the most challenging pests to deal with when it comes to Hoya kentiana. They are thin and black, and they cause the leaves to turn pale or brown. They also drive fresh foliage or flowers growth to be stunted. Use a powerful insecticide as directed on the packaging for these hoya plants.

Diseases

Root rot is the most frequent and deadly disease that Hoya kentiana may encounter. This is caused by fungus that grows around the roots (and, in more severe cases, the stem) and prevents them from getting enough oxygen to thrive. To avoid this, remove the plant from the pot and separate the soil from the roots with your fingers. To prevent another infection, repot the plant in fresh soil and a clean container.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hoya wayetti plant features medium green leaves that are shorter and thicker, with a dark border down the edge. It resembles the shape of a small boat. Hoya kentiana, on the other hand, has thinner and more pointed leaves. The flowers that bloom of Hoya kentiana is similar to those of Hoya wayetii, however, the corona shape differs slightly.

Hoya kentiana also grew incredibly well and it will do well as a hanging basket plant in a window, implying that no extra attention is necessary

With its unusual and exquisite leaves and flowers, Hoya kentiana ‘Variegata’ is a rare vine. The variegated cultivar makes the plant appear more exotic.

Hoyas have a reputation for being slow growers. While this isn’t always the case, it does require a consistent and stable environment to have a pleasant growth and development. Any rapid change in water, humidity, or temperature, as well as any other stress, could cause these hoya plants to go into partial dormancy, halting their growth for weeks or even months.

As a response, it is not encouraged that you move the plant around your house too much, or that you place it in a high-traffic location such as a hallway, or that you place it near drafts or unexpected temperature and light fluctuations.

It is good to look for local sellers so that you can personally examine the plant. But online transactions are a great alternative especially during this time of the pandemic. And one of which is Plantly. We are now offering Hoya kentiana in our marketplace! Contact us now!

Whether you want to buy, sell or simply reach out to other plant enthusiasts, Plantly is the right place to be!

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