Introduction
Fast-growing hoya plants are known for their versatility and low maintenance, hoyas are especially attractive to indoor gardeners eager to see visible growth in their plant collection. Hoyas, also known as “wax plants” due to their thick, shiny leaves, are becoming immensely popular for their unique aesthetics, hardy nature, and rapid growth in indoor environments. These climbing or trailing tropical plants are members of the Apocynaceae family, and while they hail from warmer regions, hoyas have found a home in living rooms, offices, and homes worldwide.
This article explores the world of fast-growing hoya plants, diving into some of the most popular species, as well as their care requirements, growth tips, and why they’re perfect for both beginners and experienced plant enthusiasts.
A Guide to the Popular Wax Plants Taking the Plant World by Storm
Here is a detailed guide to the popular wax plants taking the plant world by storm.
What Makes Hoyas Grow Fast?
Hoyas, when provided with ideal conditions, are known for their rapid growth and are often chosen for how quickly they fill up pots or drape gracefully from shelves and hanging baskets. Some species can grow up to a foot per season, especially with optimal light, watering, and soil conditions. Their vigorous growth rate can be attributed to their epiphytic nature, as many hoyas grow on trees in their natural habitats, making them naturally adaptable and resilient in various environments.
Essential Tips for Growing Hoyas Quickly
To encourage hoya plants to grow faster, keep these care tips in mind:
- Light: Hoyas thrive in bright, indirect sunlight, which promotes faster growth and healthier foliage. While they can tolerate low light, their growth will slow, and they’re unlikely to flower.
- Watering: Allow the soil to dry between waterings. Hoyas store water in their thick leaves, making them drought-tolerant. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so water sparingly but consistently.
- Humidity and Temperature: Hoyas love humidity, with optimal levels between 40-60%. For faster growth, place them in warmer rooms (around 65-80°F) and use a humidifier if needed.
- Soil: Choose a well-draining mix, ideally with orchid bark, peat, and perlite, to prevent soggy roots. This mix mimics their natural epiphytic habitat, promoting faster growth.
- Fertilizer: Use a balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season, typically in spring and summer, to boost growth.
Now, let’s explore some of the most popular and fast-growing hoya plan.
Top Fast-Growing Hoya Plants
1. Hoya carnosa
- Description: Hoya carnosa is one of the most well-known hoya varieties, characterized by its thick, waxy leaves and fragrant, star-shaped flowers that bloom in clusters. This species has several cultivars, including the variegated ‘Krimson Queen’ and ‘Krimson Princess.’
- Growth Rate: With proper care, Hoya carnosa grows relatively fast, producing long vines that can reach up to 10-12 inches in a single season.
- Ideal Conditions: It thrives in bright, indirect light and prefers higher humidity to encourage flowering.
2. Hoya pubicalyx
- Description: Known for its deep green, speckled leaves, Hoya pubicalyx is a stunning hoya that grows rapidly when provided with optimal conditions. Its foliage often features silvery or pink splashes, adding a unique look to the plant.
- Growth Rate: Hoya pubicalyx is considered one of the fastest-growing hoyas, capable of producing extensive vines that can grow up to 12 inches or more in a season.
- Ideal Conditions: It tolerates a range of lighting conditions but grows best in bright, indirect light. It appreciates moderate humidity and infrequent watering.
3. Hoya australis
- Description: This Australian native hoya has lush, round leaves with a glossy texture, making it a beautiful addition to any plant collection. Hoya australis is known for its resilience and is relatively low-maintenance.
- Growth Rate: Hoya australis is a fast-growing species, especially in warm, humid environments, where it can grow a foot or more each season.
- Ideal Conditions: It does well in bright light, moderate humidity, and prefers a regular watering schedule, allowing the soil to dry between waterings.
4. Hoya kerrii (Sweetheart Hoya)
- Description: Famous for its heart-shaped leaves, Hoya kerrii is sometimes called the “Sweetheart Hoya.” It’s often sold as single-leaf cuttings, but when given space to grow, this plant can develop long, trailing vines.
- Growth Rate: Though individual leaves are slow to root and grow, once established, Hoya kerrii grows faster than many realize, producing lush vines that add character to any space.
- Ideal Conditions: This hoya requires plenty of light to grow well, though it can tolerate a range of lighting conditions. It prefers slightly higher humidity but is adaptable to most environments.
5. Hoya obovata
- Description: Recognized by its round, slightly concave leaves, Hoya obovata is a distinctive hoya species with unique foliage that adds variety to plant collections. Its leaves often have silver speckles, adding visual interest.
- Growth Rate: Hoya obovata is a relatively fast grower, especially in well-draining soil and bright, indirect light. It can produce new vines quickly under optimal conditions.
- Ideal Conditions: Bright, indirect light, moderate humidity, and well-draining soil. It’s drought-tolerant and should be watered sparingly.
6. Hoya wayetii
- Description: Known for its slender, elongated leaves that often have a maroon edge, Hoya wayetii is a compact, fast-growing hoya. It’s a great choice for hanging baskets due to its trailing growth habit.
- Growth Rate: With bright light and well-draining soil, Hoya wayetii grows quickly, producing long vines that trail beautifully.
- Ideal Conditions: It requires bright, indirect light to thrive and moderate watering. High humidity will enhance its growth.
7. Hoya multiflora (Shooting Star Hoya)
- Description: Hoya multiflora, also known as the “Shooting Star Hoya,” is unique among hoyas for its distinctive flower shape, resembling shooting stars. Its flowers are fragrant and bloom more frequently than other hoya species.
- Growth Rate: Though not as vine-like as other hoyas, Hoya multiflora is a fast-growing shrub-type hoya that can quickly fill out a pot.
- Ideal Conditions: It needs bright light and consistently moist, well-draining soil. Unlike other hoyas, it prefers slightly more water.
8. Hoya linearis
- Description: This unique hoya has delicate, narrow, and soft leaves that trail down in long vines, giving it a soft, cascading appearance. Hoya linearis brings a different texture to a collection and looks beautiful in hanging baskets.
- Growth Rate: Though slightly slower in cooler environments, Hoya linearis grows quickly in bright light and high humidity.
- Ideal Conditions: It requires bright, indirect light and high humidity to thrive, along with regular but minimal watering.
9. Hoya retusa
- Description: With its thin, needle-like leaves, Hoya retusa has a whimsical, almost grassy appearance. It’s compact but can produce long vines when well-cared for.
- Growth Rate: Hoya retusa grows fairly quickly in bright light, forming dense foliage clusters.
- Ideal Conditions: Prefers bright light and moderate humidity and is more drought-tolerant than other hoyas.
Why Choose a Fast-Growing Hoya?
Fast-growing hoyas provide the satisfaction of a lush, thriving plant in a relatively short amount of time, making them an ideal choice for anyone looking to build their indoor garden quickly. Their trailing, climbing growth patterns add a dynamic element to indoor spaces, and many varieties produce beautifully fragrant blooms. With their easy-care nature and adaptability, hoyas offer a versatile option for indoor gardeners seeking both beauty and minimal maintenance.
| FAQs How quickly do Hoyas grow? Hoyas are moderate growers. When hoyas are blooming, flowers stalk and produce new flowers. What is the easiest Hoya to grow? Hoya Australis is the easiest hoya to grow. How can I make my Hoya grow faster?Don’t disturb the roots. Keep them in a snug pot. |
Conclusion
Hoyas are a wonderful addition to any indoor plant collection, offering the thrill of rapid growth and the potential for fragrant blooms. With so many fast-growing varieties to choose from, hoyas can suit almost any space, style, or level of gardening experience. Whether you’re looking for a robust climber like Hoya carnosa, a trailing beauty like Hoya linearis, or a unique, whimsical species like Hoya retusa, there’s a hoya plant to meet your needs. As you cultivate and care for these remarkable plants, you’ll find that hoyas bring not only greenery but also a sense of tranquility and natural beauty into your home.
