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The H. retusa is cherished for its unconventional foliage and minimalist charm. Unlike most Hoya, the retusa features thin, flat, grass-like leaves as opposed to the more common waxy and glossy foliage we see with Hoya. The leaves grow sparsely along wiry stems, giving it a whimsical, airy appearance. The foliage has a delicate, understated elegance.
Hoya tends to be slow growers (compared to leafier tropical varieties), but be patient; these plants can grace us with their beauty for several decades! Hoyas are "epiphytic" specimens, meaning they grow upon the surface of other plants such as trees. If provided with sufficient conditions, Hoya produces fragrant, long-lasting blooms.
CARE:
- Thrives with consistent bright, indirect light. A bit of morning or evening sun is beneficial but avoid prolonged exposure to intense, direct midday sun which can fade or scorch the leaves, and potentially dry out emerging flowers.
- Watering needs can vary depending on the potting media. If the hoya is in potting soil, you typically want to wait for the soil to be about 70-90 percent dry before watering. If the Hoya is in a chunkier mix (intended for epiphytes), you will typically have to water more frequently since water is bound to work through the potting media quickly. In the case of chunkier media, water when the first 1/4-1/3 of the substrate feels dry. It is essential to refrain from keeping any potting media constantly wet since Hoya are sensitive to overwatering, which can quickly lead to root rot.
- It does well with moderate to high humidity, which can help its flowers bloom, but this plant can be adaptable to hold humidity, however, you may be less likely to observe blooms.
- Due to its epiphytic nature, Hoya appreciates being a bit rootbound so it can typically go for several years before needing its pot to be upsized.