Hoya callistophylla

Specifications:

Scientific name: Hoya callistophylla

Common names: Wax plant, porcelain flower, waxvine

Origin: South Asia

Flower colour: White to pink 

Genus: Hoya

Family: Apocynaceae (Asclepiadaceae)

Kingdom: Plantae

Type:Epiphytic Flowering vine

Summary:

• Low maintenance
• Indirect light
• Minimum watering requirements
• Moderate humidity levels
• Well draining, aerated soil 

Light Requirements:

• As far as light requirements, Hoya callistophylla should be grown in a location that receives bright, indirect light. 
• Direct sunlight can be too intense and may cause the leaves to yellow or wilt. The plant will tolerate low light conditions, but it may not flower as profusely and may grow more slowly.
• You can use curtains on your windows to create the ideal light environment. During overcast winter days, you can use artificial lights to provide the hoya with optimal light.
• It is best to keep Hoya callistophylla away from drafts or sudden changes in temperature, as these can cause the plant stress.

Temperature Requirements:

• Hoya calistophylla is native to the Philippines and is a tropical plant, so it prefers warm, humid conditions.
•  It should be kept in a location that maintains a temperature of around 70-80°F (21-27°C) during the day and slightly cooler at night, around 60-70°F (15-21°C). 
• It is important to avoid exposing the plant to temperatures below 50°F (10°C) as this can cause damage or death to the plant.

Humidity Requirements:

• Hoya callistophylla typically appreciates surroundings with a humidity level of between 40 and 70 percent.
• There are a few methods for ensuring that your hoya has all the humidity it needs. You can mist the length of the vines and the undersides of the leaves every day to supply plenty of moisture.
• The second choice is to utilise a humidifier, which aids in supplying humidity that is consistently close to the humidity found in the plant's natural environment. All you need to do is keep in mind to run at least one cycle every day near your hoya, and you're good to go!
• You can also use the tray method. After adding stones and water to a shallow tray, put your hoya plant on top of the tray. Your plant is surrounded by a bubble of humidity that is produced as the water evaporating from the pebbles' surface.

Watering Requirements:

• To water your Hoya callistophylla, it's important to let the soil dry out somewhat between waterings. This plant does not like to sit in wet soil for long periods of time, as it can lead to root rot. A good rule of thumb is to water your Hoya callistophylla when the top inch or so of soil feels dry to the touch.
• It's also important to water your Hoya callistophylla consistently. This means that you should aim to water your plant on a regular schedule, rather than letting the soil dry out completely between waterings. This will help to prevent the plant from getting stressed or wilting.
• When watering your Hoya callistophylla, be sure to use room temperature water and avoid getting the foliage wet, as this can lead to leaf spot or other fungal diseases. It's also a good idea to use a watering can with a long, thin spout to avoid disturbing the soil around the plant's roots.

Soil Requirements:

• Hoya callistophylla grows best in well-draining soil. A good potting mix for hoya callistophylla should contain a combination of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite to provide the plant with the right balance of moisture retention and drainage.
• To ensure proper drainage, it is important to use a pot with a drainage hole and to avoid overwatering the plant. Overwatering can cause the roots to rot, leading to the demise of the plant.
• Hoya callistophylla also prefers a slightly acidic soil pH, around 6.0 to 6.5. You can test the pH of your soil using a soil pH test kit, which is available at most garden centers.

Fertilizing Requirements:

• Hoya callistophylla is a tropical plant that benefits from regular fertilization to promote healthy growth and flowering. 
• During the growing season (spring through summer), it is a good idea to fertilize Hoya callistophylla every two to four weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer, following the manufacturer's instructions for dilution and application.
• It is important to avoid over-fertilizing Hoya callistophylla, as this can lead to excess foliage growth at the expense of flower production. If the plant is not producing flowers, it is generally a sign that it is not getting enough light or is being over-fertilized.
• It is also a good idea to flush the soil with plain water every few months to remove any excess fertilizer salts that may have accumulated. This will help prevent nutrient burn and keep the soil healthy.
• During the winter months, when the plant is dormant, it is generally not necessary to fertilize Hoya callistophylla. However, if the plant is growing actively during the winter, it may benefit from a light fertilization every four to six weeks.