Hoya ciliata

Specifications:

Scientific name: Hoya ciliata

Common names: Black Hoya

Origin: South east Asia, The Philippines

Flower colour: Dark cherry colored

Genus: Hoya

Family: Apocynaceae (Asclepiadaceae)

Kingdom: Plantae

Type:Epiphytic Flowering vine

Summary:

• Bright, indirect light
• Low watering requirements
• Temperatures between 65-80 degrees F
• High humidity levels, around 60-80%
• Well draining, organic soil mix with slightlyu acidic pH
• Minimal fertilizing, only during the growing season

Light Requirements:

• In order to thrive, the Hoya ciliata plant in particular needs to be exposed to strong, dappled sunshine. If the plant is exposed to little sunshine, it may respond by developing leaves and vines that are brown in colour. There is also a possibility that the vines will start to get lanky.
• The leaves of the Hoya ciliata plant have the potential to burn or become brown if the plant is left in direct sunlight for extended periods of time. You can position your Black Hoya next to windows that face either the south or the southwest. Place the H. ciliata plant in front of a sunny window and drape an 80% shade cloth over the window to provide another method of growing it.
• You also have the option of making use of artificial growing lights in order to cultivate the Hoya ciliata plant.

Temperature Requirements:

• Temperatures between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit are ideal for Hoya ciliata (18 to 27 Celsius). Because of its succulent leaves, it is able to survive unfavourable conditions for longer periods of time. However, at some point in time, the plant is likely to become dry and wilt.
• In the majority of areas, the H. ciliata plant may survive the summer either outside or inside the house, depending on where it is kept. Nevertheless, during her harsher winter months, the H. ciliata plant's proprietors could find themselves in a difficult situation.
• Because the plant is dormant throughout the winter, it will not be actively growing during these months. It is in the plant's best interest to be brought indoors to milder temperatures.
• It is also important to make sure that your Hoya ciliata plant is kept away from any direct draughts of wind that may come from heaters or air conditioners.

Humidity Requirements:

• The Hoya ciliata plant exhibits succulent traits. As a result, it can withstand low humidity conditions for a long time. However, it is preferable to preserve the plant in its ideal environment for good growth.
• For the Hoya ciliata plant, the optimal humidity is from 60% to 80% during the day and 80% to 100% at night.
• Simply spritz the area around your plant if you are having problems maintaining this high level of moisture. For even moisture distribution, you can also put your houseplants together in one space.
• Humidifiers, which assist maintain appropriate moisture levels for a long time, are also preferred by many houseplant owners.
• Despite needing high humidity to survive, the Hoya ciliata plant is susceptible to disease for the same reason. In order to prevent any anomaly from spreading to other sections of the plant, please keep a constant eye on your H. ciliata plant and address it as soon as you notice it.

Watering Requirements:

• Hoya ciliata is a drought-tolerant plant, but it does need regular watering to remain healthy. The frequency of watering will depend on a variety of factors, including 
• the size of the plant, 
• the size of the pot, the type of soil.
• the ambient humidity and temperature. 
• In general, it is best to allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings, and then water the plant thoroughly until water runs through the drainage holes. Avoid letting the plant sit in standing water, as this can cause the roots to rot.
• During the growing season, Hoya ciliata will typically need to be watered once or twice a week, depending on the conditions. In the winter months, when the plant is dormant, it will need less water, and it is important to allow the soil to dry out more between waterings.
• It is also important to monitor the humidity levels around the plant, as Hoya ciliata prefers high humidity. If the air is too dry, the plant's leaves may start to brown or curl. To increase humidity, you can mist the leaves or place the plant on a tray filled with pebbles and water.

Soil Requirements:

• The Hoya ciliata plant thrives in organically rich, well-draining soil. It is crucial to utilise a high-quality soil mixture for optimal growth.
• You should mix organic potting soil with compost, worm castings, and orchid grow mix. For the Hoya ciliata, a pH between mildly acidic and neutral is excellent (6.1 to 7.5).
• Use the proper soil mixture and avoid any water buildup in the soil to maintain your Hoya ciliata plant happy and healthy. Please make sure that your potting mixture is properly aerated and does not have too many nutrients.
• Make sure the decorative pot or container you're using to place your Hoya ciliata plant in has lots of drainage holes at the bottom. The pot should have sufficient airflow and simple draining.
• Toxic levels of nutrients in the soil can result in toxicity, which kills the plant. Therefore, be careful not to enrich the soil with an excessive amount of organic material or fertiliser. Possibly wash the soil away.

Fertilizing Requirements:

• When fertilised once or twice a week with high-quality fertiliser, the Hoya ciliata (Black Hoya) grows perfectly fine.
• Fertilizers with high levels of nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus are typically preferred by plants. Phosphorus must be present in large quantities in species that produce flowers, such as the Hoya ciliata plant, because it is essential to the production of blooms.
• Look for a fertiliser made especially for Hoya plants, preferably one with a 3:1:2 or 2:1:1 ratio. You can either give your H. ciliata plant standard fertiliser or just sprinkle some liquid fertiliser with a slow release rate on the soil.
• A feeding plan of 1 to 3 times per week is enough for solid-based fertilisers. Slow-release fertilisers should be incorporated into the damp soil of your H. ciliata plant. To prevent nutrient toxicity, pour the fertiliser a few inches away from the plant's base.
• You can thoroughly water down the soil around your H. ciliata plant's roots and base after the conclusion of the growth seasons, in the summer and early spring. But watch out that no water gathers at the base of the plant.