Hoya parasitica (Black Margin)

Specifications:

Scientific name: Hoya parasitica

Common names: (Black Margin)

Origin: South East Asia

Flower colour: White with pink-purple centers

Genus: Hoya

Family: Apocynaceae

Kingdom: Plantae

Type:Flowering vine

Summary:

• Bright, indirect light.
• Trailing or twining growth habit.
• Allow soil to dry slightly before watering.
• Optimal humidity 50% or more

Light Requirements:

• Hoya parasitica can thrive in either bright or dim conditions. However, for optimal development and blossom production, indirect, bright light should be provided.
• This plant is not adapted to particularly bright light. This is why it's best to employ a sort of light that is indirect, filtered, dappled, or diffused. More importantly, its leaves will grow discoloured and possibly scorched if it is regularly exposed to long periods of direct sunlight.
• However, the plant will also do well in medium and low light. It's crucial that you keep it in a bright place. It will be fine in low light, but I wouldn't leave it there because flowers won't bloom. You won't see them for even longer if that happens.

Temperature Requirements:

• The ideal growing temperature for a Hoya parasitica is between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
• The right temperature is also very important when taking care of Hoya parasitica (black margin). Because the plant is light- and temperature-independent, taking care of it is a breeze. You must, however, use greater caution at this time.
• Avoid putting the plant outside if the temperature drops below 50 degrees, since it will likely perish.
• It's hardy in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 10 and 11, where the winters are warm and sunny and there's no snow.
• If you live in a cooler region, like the ones listed above, you should bring the plant inside when the temperature gets above 50 degrees.

Humidity Requirements:

• Depending on where it comes from, the ideal humidity level for a Hoya parasitica (black margin) might be rather different. 
• This plant does well with humidity at between 50 and 80 percent. Thankfully, its thick, succulent-like leaves allow it to thrive in drier conditions. Tolerating relative humidity levels inside the house of at least 40% is now possible. As long as you keep the humidity at that level, it will do well.
• If you happen to be in an area where the air is particularly dry, you should look into buying a digital hygrometer. You may track the annual decline in humidity by doing this. This will allow you to mist the plant at the optimal time. A humidifier is another option.

Watering Requirements:

• The Hoya parasitica (black margin) is drought-tolerant. The fact that it grows in an epiphytic environment helps to facilitate this. The plant's semi-succulent leaves may also be responsible for its ability to survive dry periods. Thus, you need to be careful not to over-water the plant, as this can cause it harm.
• It is an epiphyte, therefore its roots benefit from air circulation exactly like those of other epiphytes. This means that they are susceptible to getting root rot if they are submerged in water for an extended period of time.
• During the summer months, once a week is the norm for watering it. Once every two to three weeks throughout the colder months.
• It is important to wait until the soil has dried out a bit before applying more water. This is a good approach to prevent water waste from excessive irrigation. It's best to let the top two inches of soil dry up before watering again, even if you water often. If you are busy, forgetful, or late with watering, try watering once the soil has dried to between 50 and 75 percent of its original moisture content.

Soil Requirements:

• Hoya parasitica (black margin) thrives in soil that drains quickly and efficiently. This will aid in the evaporation of surplus moisture, making it easier for the roots to absorb water without being overwhelmed.
• All of the following do-it-yourself potting soil and compost blends are suitable for growing Hoya parasitica.
• Cactus soil, orchid soil, and perlite, each 1/2 cup
• Mix 1 part perlite or pumice into 10 parts potting soil.
• Equal parts potting soil and orchid bark

Fertilizing Requirements:

• Feed the plant once a month to every two weeks during the spring and summer. Due to the Hoya parasitica (black margin)’s low fertiliser needs, this amount should be fine.
• You can reduce the potency of liquid fertiliser with a 15-15-15 N-P-K ratio by diluting it with water to half its original concentration.
• This will ensure that the plant has all it needs to flourish. It also has a good amount of nitrogen, which will encourage new leaf development.
• Even if you continue to water and fertilise the plant throughout the colder months of winter, it won't flourish.
• But if you live in a tropical climate, your plant can flourish year-round. In this case, you can safely keep feeding the plant as usual. Consequently, farmers in Southeast Asia fertilise their crops year-round.