Hoya Obovata Care | Full Guide!

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Hoya Obovata is a fast growing vining Hoya plant that is known for it’s beautiful deep green leaves that are speckled with silver. Although these plants aren’t particularly difficult to care for it would be useful to read our Hoya Obovata care guide in order to know they requirements and how best to look after them.

Light

Hoya Obovata does very well in bright light and will not tolerate low light conditions. The Hoya Obovata has amazing blooms that help to give it the name wax plant, but these blooms will not come out unless the plant is placed in bright light conditions. Many recommend not putting your Hoya Obovata in direct sunlight however we have found that unless the plant experiences relentless sun in a very warm climate you shouldn’t have a problem placing it somewhere it will receive direct light.

Water

Watering your Hoya Obovata should be something you do infrequently. These plants do not like to be over watered. A common sign of your plant receiving too much water includes squishy leaves which can eventually result in root rot. Instead allow the soil to dry between waterings and make sure the pot you’re using has drainage holes so that excess water isn’t sitting in the soil.

Fertiliser

Fertilise your plant during the growing season about once a fortnight but be sure to leave it alone during the winter months. We would recommend using an organic fertiliser and you may even find that once a month is enough for your plant.

Humidity

As Hoya Obovata is traditionally from a more humid zone we would recommend trying to keep them in a moderate to high humidity condition. As long as the air in your home isn’t dry they should be fine with generic household humidity, however in order for them to thrive you may want to look into ways of increasing the humidity levels. A humidifier can be a great way to do this with the Levoit humidifier being our favourite model.

Soil

Like most Hoya plants you will need well draining soil as they do not like their roots wet. Often with Hoyas its best to create your own potting mix. We would recommend using a blend of cactus soil, orchid mix and perlite or peat. This creates a nice well draining rich soil for your plant. Below we’ve attached links to the products.

• Cactus Soil
• Orchid Mix
• Perlite
• Peat

Temperature

It may come as no surprise to you that Hoya Obovata like to be kept on the warmer side. They do not tolerate cooler weathers and they will not do well when exposed to droughts so try to keep them away from doors and windows that will be opened often. They can tolerate higher temperatures but make sure the air doesn’t become dried out as this can be damaging to the plant.

Flowers

The flowers of this plant are red and white resembling lots of tiny cherry bakewells. For the highest chance of successful blooming we would recommend keeping your plant in a space with lots of bright light.

 

Hoya Obovata FAQ

These are some of the most commonly asked questions regarding Hoya Obovata care. If you think there are questions missing from this list that need to be addressed then please let us know in the comments below. Similarly if you see someone else’s questions and think you can help them then please join in with the conversation. The more plant knowledge in our community the better.

How do you care for a Hoya Obovata?

If you haven’t read our full Hoya Obovata care guide and are looking for a quick breakdown then Hoya Obovata need:

• Bright light
• Allow soil to dry out between waterings
• Fertilising during the growing season
• Warm rooms
• Medium to high humidity

Will My Hoya Obovata flower?

Although these types of plants can flower, they don’t always do so. To encourage flowering in your Hoya we would recommend exposing them to the best possible lighting conditions you have in your home. If you give them as much bright light as possible this will increase your chances of seeing some blooms.

Are Hoya Obovata easy for beginners?

Hoya Obovata aren’t a particularly difficult plant to care for, they’re definitely not as fussy as other plants and do not require that much attention from you, however they aren’t necessarily an easy plant. They are an appropriate plant for a beginner but you should read a care guide so you know how to look after them.

Is Hoya Obovata a succulent?

Although Hoya Obovata isn’t technically a succulent it has some succulent like properties in that it doesn’t like to be overwatered and it needs bright direct light to thrive.

Are Hoya Obovata easy to find?

It depends on what country you’re in but Hoya Obovata aren’t an extremely common houseplant yet. They can be difficult to find in Europe and shipping is often quite expensive. They are easier to come by in the USA but they are growing in popularity all the time.

Why are Hoya Obovata called wax plants?

Hoyas often get referred to as wax plants due to the waxy like appearance their flowers have when in bloom.

Do Hoya Obovata like to be watered?

Like all plants Hoya Obovata needs to be watered however it does not like to be watered often and if you don’t allow the soil to dry out between waterings you may find the plant can develop root rot.

Are Hoya Obovata fast growing plants?

Yes under the right growing conditions it can be surprising how quickly Hoya Obovata are able to grow. During growing seasons they can put out so much growth that you may need to cut them back to prevent them from vining all over your home.

Is Hoya Obovata right for me?

It depends on what you like in a houseplant, but if you’re looking for a luscious green vining plant that puts out new growth and requires medium care then there’s no reason that this houseplant shouldn’t be for you. We love Hoya and we especially love the Hoya Obovata. In the USA it’s generally easy to get hold of and it’s pretty easy to look after as well.