Hoya Retusa Care

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Hoya Retusa is a scraggily type of Hoya with delicate green tendril like foliage. It has similar requirements to many Hoya plants but here is a breakdown of how to look after one in our Hoya Retusa care guide.

Light

Generally Hoya Retusa like a bright indirect light. They are definitely not low light plants and will stop growing in lower light conditions. In order for them to bloom they need bright light. Generally Hoya Retusa need indirect light however we’ve found that this depends where you live. If you are located in an area with lots of intense sunlight then keep your Hoya in bright indirect light but if you live in countries that receive more cloud coverage then putting your Hoya Retusa in direct sunlight shouldn’t be a problem. If you do have your plant in a spot with direct sunlight watch out for signs of excessive light which can include browning and leaf curling.

Watering

Hoya Retusa do not like to be water logged, they don’t want soggy soil and they can be prone to root rot. With this in mind it’s important that you allow the soil to dry out between waterings and that you pot your plant in a container with drainage holes. When you water your plant be sure to moisten the soil evenly but don’t soak it right through. It’s also better to water this plant in the morning rather than at night as the soil will dry more quickly throughout the day.

You may also find that you need to water your plant less during the winter months as the soil takes longer to dry out. If your home has a consistent temperature year round then this may not be the case.

Soil

As Hoya Retusa do not like water sitting around their roots you will need a well draining soil and the best way to achieve this is to make your own. A great way to achieve this is to use a combination cactus soil, orchid mix and perlite to create a light loose potting mix. This will allow the soil to trap the necessary amount of water without any excess being kept that could damage the plant. A potting mix like this will also help to prevent root rot compared to a standard soil.

Humidity

Hoya Retusa like medium humidity. They can tolerate higher levels but will not do so well if the humidity is allowed to drop until the air is dry. Misting your plants can be beneficial but we would recommend using a humidifier to achieve the desired level in your Hoya room. A Levoit humidifier is a great choice as it has a large capacity which means it needs refilling less frequently and you can preset the humidity level. Meaning you choose the level of humidity that you want your room to be at and the humidifier adjusts its output accordingly.

Temperature

Hoya Retusa prefer to be kept warm, as long as the air doesn’t become dry as they originate from the tropics. They do not respond well to inconsistencies in temperature so try to keep them in a room where the temperature will remain relatively the same. It’s important that you keep them away from heating systems and drafts as these can have a negative impact on the plant also.

Fertilisation

You only need to fertilise your plant during the growing season which means spring and summer and you can leave it in the cooler months. Using a regular strength fertilise approximately once a fortnight and you should see your plant push out new growth in response.

Repotting

Hoya in general don’t outgrow their pots that quickly. You will probably be able to repot your plant once a year at the start of the growing season. Of course it’s important that you watch your individual plant and it it’s bursting out of your pot then you can repot it.

Hoya Retusa FAQ

Now you’ve read our Hoya Retusa care guide it’s time to take a look at our FAQ. These are some of the most commonly asked questions about Hoya Retusa and how to care for one.

What does a Hoya Retusa bloom look like?

When they flower the Hoya Retusa puts out beautiful white five pointed flowers that look like little stars.

Is it easy to make Hoya Retusa bloom?

It’s not easy but it’s not necessarily difficult either. You need to make sure the growing conditions are right in order for this to happen, which includes lots of light, maintaining the humidity levels and watering infrequently. They also won’t typically bloom when they’re young plants and you may need to wait a few years before your see your plant put out their first flowers.

Is Hoya Retusa easy to care for?

Yes this plant is quite low maintenance and does not require that much from you making it easy to care for. What makes this plant relatively low maintenance is that it doesn’t need to be watered that often so if you forget about it for a few extra days it should be fine.

How do you care for a Hoya Retusa?

Although we would recommend reading our in depth care guide, if you’re looking for a quick guide to Hoya Retusa care then this is what you need to do for your plant:

• Medium humidity
• Loose well draining soil
• Warm temperature
• Moderate watering
• Bright indirect light

Are Hoya Retusa easy to come by?

These aren’t the most common houseplant to find, if you’re in Europe they tend to be less commonly found in shops than if you’re in Australia or North America. However no matter where you’re from you should be able to find them online, you might just find that shipping can be pricey.

Are Hoya Retusa fast growers?

Even though this plant will not grow that big, Hoya Retusa can grow surprisingly quickly during the growing season.