Hoya Kentiana is a tropical evergreen vine that’s native to Southeast Asia. It has long, pointed, fragrant leaves, and reddish purple flowers. It’s grown indoors by temperate climates as with other hoyas. Hoya Kentiana as a houseplant is very rare.
This plant thrives in moist, warm conditions with lots of indirect, bright light. Hoya kentiana is so similar to Hoya wayetii or Hoya Shepherdii, that non-experts and houseplant lovers can mistake it for them.
Common Name: Hoya (wax plant)
Hoya kentiana
Family: Apocynaceae
Plant Type: Perennial, Vine
Mature Size : 12-20 ft.
Sun Exposure: Full, Partial
Soil Type: Well drained
Soil pH: Acidic, Neutral
Bloom Time: Spring and Summer
Flower Color: Red or Purple
Hardiness Zones 10-11 (USDA).
Native Area: Southeast Asia
Hoya Kentiana Care
Hoya kentiana grows best in the following conditions:
Place the light source in an area with indirect, bright lighting.
Plant in rich soil that drains well.
Allow the soil to dry between waterings.
Feed your dog regularly in the spring and summer.
Closeup of Hoya kentiana leaves with sunkissed pigment
The Spruce (Phoebe Cheong)
Hoya kentiana in bloom
Light
Hoya Kentiana grows best in bright indirect light. The ideal location could be several feet away from a window facing south or west. If you want to keep your plant close to the window, put up a sheer drape to diffuse the light. Direct sunlight can damage your plant.
Soil
Hoya kentiana prefers a rich, well-drained mix of soil. Some gardeners use premade soil mixes for succulents or African violets, which provide good drainage, aeration and moisture retention. Mix one part standard potting mix with one part of perlite or orchid bark for a lighter soil mix.
Water
Hoya Kentiana will benefit from regular watering. However, it is important to let the soil dry between waterings. Instead of watering according to a schedule, stick your finger into the soil every few weeks and check the moisture level. Water when the top 3 inches of soil are dry in summer. You can allow the soil to dry completely in fall and winter. You should water your Hoya plant when you see the leaves shriveling.
Temperature and Humidity
Hoya Kentiana thrives best in humid, warm conditions that mimic its native tropical climate. The plant should be kept in an area with temperatures between 65-80 degrees. Hoyas grow best when there is at least 50% humidity. Some types need 60-70 percent. You can increase the humidity in your garden by using a humidifier, or by keeping your plants in a grow-tent or glass cabinet.
Fertilizer
Every four to six week during spring and summer, feed your Hoya kentiana a balanced indoor plant fertilizer diluted at half strength. Fertilize your Hoya kentiana in the spring and summer.
Hoya Kentiana Types
Hoya wayetii and Hoya kentiana are often confused. Hoyas kentiana, Hoya wayetii and ‘Lorilyn” are often mislabeled.
Pruning
Hoya Kentiana can be kept neat by removing any damaged or dead leaves. This will also help the plant to grow healthy. The plants grow slowly and do not need to be pruned often. However, you can trim the vines if they are too large for your garden. You should not remove spent flowers because they will return the next year.
Propagating Hoya Kentiana
You’ll find it difficult to propagate Hoya Kentiana, but the best results will come in the early summer when the plant is at its most active. A small pot for the plant, a growing medium such as sphagnum and perlite (or potting soil), rooting hormone, a clear plastic bag and sharp, sterilised pruners are all you need.
Select a healthy stem from the mother plant. It should not have any flowers. Cut a stem that is four to six inches in length with at least two top leaves. Remove the leaves on the lower half.
Fill the pot up with a good growing medium, and moisten it thoroughly. Make a small hole in the middle of the pot with your finger.
Plant the cuttings in the hole that you made in the growing medium after dipping them in rooting hormone powder.
Tent the bag of plastic around the cut to keep in moisture. Place the cutting in an area with indirect, bright light and warmth.
Keep the soil evenly damp but not soggy. The new leaf growth indicates that the cutting is now rooted. You can pot the plant and continue to care for it as normal.
Repotting and Potting Hoya Kentiana
Hoya Kentiana is not a fast-growing plant, so it shouldn’t require repotting more than twice or three times every two to three years. Repot the plant when you notice the soil is matted or if roots are growing through the drainage holes at the bottom. To prevent the soil from becoming too wet, use a pot that is one or two sizes bigger.
Common Plant Diseases & Pests
Hoya Kentiana can be attacked by common pests that attack houseplants. These include aphids and mealybugs. Scales also feed on the sap of leaves. You should check your plant for pests regularly and take action if you find them. Use a cotton swab with rubbing alcohol to wipe away pests or horticultural soap mixed with water to get rid of them.
How to get Hoya Kentiana bloom
Hoyas kentiana will bloom best if you provide them with the right growing conditions. Give your plant plenty of water and humidity. Also, give it at least six hours per day of bright, direct light. Hoya Kentiana may take years to flower even with the right care.
How Long Does Hoya Kentiana Bloom?
Hoya kentiana blooms last about a week before they drop off.
What do Hoya Kentiana flowers look and smell like?
Hoya kentiana is a cluster of small, star-shaped reddish purple flowers with yellow centers. Butterscotch-like scent is what makes them so popular.
How to encourage more blooms
Keep your plants in pots to encourage flowering. Avoid watering the plant for a few months during winter in order to promote flowering.
Deadheading Hoya Kentiana Flowers
Let your Hoya Kentiana flowers fall naturally when they begin to fade. The flowers will continue to bloom in the same spot on the plant the following year.
Hoya Kentiana: Common problems
Hoya Kentiana is a plant that can grow well in the right conditions. However, there are some warning signs to look out for.
Black/brown Leaves
Hoya leaves with dark spots can indicate root rot, which is caused by excessive watering. This is especially true if stems appear yellowed or mushy. Allow the soil to completely dry before you water again. If the situation is severe, you may want to repot your plant, removing any dried out or mushy root systems.
Wilting Leaves
Overwatering can cause wilting leaves. Your plant needs to be watered deeply if the soil appears very dry, and the leaves appear wrinkled or puckered.
Plant Leaves Falling Off
Hoya Kentiana can respond to changes in care or conditions by dropping its leaves or going into dormancy. To reduce leaf drop, provide the plant with constant light, temperature and humidity.
The FAQ
What is the difference between Hoya Wayetii and Hoya Kentiana?
Hoya kentiana is very similar to Hoya wayetii, but they have subtle differences. Hoya wayetii has a more pointed leaf. Hoya wayetii has green flower stems, while Hoya wayetii has darker pink or red flowers.
What is the best place to plant Hoya Kentiana?
Hoya kentiana should be kept in a warm, bright place with lots of indirect light.
Hoya kentiana can be grown indoors.
Yes. Hoya Kentiana is a good houseplant if you take care of it.
