Did you know that the gorgeous Hoya Serpens is a well-liked houseplant? Its stunning inflorescences are the reason. The flowers of this plant are distinctively light green and have a lovely, ethereal scent. Additionally, they have long-lasting star-shaped blooms in light pink and scarlet.
As an alternative, this hoya species is known as wax vines or porcelain flowers because of its unusually waxy foliage and blossoms.
We’ll give you the gist of this wax plant in the article that follows. This information provides a quick overview of hoya plant care.
Basic Plant Care
Are you interested in adding this beautiful, rare plant to your collection but unsure of how to care for it? We’ve got your back, so stop worrying! To learn more, continue reading below. We’re happy to provide you with these care suggestions.
Perfect Soil Mix
The Serpens hoya does very well in a very loose, well-draining soil type. Amendments like peat moss, perlite, gravel, vermiculite, humus, and charcoal can be added to the soil. These substances would aid in maintaining adequate water retention, stop extra water from pooling, and speed up the drainage of extra water.
If you have enough money, you can also choose to purchase orchid potting soil.
Water Requirement
Only a medium amount of water is required for this lovely plant. To avoid root rot, the soil must be kept slightly moist but not drenched. I water them twice a week in my situation. Of course, the frequency is entirely dependent on the season. You can change as necessary. The general rule is to wait until the soil has dried out in between waterings.
Having issues knowing when to water? The important thing is to assess the state of the leaves. The foliage of a hydrated hoya would be vibrant. So keep an eye out for drooping symptoms.
Watering your plants can be a challenging task for beginners. There is always a risk of being overwatered or underwatered. But do not fret. You’ll learn how to do it correctly.
Perfect Lighting
Hoya serpens live in rainforests by nature. They don’t require exposure to direct sunlight, to put it briefly. This is a perfect choice if you intend to put it indoors! The best conditions for hoya plants are areas with some shade and bright indirect light.
This should be put close to a window. It gets enough light this way. There is also a sufficient barrier to shield the leaves from the sweltering heat. Don’t forget to hang your preferred sheer curtains, too. They’re a fantastic way to offer some shade.
Are the leaves on your hoya plants turning yellow and feeling drenched? We do have a problem there, though. Your serpens may not be getting enough light. In exchange, it was unable to produce enough food for itself. It’s time to bring it outside so that it can enjoy some sunbathing.
Alternatively, you could set up artificial lighting. That is a useful way to supplement the inadequate light.
Temperature
Hoya serpens, like other tropical plants, thrive best in environments with temperatures between 13 and 27 oC. (55 to 75oF). As you can see, maintaining this range is relatively simple. I advise keeping a thermometer in your home if you’re treating them like an indoor plant so you can track temperature changes.
When the temperature drops below 50°F, exercise caution (10oC). Cold temperatures for an extended period of time can be dangerous. However, a slight increase in temperature is acceptable.
Need for High Humidity
Currently, is the time when you really need to exert extra effort. Hoya serpens loves conditions with lots of humidity. It sounds like you? The majority of tropical plants do, so I know. It certainly enjoys the extra moisture, so be ready to keep it in this state.
Placements for this houseplant should have at least 60% humidity. The development of your hoya will be in jeopardy once the moisture level drops for an extended period of time. As a result, be sure to have a humidifier on hand. If none, then be prepared to most frequently.
Fertilizer
Some gardeners take fertilizing their plants very seriously. However, I caution against doing it unless absolutely necessary. In any case, Hoya serpens are not heavy feeders. The supply will last for months if a slow-release fertilizer has been added to the soil.
However, I do advise monthly feeding if your hoya is a little undernourished. Any fertilizer for indoor plants will do.
Repotting
Naturally, the majority of Hoya Serpens plants are forest plants. They don’t mind being a little root-bound because they are epiphytic. Therefore, it is not necessary to frequently repot Serpens plants.
Two years is a rough estimate for when it needs to be repotted. The frequency of repotting, however, will depend on the environment and care given to each Serpens plant.
Refreshing their substrate once or twice a year is a simple and growth-effective alternative to yearly repotting. Salts shouldn’t be allowed to build up because doing so could be very harmful.
Unexpectedly, Hoya plants enjoy drying out more than other plants do. As a result, I advise using terracotta pots. These pots are porous, which easily allows extra water to drain from the potting soil and out of the container.
This lovely species’ distinctive and alluring flowers can also be potted in elaborate decorative pots or simply hung from baskets fastened to doors or windows.
Pruning
The Hoya Serpens plants grow at a fairly rapid rate. They can consequently grow into large, awkward vines. Therefore, occasionally pruning a Serpens plant might be a good idea.
Use a pair of pruning shears or scissors. For a nicer appearance, remove any stems or leaves that appear dead or browned. For the sole purpose of controlling size, you can also cut its vines or leaves.
The stems of the Hoya Serpens plant may also get big and crooked. In this case, you can either wind them around a trellis or simply cut them back to a node. However, avoid removing the peduncle that supports the inflorescence because blooms will emerge from it.
Your plant’s leaves or flowers may turn yellow or brown if they are afflicted by a disease or fungus. You might prune your Serpens plant for a variety of reasons, including this.
Even though you may adore your Hoya serpens plant, it is preferable to remove the sick leaves or flowers rather than allow the infection to spread.
To prevent the spread of infection, make sure to sterilize gardening tools like pruning shears before using them.
Propagation
A Hoya Serpens plant can be multiplied easily. It is best to propagate it in the spring and summer growing seasons. A few gardening tools, pre-made potting soil, root-hormone powder, and water are needed. Make sure your gardening equipment is sanitized and germ-free to keep things sterile. If necessary, put on protective clothing.
The Method of Cutting Stems
You can follow the steps listed below for a step-by-step tutorial on how to propagate Hoya serpens using stem cuttings:
- Put some organic, well-draining potting mix in a pot or container. Vermiculite, perlite, or sand can all be used.
- This potting mix needs to be moistened but not saturated with water. Now use your fingers to set it.
- Take a healthy stem with at least two or three leaves from the Serpens plant. 4 to 5 inches should be the length of your cut (10-13 cm).
- Next, take the lower stem’s leaves off.
- To encourage root growth, dip the cut stem into liquid or powdered rooting hormone.
- Put this stem cutting into the potting soil now, and use your hands to compact the soil around it. When necessary, add some water.
- Make sure the potting soil is not touched by any leaves.
- Put this pot or container in direct, bright sunlight, and water it frequently. Avoid overwatering to prevent the soil from becoming soggy and rotting the stem.
In roughly three to six weeks, the roots should start to form.
Blooms
The Hoya Serpens is most well-known for its stunning and unique flowers. Its flowers are typically hairy, light green or lime green in color, and have a white corona. Its beauty is enhanced by the pink that is present in the middle of them.
The flowers of the Serpens plant have a light sweet scent. The aroma is stronger when a large number of flowers are open, though. Moreover, they make some nectar. The flowers typically last for a week or so.
Growth
The Hoya Serpens plant grows relatively quickly. In the months of summer and spring, it grows actively, and in the months of winter, it mostly stops growing. It can grow to a height of roughly 8 to 10 feet (2.4-3.0 meters).
When given the proper attention and surroundings, the Serpens plant grows fairly well.
Typical Issues With Hoya Serpens
In the harsh, subarctic Himalayan Mountains, the Hoya Serpens grow naturally. Although diseases rarely affect it, some may do so and result in serious issues.
Pests and common diseases
Regarding pests and diseases, there is not much cause for concern. Hoya serpens is a hardy plant that was first found in the Himalayas, where conditions are harsh. However, it’s always preferable to be ready to face particular enemies.
Check the plant frequently for tiny, cotton-like insects. Mealybugs feed on Hoya serpens, which slows down growth and results in discolored, falling leaves. All plants should have some horticultural oil or insecticidal soap applied to them, including the undersides of any leaves that are hanging. The mealybugs would die as a result.
After the initial treatments, reapply the oil or soap four to seven days later. Some brands of horticultural oil and insecticidal soap call for mixing with water. Use only as directed by the manufacturer as stated on the label.
Reduced Growth
The Hoya Serpens plant’s sluggish or stunted growth is a common issue that many Serpens owners deal with. Although there are many possible causes for this problem, overwatering or underwatering are frequently to blame.
The Hoya Serpens plant’s rate of growth could slow down as a result of an excessive or insufficient water supply. Reduce how often you water your plant if the roots have started to rot, a condition known as root rot.
Similar to this, if the leaves on your Serpens plant have turned yellow or the plant is wilting, you are not watering it enough. Water it more frequently and adjust the watering schedule.
However, anything in excess is harmful. Therefore, avoid overwatering the plant as this could cause other issues.
Black mold
Sooty mold is another typical ailment of Hoya plants. It frequently results from the Hoya Serpens plant’s ability to produce nectar. Black mold on the plant’s leaves is one symptom of the disease. Things get worse because the mold likes to stick to the sap or nectar of the plant. Aphids’ production of honeydew can result in the growth of sooty mold.
Fortunately, there is a simple cure for the illness. Simply wipe off the mold with a damp cloth to get rid of it. This cloth can be misted with an antibacterial spray or liquid.
Growing Instructions For Hoya Serpens
- Put the plant in direct, filtered sunlight.
- Please allow the soil to dry slightly before watering.
- Plants should not be grown in standing water.
- Check that the potting soil is aerated and drains well.
- Allow it to remain slightly root-bound to promote faster growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly do Hoya Serpens grow?
Hoya Serpens is typically a fast-growing plant, especially in the summer. If yours is taking too long to grow, you should inspect and adjust the growing conditions.
What is causing my Hoya Serpens leaves to turn yellow and fall off?
Overwatering, underwatering, or a lack of sunlight are the most likely causes of yellowing and falling leaves. You must determine which of these is the true cause.
How can a dying Hoya Serpens plant be saved?
Repot your hoya and place it in direct, filtered sunlight. Allow the soil to dry out before watering it. Growing the plant in standing water is not recommended. To encourage new growth, fertilize it.
Conclusion
The Hoya Serpens is an exotic and lovely species with eye-catching and one-of-a-kind flowers. It can certainly make any space appear vibrant and alive.
Though it can be difficult to grow at first, it makes an excellent houseplant once you understand its requirements.
It does, however, produce latex, which can be poisonous. As a result, it is best to admire it from a distance and keep it away from latex-allergic people, children, and pets.