Hoya Burtoniae- Everything You Need To Know About This Gorgeous Plant!

Did you know that the Hoya Burtoniae plants are well known for their low maintenance and beautiful blooms?

This tropical vine can enhance the look of your home and easily adapt to the temperature and humidity in the home. If you are searching for this kind of plant, then check out this article.

Hoya Burtoniae plants are tropical plants that produce gorgeous maroon blooms and lovely foliage which attract the attention of the visitors to your home. This plant spreads sweet fragrances that will make you calm and peaceful. This evergreen plant is a native of the Philippines and a member of the Hoya genus and this belongs to the Apocynaceae family. Beginners who are starting their gardening can start with this plant, as it can be maintained with low care.

If you are interested in knowing about caring for this plant, then read this article completely till the end to know everything about Hoya Burtoniae. Here, we will discuss the propagation of Hoya Burtoniae, how to grow and care, some important information, and common problems that can occur to this plant! So, without much further delay, let’s start!

What inside this?

How to propagate the Hoya Burtoniae plant at home?

Although the Hoya Burtoniae plants are available in many plant stores and local nurseries, many plant enthusiasts propagate them at home. Not only to have fun but also it is the cheapest way to increase the number of Hoya Burtoniae plants.

Do you want to know the methods you can use to propagate these hoya plants at home easily? Let’s check them out below!

1. Propagation of Hoya Burtoniae through Seeds

This is one of the easiest ways of propagating the Hoya Burtoniae plant.

Collect the best quality seeds of these plants.
Make your pot ready with well-drained soil.
Sow the seeds at an inch depth.
Water it slightly and maintain the wetness in the pot.
It may take 4 weeks and above to root.
After 4 weeks, you can repot the seedlings into suitable pots.

2. Propagation of Hoya Burtoniae through cuttings

We feel this is the best way to propagate the Hoya Burtoniae plant. Because it is a fast method when compared to the seed propagation method and easier than the layering process.

Use sharp scissors to cut a 5-10 inch stem of the plant and deadhead its lower part, leaving some leaves at the top. Make sure that the stem is strong and mature. Avoid mushing the plant and stem.
Dip the cut in the rooting hormone to fasten the process.
Prepare a pot with suitable soil mix and put the stem into the soil. It takes 2-4 weeks to root. That’s it!

3. Propagation of Hoya Burtoniae by layering method

This is the fastest process of propagating Hoya Burtoniae plants, but it needs much attention.

Choose a mature and old stem at the bottom of the pot.
Make a wound with a height of 2 inches and a width of half an inch.
Apply rooting hormone to it and bend it gently, without damaging it till it reaches the soil mix in another pot.
Secure it with floral pins.
Within 2 weeks it starts rooting.
Then you can separate the stem from the main stem.

Thus, you can propagate Hoya Burtoniae using the layering method.

4. Air layering of Hoya Burtoniae plants

It is also the same as the above process but slightly differs. Let us know in detail.

Select a mature stem preferably at the bottom, which supports the root growth.
Cut a side of the stem slightly at a quarter-inch depth and 2-inch height.
Apply rooting hormone to the wound, cover it with soil or sphagnum and wrap it with plastic wrap and support it with floral ties. This helps in maintaining the humidity which encourages root growth.
You can see the root growth in 1-2 weeks, then separate the stem from the mother plant and plant it in another pot.

Some important information about Hoya Burtoniae!

Are you interested to learn some important information about Hoya Burtoniae? Let’s check them out below!

1. Blooming of Hoya Rebecca plant

These plants produce waxy pink-colored eye-catchy blooms that spread a sweet fragrance. Blooming is one of the reasons why the Hoya Burtoniae plants became more popular. We observe the blooming in the growing period. These plants bloom only for 4 to 5 weeks in the year. The color of the flowers sometimes varies from red to dark pink. Some plants may bloom from May to August depending on the weather conditions of your place.

2. Best time to plant Hoya Rebecca

Hoya Burtoniae can be considered a hardy plant and can be planted at any time of the year. If you plant it during the winter, which is its dormancy period, you may not observe it growing. It starts growing in spring and you can observe the first blooms in the late summer. If you are planting your Hoya Burtoniae in the summer, which is the growing season of the plant, it will boost the growth of the plant. Whatever the season may be, you can plan to plant it in the final months of the year.

3. Height and width of Hoya Rebecca plant

This vining plant can be maintained at a height of 3.75m and can occupy your home with a width of 0.50m. You can also prune them considering the space in your home.

4. The growing season of the Hoya Rebecca plant

Being tropical plants, Hoya Burtoniae plants love to stay in warm and dry conditions. So, the better growth of them can be observed during the period from early spring to the late summer (only if you care enough).

5. Toxicity of Hoya Rebecca plant

Hoya Burtoniae plants are nontoxic. But they are not to be ingested. So, it is better to place it away from curious kids and pets.

How to care for the Hoya Burtoniae plant?

This plant can be easily maintained at home if you follow the care tips that we have given below!

1. Sunlight requirements and Placement of Hoya Burtoniae

Hoya plants are observed growing well in warm conditions. They thrive in bright indirect sunlight. Place the plant indoors in a place that gets maximum bright light for at least 4-5 hours a day. Avoid keeping them under direct sun, because direct intense sun rays that fall on the sensitive foliage of this plant, burn them causing sunburns. Also, direct sunlight causes dehydration in the plant. It may also lead to discoloration in the leaves.

You can keep them outdoors, in a shade that gets bright light. Place the plant near windows to provide enough light for it. It is better if the window is south-facing. Even west or east-facing windows provide bright light but, during the afternoons of the hot summer, the intense sun rays that pass through the window glass can harm the plant. You should use drapes to cover the windows in such cases.

Remember lack of sunlight can also damage the plant’s health. It stops its growth, and the plant goes dormant if it does not get enough sunlight. Plants will not bloom due to a lack of sunlight. Because sunlight is responsible for the preparation of plant food. You can use plant light with adequate watering if you are living in a place that does not get enough light.

2. Water Requirements of Hoya Burtoniae

Water is another key element for growing plants. Water supplies nutrients present in the soil to the root system and then to all other parts of the plant. Hoya Burtoniae plants need moderate watering for their survival. Water your plant whenever the soil becomes dry instead of following a schedule. Because the water needs of the plant depend on the climatic and environmental conditions of your place. So, it is better to use a moisture meter to know the wetness of the soil or you can even check the moisture of the soil by poking the soil at an inch depth.

If the soil is wet, you can postpone your watering, or if it is completely dry, then give your plant a good drink of water. This helps in avoiding overwatering and underwatering which cause severe damage to the plant. Hoya Burtoniae plants have roots that are sensitive to root rot. Overwatering or frequent watering can make the root rot.

A rotten root system, which is responsible for the survival and growth of the plant, cannot perform better. Also, under-watering leads to dehydration in the plant which causes wilted leaves and discoloration. Slowly water the plant to let the roots and the soil absorb the water and let the excess water come out of the drainage holes. Thus you can water it adequately.

3. Best Soil mix for planting Hoya Burtoniae

Use the best quality well-draining soil mix to plant your Hoya Burtoniae. The root of this plant is prone to root rot, so it needs the type of soil that drains quickly. Compact soil will not dry quickly and holds water for longer hours which can cause severe damage to the roots. So avoid using them.

The well-draining soil mixes are available in many plant stores or you can simply buy them online. But, we advise you to prepare a well-draining mix at home by mixing ⅓ perlite, ⅓ orchid bark, and ⅓ peat to the ⅓ of normal household soil mix to prepare a well-draining soil mix. But make sure that the pH of the soil mix should range between 6.1 and 7.3 to maintain the plant’s health.

4. Potting Hoya Burtoniae

Hoya Burtonia Care guides say that the process of potting has significance in the plant’s health. It includes the size and the material of the pot you use to plant this gorgeous plant. Let us know how to pot this plant after getting it from a nursery or any plant-selling store.

Select a good pot for planting this tropical plant.
Consider the material of the pot, while selecting. The pots that are made up of clay, suit well for planting these types of plants. Because of the porous walls of the pot, the oxygen passes to the root system and thus makes the plant healthy.
Using plastic pots for planting these plants is not at all a good idea, since they will not allow the soil to dry quickly, which may result in root rots.
The size of the pot must be just 2 to 3 inches larger than the root system. Because the larger pots that are filled with more soil hold more water, which may not be liked by the root system.
The main thing to consider while selecting a pot is the drainage system. Pots with poor drainage systems may cause root rots which will affect the plant badly. Make sure that the pot has at least 4-5 small drainage holes.

Now, let me tell you how we potted our Hoya Burtoniae for the first time!

Firstly, fill the bottom layer (up to 1 inch) of the pot with gravel or pieces of bricks to avoid the soil from clogging the drainage holes.
Then half fill the pot with soil mix and place the plant in the soil. Support the plant to stand by filling the remaining soil mix on the sides and at the top.
That’s it you have completed potting it. Apply some water to the surface of the soil. Do not water it for the next few days.

5. Repotting Hoya Burtoniae

Hoya Burtonia plants like having pot-bound roots for some time, which encourages flowering. But if the plant is left in the same small pot for a long time it stops the growth of the plant, as it controls the root growth. Also, the water gets stuck between the root-bound pot-bound roots, instead of draining out. This causes root rot and other fungal infections in the plant. Also, the soil becomes wet and cannot encourage the plant’s growth. So, it is better to repot the plant every 1-2 years to maintain its good health.

Water the plant to make the soil damp before you repot the plant. Gently drag the plant out of the old pot and shake the plant to separate the damp soil from the roots. Now take a new pot, fill it with a layer of gravel at the bottom and fill a layer with the soil mix that suits the plant up to half of the pot. Now, place the plant and add the remaining soil around the roots of the plant to support it. Water it slightly and place the plant in its place.

6. Pruning Hoya Burtoniae

Your Hoya Burtoniae plant may not need to be pruned. But, you can prune it if there are any dead leaves or stems on the plant. Prune the leaves if they get attacked by any fungus or pests. Use only sharp and sterilized pruners to prune the plant, avoid mushing it, as the fungus grows on the mushy wounds. You can also prune the plant to maintain it in the desired height and width. But avoid pruning the new leaf nodes. Because the plant produces flowers at the new leaf nodes. The unwanted stems of the plant can be pruned to propagate a new Hoya Burtoniae.

7. Fertilizing Hoya Burtoniae

Fertilization helps to encourage the growth of the plant, by enriching the soil nutrients. Thus it makes the plant strong and prevents diseases. Although the Hoya Burtoniae does not need heavy feeding, it also thrives when you feed it. But, remember over-fertilization can disturb the plant’s health by burning the roots and thus eventually kill the plant.

Do not use strong fertilizers to feed this plant. Dilute the fertilizer to half of its strength or use mild fertilizers to feed this kind of plant. Avoid fertilizing it often. Feed your plant once or twice in the growing season to supply enough energy for its growth. Do not feed this plant in winter to avoid stressing the plant.

8. Suitable Temperature range for Hoya Burtoniae

These plants thrive at room temperature. That is from 60 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. A slight fluctuation around these temperatures can be tolerated, but a considerable change from this range for a long time can severely damage the plant. In low temperatures, the plant becomes dormant and stops growth. In this case, the soil will not dry quickly and becomes waterlogged. This may cause root rot. These plants cannot tolerate temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

High temperatures will also have some negative effects on the plant like dehydration. So, maintain the plant in its suitable temperature range. Do not leave the plant outdoors during the winters, if necessary use plant heaters to increase the temperature in the winter.

9. Suitable Humidity level for Hoya Burtoniae

Hoya Burtoniae plants adapt to the humidity level present in the room where it is placed. These plants thrive well in humidity levels ranging from 40-60 percent. The humidity levels more than this range causes fungal growth on the foliage and will not let the soil dry faster. Thus it can also cause root-related issues in the plant.

The humidity levels below this range will make the plant droopy and wrinkled leaves. The shiny foliage loses its shine if the humidity drops. The suitable humidity range of this plan is the humidity level present in a house. It is one of the reasons why this plant can be placed indoors.

Common problems your Hoya Burtonia might face!

Some common problems that can happen to your beloved Hoya Burtonia are given below! Let’s check them out below!

1. Pests that attack Hoya Burtoniae

Insects-and-diseases-requirements-for-Hoya-Rebecca-plant

Pests like mealybugs, aphids, scales, and spider mites are the common insects that attack your plant. Pick them up and throw them, if you can hold them. Otherwise, clean the infected part with rubbing alcohol or neem oil to get rid of them. You can also treat them by spraying soap and water on the infected part. If the infestation is more, then use soft pesticides to avoid this problem.

2. Diseases in Hoya Burtonia

Although it is a hardy plant, sometimes some diseases can trouble your plant due to inadequate care. Let us see the list of the common problems that can bother your plant.

a) Discoloration of foliage in Hoya Burtoniae

The leaves of the plant are often discolored into yellow, brown, and red and there may be some spots on the leaves and stems. It is due to improper watering and lack of care. Check whether it is due to fungal growth or root rot, repot the plant and remove all the infected parts of the plant. If the problem has not occurred due to fungal growth then follow the above care tips to treat this problem. Maybe the discoloration cannot be recovered but it can be prevented in the tree.

b) Leaf-drop in Hoya Burtoniae

The Hoya Burtoniae plant drops its leaves during the winter, to save its energy for the growing season. It may naturally drop the old leaves. There are some reasons for the abnormal leaf-fall in the plant, like overwatering in this case the leaves become mushy, and high temperatures make the leaves dry and drop. Lack of nutrients and lack of light can drop the leaves of the plant. Provide enough care to treat this problem.

c) Fall of growth rate in Hoya Burtoniae

Generally, Hoya plants stop their growth only when the temperatures fall, or during the winter season. If there is any problem that is troubling your plant then it might stop its growth even in its growing season. Some of the most common problems that influence the plant’s growth are improper watering, lack of fertilization, root rot, stress due to replacement or transplantation, or inadequate light.

Find out the reason for the drop in the growth of the plant to treat the plant. Care enough for your plant to bring the growth of your plant back on its track.

d) Root rot in Hoya Burtoniae

Root rot is one of the most dangerous diseases that may eventually kill the plant. Because the roots are responsible for the healthy growth of the plant. If they get damaged, the supply of water, nutrients, and oxygen which plays a crucial role in the preparation of the plant’s food gets stopped and thus affects the plant’s growth.

Generally frequent watering or overwatering, poor drainage of the pot, soil mix that does not drain well, low temperatures, high humidity levels, and sometimes the material of the pot causes root rot. These Hoya Burtoniae plants are tropical plants that have sensitive roots and are prone to root rot. It will show some signs like mushy and droopy leaves, black spots on the leaves and stems, and fungal growth on the soil surface emitting a foul taste. It can be cured if you notice it in the beginning and cut off the rotten part of the root system. If you have not noticed or ignored the signs, it will lead to the plant’s death.

e) Fungal growth in Hoya Burtoniae

This is also caused by overwatering and waterlogged soil. This fungal growth prompts root rot and finally kills the plant. Let them dry between waterings and use clay pots to allow aeration into the soil. Whenever you find mold growth in the soil then immediately change the soil mix. It is better if you repot it. Make sure that the pot has good drainage. Use fungicides if the damage is less. Let the plant get enough light to avoid this case.

f) Stopped flowering in Hoya Burtoniae

Your Hoya Burtoniae plant can stop flowering in the winter season, naturally. However, it can be considered a disease if it stops flowering during its blooming season. The main reasons behind this problem are, lack of light, being under or overwatered, lack of fertilization, lack of nutrients, and stress in the plant. Check for signs of root rot, if it is not due to root rot then provide adequate care to restart its bloom.

Conclusion

Hoya Burtoniae plants are one of the most beautiful, and popular houseplants. The waxy flowers they produce and their evergreen oval-shaped leaves make them more interesting. Your care makes it happy and its blooms and growth make you happy.

We hope this article has helped you to know many things about this good-looking plant. Follow this article to provide adequate care to your Hoya Burtoniae.

That’s all folks! Do you have any questions in mind? Please comment down below, I would love to answer all of your doubts. Also, please do me a favor, if you like my article, please share it on social media and also with your friends and family so that it will help me spread the Hoya Burtoniae care tips to the masses. Also, check out my other articles too!

Purnima
She is a Forestry and Agriculture graduate with over two years of experience in designing, planting, and maintaining an indoor plant and herb garden. She is an evergreen plant lover and plant parent.
View all posts