Hoya Callistophylla- How To Grow And Care!

Choosing an indoor houseplant can sometimes be difficult if you are searching for a low-maintained plant that blooms gorgeous flowers as well. 

But what if I tell you that there is a plant that provides you with beautiful flowers and gorgeous foliage with low maintenance requirements as well? Yes, that plant’s name is Hoya Callistophylla. 

Today, in this article, I’ll take you through the brief care guide of the Hoya Callistophylla, where you know many things about the plant and learn how to grow this plant easily. Now, let me not waste your time but first let us know more about this plant.

About the Hoya Callistophylla plant

The Hoya Callistophylla plant is the subspecies of the Hoya genus which belong to the Apocynaceae Family. These plants are the natives of Southeast Asia. Also, these plants are commonly seen in the tropical regions of New Zealand and Australia. They have succulent characteristics and thrive in tropical climates. These epiphytic and succulent plants are known for their easy maintenance. 

But you need to be attentive when they are young. Spare some time to understand this plant. They always tend to climb the nearby heights. So support the vining nature of the plant. You can also try hanging the plant to the ceiling, even if that gives a beautiful look.

Let me describe the plant’s look, the methods of propagating, and the tips for caring for this plant further in this article. But first let us know more about this plant, height, width, maintenance, toxicity, and many more!

1. Height of Hoya Callistophylla: These Hoya Callistophylla plants can achieve a height of up to 16 feet in height if they are grown in favorable conditions.

2. Width of the Hoya Callistophylla: Hoya Callistophylla plants spread their width up to half a meter.

3. Hoya Callistophylla flowers: The Hoya Callistophylla flowers are light yellow to light orange and have red tips. These plants produce clusters of flowers, each cluster has at least 30 to 40 flowers and a diameter of 5 cm. Each flower has a diameter of 8 mm.

4. The foliage of this beautiful plant: The leaves of this species differentiate it from the other species of the Hoya genus. These leaves are large and have beautiful patterns on them. They often look like plastic ones. Dark green veneration on the light green leaves enhances the look of the plant.

5. Maintenance of Hoya Callistophylla: These plants are easy to maintain if you have prior experience with them. But, if you are a new gardener, then it might be a little tricky. You need to understand the plant’s requirements, so spare some time for them. 

6. Toxicity of Hoya Callistophylla: These plants are non-toxic. They expel sap while pruning, which might cause skin irritation to people who are prone to allergies. So, wear gardening gloves while dealing with it. It is better to avoid ingestion of parts of these plants, as they are not for consumption.

7. The growing season of Hoya Callistophylla: Early spring to the late summer is the growing season of the plant. They expand their roots, produce more foliage, and bloom during this period.

8. Growth of Hoya Callistophylla: This is a fast-growing plant, but the growth rate depends on its environmental conditions.

Fun fact: Did you know? Hoya has nearly 300 species of plant all around the world. Each of them has its own care needs and requirements.

How to propagate the Hoya Callistophylla plant?

It is easy to propagate this beautiful plant. In this article, we will discuss two methods of propagating the Hoya Callistophylla. Let’s begin!

1. Propagation of Hoya Callistophylla through seeds!

The Hoya Callistophylla plants can be easily propagated through the seeds. But, it might be time taking. Let me explain to you in detail. 

• Collect the seeds of the Hoya Callistophylla plant. You can even buy them in any plant store. 
• Prepare a pot with suitable soil mix and dampen it.
• Sow the seeds in the soil. 
• Maintain moisture in the pot. It boosts root growth.
• Place the pot in a bright place.
• Roots start to grow in 4 to 5 weeks. It depends on the climatic conditions.
• Transplant the seedlings once they start to grow.

2. Propagation of Hoya Callistophylla through stem cuttings!

Most gardeners use this method as this is an easy, faster, and cheap method to propagate the plant. All you need is a mature stem from the mother plant.

• Cut a mature stem, preferably the bottom stem of a healthy Hoya Callistophylla plant. Because bottom stems produce roots fastly and the success rate of the propagation is high. 
• Remove all the bottom leaves of the stem and dip them in the rooting hormone. You can skip this if you do not have rooting hormone.
• Prepare a pot with suitable soil mix and plant the stem in the pot.
• Water it and maintain the wetness to fasten the root growth.
• Within 2-3 weeks, roots start to grow. Thus the plant’s growth can also be observed.
• Place the plant in bright indirect sunlight.

How to care for the Hoya Callistophylla plant?

Hoya plants have certain conditions and requirements for care and growth. The following steps will help you in providing sufficient care for your plant at the right time. Let’s look at them!

1. Sunlight requirements of the Hoya Callistophylla!

Sunlight plays a crucial role in the plant’s survival. It helps the plant in preparing its food. Tropical plants like the Hoya Callistophylla thrive in the sunlight. If the plant does not get enough sunlight, you can observe many problems that bother your plant. Drop in the growth rate of the plant, droopy leaves and stems, yellowing of leaves, no blooming, and other such problems are caused due to lack of sunlight.

Hoya Callistophylla plants need bright indirect sunlight to thrive. Being native to tropical regions, they love bright light, but their succulent characteristic nature can’t tolerate direct sunlight. 

Thus, it is recommended to place them in a well-lit place. If you are planning to place the plant outdoors, then place the plant under a shade. You can also plant it between tall trees. This will provide dappled light to it and it also supports this vining plant to climb up.

If you place the plant indoors, then place it near the south-faced window that sources bright indirect sunlight for the plant. Do not place it on the windowsill, because the intense sun rays travel through the glass of the window and can severely damage the plant’s foliage. Let the plant get at least 6-8 hours of bright light.

2. Water requirements of the Hoya Callistophylla!

Watering the Hoya Callistophylla plant will be a tricky task for beginners. Because both overwatering and underwatering damage the plant. Being a fast-growing plant they need enough water to survive, but Hoyas can’t tolerate heavy watering as their roots are prone to root rot. 

Confused, aren’t you? There is a trick to get out of this confusion, water enough the plant, whenever the soil becomes dry. Also do not neglect the dryness in the soil for a long time. Poke the soil, if the soil is dry about two inches, then water it. If the soil is damp then postpone watering. 

Let the soil mix in the pot completely dry between waterings. This prevents root rot. Water the plant slowly, and let the soil and the root absorb the water. Stop watering it if the excess water flows out of the drainage holes. You can also use a moisture meter to check the soil’s wetness. 

3. Suitable soil mix for growing Hoya Callistophylla!

These Hoya Callistophylla plants should be grown only in dry soil as the roots of these plants are prone to root rot. They never enjoy sitting in waterlogged soil for a long time. This might cause root rots and other such diseases to the plant. So, it is recommended to use the best quality well-drained soil for planting this. If you can’t afford it, then don’t worry, I’ll tell you how to prepare a well-draining soil mixture at home.

Add peat moss, orchid bark, and perlite to the normal soil in equal quantities. This not only makes the normal household soil well-draining but also makes it nutritionally rich. You can add small pieces of charcoal or coarse sand to the mixture to make it more well-draining and allow aeration into the soil mix. The pH of the soil must be 6.5 to 7.5, as the plant thrives in slightly acidic soil.

4. The temperature range that suits Hoya Callistophylla!

Hoya Callistophylla plants thrive at room temperature. Thus they are listed as the best indoor plants. However, it has a hard nature and can survive in unfavorable temperatures. But, caring for this plant involves maintaining it in its suitable temperature range which is between 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. The slight fluctuations in this temperature range will not affect the plant, but the extreme temperatures might have some negative effects on the plant’s survival. 

Higher temperatures cause dehydration in the plant which can eventually kill the plant if you ignore it. Placing the plant under the air conditioner or cooler can save the plant from high temperatures. But remember, the air that comes out from the ACs should not directly contact the plant.

While talking about the lower temperatures, they too damage the plant equally as the higher temperatures do. The plant undergoes dormancy in this case. It stops growing. So, bring the plant indoors if it is placed outdoors in winter. Because during the nights of winter, the temperatures drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid placing the plant on window sills in winter, even the cool breezes can damage the plant. Plant heaters can help you in extremely low temperatures.

5. Humidity levels that favor Hoya Callistophylla!

Hoya Callistophylla plants are humidity lovers. They love being in moist climates. The foliage of this beautiful plant needs humidity to enhance its look. But, humidity levels more than the suitable level can cause fungal or bacterial growth on the plant. So, maintain the plant at a suitable humidity level. 50 to 70% of humidity suits the plant. It is indeed the humidity present in the house. It is also a reason why it became one of the most popular houseplants. More or less the above ideal level will affect the plant’s health. 

Mist the plant if the climate is too dry and the leaves of the plant become dry. Do not place it near vents. You can use plant humidifiers to maintain the humidity level or place some more plants around your Hoya Callistophylla if you are living in a dry environment. Make sure to provide enough moisture to your plant, if you have placed the plant under plant lights. 

But remember, the plant gets enough air. Make sure that the foliage of the plant is not mushy, but healthy. High humidity levels can cause root rots. So, you need to be attentive in the beginning until you completely understand the plant’s needs.

6. Potting Hoya Callistophylla!

Hoya plants have a sensitive root system that is prone to root rot. So they should be planted in pots that allow the soil inside it to dry quickly. Use clay, ceramic, terracotta, or cement pots that allow aeration through their porous walls. Thus the root gets enough oxygen and the soil that is in the pot dries quickly. It does not happen with plastic pots or other such pots.

The plants that grow in the ground thrive better than the plants that grow in the pots because the pots control the root growth of the plant and thus control the plant’s growth. So, when you are planning to plant your Hoya callistophylla plant, buy a pot that allows root growth. It must be 2 inches larger than the plant’s root ball. More than that will hold more water that may not be liked by the root system, and lesser than that size will not allow the roots to grow and may lead to pot-bound and root-bound roots.

One more thing to consider while you are selecting a pot for the plant is the drainage system. Because, if the pot does not have a good drainage system, then the soil becomes waterlogged for a long time and this may damage the root system. Also, the drainage of excess water prevents fungal growth. So, always check the drainage holes of the pot before you buy it.

Process of potting:

• Take the selected pot and fill the first (bottom) layer with the gravel or the small pieces of bricks. This avoids the blockage of the drainage holes.
• Fill the pot’s second layer with the suitable soil mix.
• Now place the plant on the soil and support it by adding the soil mix around it.
• Water it slightly and place it in bright indirect sunlight.

7. Repotting Hoya Callistophylla!

Repotting the Hoya Callistophylla plant regularly keeps the plant healthy. It is important to transplant the plant every 2 to 3 years. Because the pot-growing plants do not get enough nutrients, the soil becomes futile after some time. This may result in a slow growth rate, no blooming, a weak plant e.t.c. Also, this fast-growing plant spreads its roots quickly and this small pot can stop further root growth, due to lack of enough space. So, repotting the plant with a pot that is 2 inches larger than the old pot is necessary to maintain the plant’s health.

Process of repotting:

• Firstly, dampen the soil in the old pot such that it becomes easy to pull out the plant.
• Gently, get the plant from the old pot and shake it to remove the old soil that is stuck to the roots.
• Remove if there are any rotten roots, using sharp and sterilized gardening equipment.
• Then take the larger pot and follow the potting process.

8. Fertilizing Hoya Callistophylla!

The Hoya Callistophylla plants do not need much fertilization to survive. But fertilization once or twice during the growing period helps the plant to thrive. Organic fertilizers suit this plant. You can also use NPK fertilizers for feeding this plant in the growing season. It boosts growth as well as increases the beauty of the plant. Mild fertilizers can be used once a week in the mid-summer. 

In the fall, reduce the feeding to once a month. Follow the instructions given on the label of the container, before you feed it. Do not fertilize the plant during the winter. Because the plant stops its growth for a while in the winter and feeding in that period can lead to stress in the plant. Remember over-fertilization can burn the root system and result in a fall in the growth of the plant. Lack of fertilization will lead to leaf-drop, stopped flowering, and other such diseases in the plant. So, provide enough feeding to your plant at the right.

9. Pruning Hoya Callistophylla!

Hoya Callistophylla plants are vines that tend to climb up to heights. You can easily maintain them by giving some support to climb. You may need to prune this fast-growing plant if it grows rapidly. You might not be willing to prune this beautiful plant, but you need to do it to remove the leggy stems that ruin the space around the plant.

Remember to wear gardening gloves and use sharp pruning equipment while pruning this plant to avoid mushing the stems. Pruning should be done in the growing season. This helps to save the plant’s energy and will boost its growth. 

Moreover, the plant recovers from the shock of the pruning soon in the growing season. Do not prune these plants in the winter season. Because it is the dormant period of these plants. Pruning in this period may cause stress in the plant which might lead to several problems.

Do not prune the new leaf nodes and peduncles where you can observe new blooms in the future. Avoid over-pruning. 

Common problems that trouble Hoya Callistophylla!

Even though the Hoya Callistophylla plant is hardy, it too gets bothered by some pests and diseases. Let’s check out those pests and diseases that can affect your Hoya Callistophylla and how you can prevent them from spreading further!

1. Pests that can attack Hoya Callistophylla

Pests like scale, mealybugs, spider mites, and aphids trouble the plant by sucking the plant’s liquid. This can be treated by applying neem oil to the plant, spraying light pesticides, and applying rubbing alcohol to the infected parts of the plant. If the infection is high then gently prune the part.

2. Diseases that can occur to Hoya Callistophylla

Due to improper care, your plant may fall sick. Due to overexposure to the sun, you can observe sunburns on the foliage, the leaves may become dry, curled, and these fleshy leaves become thin and turn yellow. They may become droopy and eventually fall off. 

Lack of sunlight stops the growth of the plant, the plant stops blooming and the foliage turns yellow. Overwatering causes root rot and fungal diseases. Underwatering results in dehydration in the plant thus the foliage becomes thin, droopy, and may lose its shine. Temperatures above or below the suitable range can damage the plant’s growth rate and can also cause some problems. High humidity levels cause fungal and bacterial infections and low humidity causes dryness in the plant. 

Use mild fungicides to treat this case. Usage of compact soil or plastic pots causes root rot. If you delay repotting the plant, it results in pot-bound and root-bound roots that eventually cause root rots.

Over-fertilizing burns the root system and lack of fertilization may lead to a drop in the growth rate of the plant. 

Over pruning results in the shock that causes stress in the plant, which leads to stunted growth. Ignoring pests or fungal growth may lead to the plant’s death. Prune the infected parts and use the mentioned remedies to get the plant back on track. 

Follow the above care tips to maintain a healthy plant. The care and attention you provide keeps the plant away from the bothering diseases.

Conclusion

The Hoya Callistophylla plants are beautiful indoor plants that steal the heart of its viewers. This tropical plant can be grown indoors and outdoors, providing enough care. Follow the care guide that I have given above to maintain the plant healthily and long-lasting. Also, let me conclude with a few points or tips for you to remember for growing a healthy Hoya Callistophylla!

Tips for growing a healthy Hoya Callistophylla

• Place the plant in the bright indirect sunlight and water it whenever the soil becomes dry. 
• Using a well-drained soil mix and a pot with good drainage will keep it safe. 
• Fertilize once or twice during the growing season to boost its growth. 
• Repot the plant regularly to avoid fungal infections and to provide enough space for root growth. 
• Maintain the plant at suitable temperature and humidity levels to make it thrive. 
• Be alert to save your plant from trouble-shooting pests and diseases. 

Hoya callistophylla can add to your decorative space with its exotic beautiful foliage and equally exquisite flowers. I hope this article has provided you with enough information to grow this plant. Also, don’t forget to share this article with your friends and family. Enjoy growing the Hoya Callistophylla plant. 

Happy Gardening!

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