Hoya Bella

Hoya Bella requires just the right amount of water. Too little and the plant will suffer, too much and you could suffer leaf-yellowing and root rot. The ideal way to water the plant is to let the soil (or coco coir) become almost dry and then give it a thorough drink. Very small plants and plants with younger leaves will need more frequent watering than larger and older plants. Special attention should be paid to the root system as Hoya Bella does not like to be left sitting in water.

Hoya Bella thrives best in bright indirect sunlight throughout the day. To maintain its glossy leaves, position it close to a windowsill and filter intense sunlight with sheer curtains. However, be sure to not keep the plant continuously in direct sunlight for more than a few hours each day, as this could cause leaf-scorch and sunburn. In low light environments, the plant’s growth will slow; if moved to a more suitable environment, growth should improve quickly.

Hoya Bella prefers temperatures between 18° Celsius (64,4°F) and 25° Celsius (77°F) during the day and a little chillier at night. Young plants and those with weaker foliage are particularly susceptible to heat variations, so it is best to keep it away from direct sunlight, radiators or air conditioning vents.

Hoya Bella is a tropical plant and thrives best with a good dose of humidity. Aim to keep the atmosphere around the plant at 60%, although it is also very hardy so it too can tolerate less humid environments. If humidity drops below 50%, it is advisable to mist the leaves with a plant sprayer to provide additional moisture. Humidifiers can also help boost indoor humidity levels.

Hoya Bella likes a soil that holds moisture but has adequate air pockets for drainage. A well-draining soil mix that is based primarily on coco coir is recommended. Mixtures using peat moss, perlite, and sand or vermiculite can also provide the drainage and air pockets the plant needs. The soil should be slightly acidic in pH, 5 to 6.5.

Fertilizing helps to promote leaf growth and flower production. During the active growth phase, liquid fertilizers should be applied every two weeks, more frequently in the warmer months. Usage of balanced organic fertilizers is encouraged but not mandatory. If chemical fertilizers are used, half of the recommended usage rate should be applied to avoid over-fertilization.

Hoya Bella plants can be prone to pests such as mealybugs, spider mites, and whiteflies. Mealybugs are usually seen as clusters of small, cottony-white masses, often around leaf nodes or new growth. Treat the mealybugs with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap but be sure to read the instructions carefully. Spider mites are hard to spot until a large web appears between leaves and stems. Treat them with horticultural oil, insecticidal soap, or neem oil. Whiteflies resemble tiny white moths and can be seen hovering around the plant or sucked up by a vacuum cleaner. To get rid of these pests, use an insecticidal soap or neem oil to relieve the infestation.

Hoya Bella should only need to be repotted once or twice per year. Spring is the ideal time to repot because this is when the plant usually experiences a growth spurt. When choosing a new container, it should be no more than two inches wider in diameter than the previous pot. Make sure to use potting soil or coco coir that is well-draining and use a container with plenty of drainage holes.

Careful pruning is usually recommended to shape and encourage healthy growth. Dead, diseased, or damaged foliage should be removed regularly during the growing season. Prune all the way back to the main stem or branch being careful not to cut any branching material. It is also necessary to trim the main stems and branches to reduce the length and reinvigorate the plant.

Mulching is an optional step. Organic materials like bark, pebbles, or pine needles can be added to the top of the container. A mulch layer can help reduce water evaporation by preventing excessive heat and cold from entering the soil. It can also provide a decorative finish.

Hoya Bella can be propagated from cuttings and stem divisions. Take a stem cutting, which should be 3-5 inches in length and be sure to cut just below a node. Remove any leaves from the lower half, dip it in a rooting hormone, then place the cutting in moist potting soil. Keep the soil moist and in bright but indirect light to encourage rooting. After 2-3 weeks the cutting should have taken root and will require the same care that a mature Hoya Bella would need.

Hoya Bella plants are semi-woody and may need support to maintain their shape and structure. Gently tie longer shoots to a support stake and make sure to not pull too tight. If the plant does not have support, it may become top-heavy, causing it to flop over, which in turn could cause irreversible damage.

Hoya Bella does not experience a true rest period but it may become dormant during winter months. During this time, it can be beneficial to reduce watering and fertilizing until the growing season begins again in spring. Fertilizer should only be applied when the plant is actively growing during the summer months.

Hoya Bella is non-toxic to both cats and dogs. All parts of the plant are safe for animals as long as they do not ingest too much tissue.