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45 Popular Types of Hoyas: A Comprehensive Guide to the Wax Plant World


Embarking on an Enchanting Expedition through the World of Hoyas

types of hoyas

Prepare to be captivated as we venture into the enchanting world of hoyas, an extraordinary group of plants revered for their lush foliage, fascinating growth habits, and exquisite, fragrant flowers. Also known as wax plants, hoyas are native to Asia, Australia, and the Pacific Islands, where they can be found growing as epiphytes in tropical and subtropical environments. These resilient and adaptable plants have captured the hearts of plant enthusiasts worldwide, offering a remarkable array of species and varieties to discover and cherish.


In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into 45 popular types of hoyas, each with its unique characteristics, growth habits, and care requirements. So, strap yourself in and get ready to be enthralled by the diverse, alluring, and mesmerizing world of hoyas.


Note: Due to the extensive number of hoyas covered in this article, the descriptions for each type will be concise. We encourage further research into the specific care requirements for each species or cultivar.



Types of Hoyas


1. Hoya Carnosa

types of hoyas

The Hoya carnosa, often referred to as the Wax Plant, is one of the most popular and widely cultivated hoyas. Known for its thick, succulent leaves and beautiful, star-shaped flowers that produce a sweet fragrance, Hoya carnosa is a favorite among both novice and experienced plant enthusiasts.



2. Hoya Carnosa 'Tricolor'

types of hoyas

A cultivar of Hoya carnosa, the 'Tricolor' variety boasts stunning variegated leaves in shades of green, white, and pink. When exposed to bright, indirect sunlight, the pink hues become more pronounced, creating a visually striking display.



3. Hoya Carnosa 'Compacta'

types of hoyas

Also known as the Hindu Rope or Krinkle Kurl, the Hoya carnosa 'Compacta' is characterized by its twisted, curly leaves that grow in a tight, compact fashion. The plant's unique growth habit and cascading form make it an excellent choice for hanging baskets.



4. Hoya Kerrii

types of hoyas

Affectionately known as the Sweetheart Hoya or Valentine Hoya, Hoya kerrii is famed for its heart-shaped leaves, which are thick and succulent. This slow-growing plant is often sold as single leaf cuttings, making it a popular gift for loved ones. You can Buy Hoya Kerrii here.



5. Hoya Australis

types of hoyas

Hoya australis is a robust, fast-growing species that produces large, glossy green leaves and fragrant, white flowers with a pinkish center. Native to Australia, this hoya is well-suited for outdoor cultivation in warmer climates or as a vigorous indoor plant.



6. Hoya Bella

types of hoyas

Featuring small, lance-shaped leaves and delicate, fragrant flowers, Hoya bella is a charming, compact species that is perfect for small spaces and hanging baskets. Its flowers, which are typically white with a pinkish-purple center, appear in clusters and emit a sweet scent.



7. Hoya Pubicalyx

types of hoyas

With its dark green leaves and stunning, star-shaped flowers that range from deep pink to dark red, Hoya pubicalyx is a visually striking plant. This species is known for its adaptability and ease of care, making it an excellent choice for beginners. You can Buy Hoya Pubicalyx here.



8. Hoya Serpens



Hoya serpens is a captivating, slow-growing species with small, round leaves covered in soft, fuzzy hairs. Its delightful, fragrant flowers are a pale green color with a deep red center, making it a standout addition to any plant collection.



9. Hoya Linearis



Characterized by its long, slender leaves that grow in a cascading fashion, Hoya linearis is a unique and eye-catching species. Its delicate, white flowers hang in clusters and emit a sweet fragrance, making it a stunning addition to any hanging basket or indoor plant display.



10. Hoya Obovata



Hoya obovata is known for its large, round, fleshy leaves that can display an attractive speckled pattern. This robust and adaptable species produces fragrant, white flowers with a pinkish center, adding an extra layer of charm to this already appealing plant.



11. Hoya Multiflora

types of hoyas

Also known as the Shooting Star Hoya, Hoya multiflora boasts fascinating, star-shaped flowers that resemble shooting stars in appearance. Its glossy green leaves create a striking backdrop for the plant's unique and abundant blooms. You can Buy Hoya Multiflora here.



12. Hoya Lacunosa



Hoya lacunosa is a compact species with small, waxy leaves and delicate, highly fragrant flowers that are typically white with a hint of yellow in the center. This plant's compact size and delightful scent make it a popular choice for indoor cultivation.



13. Hoya Cinnamomifolia



Characterized by its large, velvety leaves and stunning, star-shaped flowers, Hoya cinnamomifolia is a captivating plant that makes a bold statement in any collection. Its flowers, which are typically white with a maroon center, emit a pleasant fragrance when in bloom.



14. Hoya Krimson Queen

types of hoyas

Hoya Krimson Queen is a cultivar of Hoya carnosa, displaying beautiful variegated leaves in shades of green, white, and pink. The pink hues intensify when the plant is exposed to bright, indirect sunlight. This cultivar is prized for its stunning foliage and ease of care.



15. Hoya Macgillivrayi



With its large, deep green leaves and massive, star-shaped flowers, Hoya macgillivrayi is a showstopper. The plant's striking flowers, which can be up to 4 inches across, are deep burgundy and emit a strong, sweet fragrance when in bloom.



16. Hoya Curtisii



Hoya curtisii is a charming, small-leafed species that features tiny, heart-shaped leaves with a silver-speckled pattern. This trailing plant is perfect for hanging baskets, and its small, yellow-green flowers add a delicate touch of beauty to its overall appearance.



17. Hoya Wayetii



Featuring long, narrow leaves with striking white veins, Hoya wayetii is a captivating species that adds visual interest to any plant display. Its fragrant, star-shaped flowers are typically white with a red center.



18. Hoya Krohniana



Hoya krohniana is a small, slow-growing species known for its round, dark green leaves with an attractive silver-speckled pattern. The plant produces delicate, fragrant flowers that are typically white with a hint of yellow in the center.



19. Hoya Finlaysonii



Characterized by its striking, lance-shaped leaves adorned with intricate, silver veining, Hoya finlaysonii is a visually intriguing plant. Its fragrant, white flowers with a yellow center create a beautiful contrast against the plant's dark foliage.



20. Hoya Nummularioides



Hoya nummularioides is a small-leaved species with delicate, circular leaves and dainty, fragrant flowers. Its white flowers with a yellow center emit a sweet fragrance, making it a delightful addition to any indoor or outdoor plant display.



21. Hoya Pottsii



Hoya pottsii features large, glossy leaves that are often mottled with shades of green and silver. The plant produces fragrant, star-shaped flowers that range from white to pale pink with a red or pink center, adding a pop of color to its lush foliage.



22. Hoya Obscura



Hoya obscura is known for its stunning, red-tinged foliage when exposed to bright, indirect sunlight. Its small, elliptical leaves create a beautiful backdrop for the plant's clusters of fragrant, light pink flowers with a darker pink center.



23. Hoya Shepherdii



Also known as the String Bean Hoya, Hoya shepherdii features long, slender, bean-like leaves that grow in a cascading manner. This unique species produces fragrant, white flowers with a pinkish center, adding an extra layer of visual interest to the plant's intriguing growth habit.



24. Hoya Imperialis

types of hoyas

Hoya imperialis is a large-leaved species known for its massive, show-stopping flowers that can be up to 4 inches in diameter. The flowers are typically deep red to burgundy with a yellow center, creating a striking contrast against the plant's large, dark green leaves.



25. Hoya Heuschkeliana



Hoya heuschkeliana is a charming, compact species with small, round, succulent leaves. Its delicate, bell-shaped flowers, which can range in color from pale pink to deep pink, emit a sweet fragrance when in bloom.



26. Hoya Gracilis

types of hoyas

Hoya gracilis features slender, lance-shaped leaves and produces clusters of fragrant, star-shaped flowers that are white with a pinkish center. Its graceful growth habit and delightful scent make it a popular choice for hanging baskets and indoor plant displays.



27. Hoya Retusa



With its flat, grass-like leaves, Hoya retusa stands out among other hoyas for its unique appearance. This distinctive plant produces small, white flowers with a red center, adding a touch of color to its already intriguing foliage.



28. Hoya Engleriana



Hoya engleriana is a small-leaved species with heart-shaped, deep green leaves that have a slightly wrinkled texture. The plant produces clusters of fragrant, white flowers with a pale pink center, creating a beautiful contrast against its dark foliage.



29. Hoya Dischorensis



Hoya dischorensis is an appealing species known for its large, round, glossy leaves and stunning, star-shaped flowers. The flowers are typically white with a maroon center and emit a pleasant fragrance when in bloom.



30. Hoya Pachyclada

types of hoyas

Featuring thick, fleshy leaves and a compact growth habit, Hoya pachyclada is a captivating plant that is well-suited for small spaces. Its fragrant, white flowers with a pinkish center add a touch of elegance to this already alluring species.



31. Hoya Tsangii



Hoya tsangii is a compact species with small, elliptical leaves and attractive, silver veining. The plant produces fragrant, white flowers with a red center, creating a beautiful contrast against its dark foliage.



32. Hoya Rotundiflora



With its round, succulent leaves and fascinating, tubular flowers, Hoya rotundiflora is a truly unique species. The flowers are typically green with a white corolla, making this plant a standout addition to any hoya collection.



33. Hoya Meliflua



Hoya meliflua features large, dark green leaves with prominent veins, creating a visually striking appearance. The plant's fragrant, star-shaped flowers are typically white with a yellow center, adding a touch of elegance to this already stunning species.



34. Hoya Diversifolia



Hoya diversifolia is an adaptable species known for its large, glossy leaves that can display a variety of shapes and sizes. Its fragrant, white flowers with a yellow center create a beautiful contrast against the plant's lush foliage.



35. Hoya Erythrostemma



Featuring dark green, elliptical leaves with red veins, Hoya erythrostemma is a visually intriguing plant. Its fragrant, star-shaped flowers are typically white with a red center, creating a striking contrast against the plant's dark foliage.



36. Hoya Nicholsoniae



Hoya nicholsoniae is a charming, small-leaved species with delicate, heart-shaped leaves and attractive, silver veining. The plant produces fragrant, white flowers with a pale pink center, adding a touch of beauty to its already captivating appearance.



37. Hoya Longifolia



Characterized by its long, narrow leaves and elegant, pendulous growth habit, Hoya longifolia is a visually appealing species. Its fragrant, star-shaped flowers are typically white with a pinkish center, adding a touch of charm to this graceful plant.



38. Hoya Parasitica



Hoya parasitica is known for its slender, lance-shaped leaves and stunning, star-shaped flowers that range in color from white to pale pink with a red or pink center. This adaptable species is popular among hoya enthusiasts for its ease of care and captivating appearance.



39. Hoya Kentiana



Also known as Hoya wayetii, Hoya kentiana features long, narrow leaves with striking white veins. Its fragrant, star-shaped flowers are typically white with a red center, adding a pop of color to its already intriguing foliage.



40. Hoya Memoria



Hoya memoria, also known as Hoya gracilis, features slender, lance-shaped leaves and produces clusters of fragrant, star-shaped flowers that are white with a pinkish center. Its graceful growth habit and delightful scent make it a popular choice for hanging baskets and indoor plant displays.



41. Hoya Caudata



With its large, heart-shaped leaves adorned with intricate, silver veining, Hoya caudata is a visually striking plant. Its fragrant, white flowers with a yellow center create a beautiful contrast against the plant's dark foliage.



42. Hoya Kanyakumariana



Hoya kanyakumariana is a small-leaved species with delicate, heart-shaped leaves and a silver-speckled pattern. The plant produces clusters of fragrant, white flowers with a yellow center, adding a touch of elegance to its already appealing appearance.



43. Hoya Sigillatis



Featuring dark green, elliptical leaves with a reddish hue and attractive, silver veining, Hoya sigillatis is a captivating plant. Its fragrant, white flowers with a pinkish center create a striking contrast against its dark foliage.



44. Hoya Treubiana



Hoya treubiana is a robust species with large, glossy leaves and stunning, star-shaped flowers that are typically white with a yellow center. The plant's lush foliage and fragrant flowers make it a standout addition to any hoya collection.



45. Hoya Undulata



With its wavy, dark green leaves and striking, star-shaped flowers, Hoya undulata is a visually intriguing plant. The flowers are typically white with a red center, creating a stunning contrast against the plant's undulating foliage.




Summary

As we conclude our journey through the mesmerizing world of hoyas, it's clear that these remarkable plants offer a diverse range of species and cultivars to captivate the hearts of plant enthusiasts everywhere. From the heart-shaped leaves of Hoya kerrii to the stunning, massive blooms of Hoya imperialis, there is a hoya for every taste and preference.


Whether you're an experienced horticulturist or a budding plant enthusiast, the world of hoyas offers endless opportunities for exploration, cultivation, and admiration. So, as you embark on your own hoya adventure, remember that each species and cultivar comes with its unique set of characteristics, growth habits, and care requirements. With patience, persistence, and a little bit of love, you'll soon find yourself immersed in the enchanting world of wax plants, surrounded by the beauty and fragrance that only hoyas can provide.



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