Also known as the Fishtail Hoya, the Hoya Polyneura is a stunning house plant that you can add in hanging baskets to make your house look more “jungly.”
Its lush foliage can brighten any corner of your home, regardless of where you place it. If you’d like to learn more about this plant, you’ve landed in the right place.
Here, we included all you need to know about caring for Hoya Polyneura and making the most out of this lovely houseplant.
Hoya Polyneura Quick Facts
Botanical Name: Hoya Polyneura
Common Name: Fishtail Hoya
Plant Type: Perennial
Flower Color: The flowers are creamy with a red center, star-shaped, and small (only about less than half an inch long). They last for about two weeks.
Size When Mature: about 8 inches long
Bloom Time: Spring
Sun Requirements: Bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight will damage its leaves.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 10-11
Soil PH Range: 6.0-7.0
Soil Type: Rich and well-draining.
Water Needs: Medium
Native Area: Central Himalaya and China
What you Need to Know About Hoya Polyneura
Hoyas are vining plants that perform well in container and hanging baskets. Hoya Polyneura is no exception. Its common name, “Fishtail Hoya,” refers to the shape of its leaves, which are oblong with a fishtail-like appearance. The foliage is light green with darker veins.
You might have to be patient before seeing some blooms, but the wait will be worth it: Hoya Polynera produces stunning, fragrant, star-shaped creamy flowers that will make the plant even more beautiful. The blooms last for only a couple of weeks and might not come before the first two years of the plant’s life.
If you live with pets, don’t worry: this plant is non-toxic to people and animals.
While this type of Hoya plant isn’t particularly challenging to care for, you’ll have better results following our tips: jump over to the next section to learn everything you need to know about growing a thriving Hoya Polyneura.
How to Care for Hoya Polyneura
To have a healthy Hoya, you must ensure you can meet its basic requirements. To learn more about them, keep reading.
Light
Hoya Polyneura needs plenty of indirect sunlight to thrive. Place it next to a window that receives at least six hours of light per day. Consider adding some sheer curtains to protect your plant’s leaves from sunburn. Indeed, intense exposure to direct sunlight can damage these hoyas.
Inadequate lighting will halt your plant’s growth and stop the production of blooms. Place your Hoya Polyneyura next to north or east-facing windows to provide it with the amount it needs to thrive without damaging it.
Water and Soil Needs
These plants need well-draining soil. This type of hoya is susceptible to over-watering, and the right potting mix can prevent that from happening. Use a mixture of perlite and regular potting soil for best results.
You can also add some orchid bards to increase water retention. Don’t forget to use a pot with drainage holes to avoid leaving your plant wet for too long.
Luckily, hoya polyneura isn’t too fussy about pH. However, it grows best in neutral to slightly alkaline conditions. pH levels between 6.0 and 7.0 are ideal.
These plants need water but don’t like to stay soggy. Water them once every five to ten days, depending on how big the container is and how hot the temperatures are. Increase the watering frequency in the summer.
Always feel the soil with your fingers before adding more water: it must be dry on the top two to three inches to avoid overwatering. If it feels moist, wait a couple of days more to prevent roots from rotting.
Temperature Requirements
This type of hoya displays thin leaves susceptible to temperature changes in the environment. They will not survive frost and die if the temperatures fall below 45F. Keep the environment between 45F and 75F in your house for best results.
Also, don’t forget to keep humidity high: mist your plant’s leaves with water frequently to consider getting a humidifier. A pebble tray might need another solution to increase moisture around your plant.
What USDA climate zone can it survive?
You can grow these plants indoors virtually anywhere if you don’t expose them to low temperatures. If you prefer planting them outdoors, know that you can only do so if you live in USDA hardiness zones between 10 and 11.
And even then, you might have to give your plants extra care to protect them from the hot summers these regions experience.
Fertilizer
Hoyas need fertilizing. Don’t skip this step if you don’t want to have problems growing your plant. Hoya Polyneuras are heavy feeders and need plenty of nutrients to produce the lush foliage we all love so much about them.
Apply a balanced fertilizer from spring to fall and interrupt its use in the winter. If you are struggling with seeing blooms from your plants, consider getting a product lower in nitrogen and higher in phosphorous.
Common Diseases
Hoya Polyneura suffers from attacks from pests and diseases. Mealybugs and spider mites love munching on your hoyas. Always keep an eye on your plant.
You’ll need to take prompt action as soon as possible and avoid the spread of an infestation. You can treat your plant with neem oil if you see something off with your plant.
This solution might work if your plant only has a few pests on it, but if the infestation is severe, you may have to purchase suitable pesticides.
Other issues this plant experiences usually involve too much or too little watering. Learn about your plant’s needs and be consistent to avoid damaging it.
Hoya Polyneura Propagation
Propagating Hoyas isn’t particularly challenging. The best way to do so is through stem cuttings, which you can place in soil or water. These plants root faster than other species, making them fun to regrow.
Plus, the process is simple. All you have to do is take stems from your plant and place them in fresh potting mix in containers with drainage holes. Don’t forget to water your cuttings thoroughly and ensure you keep their soil moist at all times.
Your stems will root in about two weeks, and you’ll be able to transfer them to a new location within three weeks.
How to Prune Hoya Polyneura
While pruning is not essential with this plant, you might want to do it to maintain the attractive shape of your hoyas. Eliminate dead or unhealthy-looking leaves to boost healthy growth and minimize the spread of diseases.
If your plant grows in a hanging basket, trim some branches as you see fit. Avoid overdoing it to prevent causing too much stress to your plant.
Related Article: Hoya Elliptica Growth and Care Guide