Hoya Serpens

Hoya Serpens Care

Hoya Serpens

What is the plant

The exotic Hoya Serpens, also widely known as ‘Wax-flower Plant,’ is a sight to behold, even when it is not in full bloom.This tropical species gives rise to almost perfectly round leaves with beautiful green flowers. Undoubtedly, this plant can make any dull corner look colorful and lively.The Hoya Serpens plant thrives in bright dappled sunlight and has average watering needs. It enjoys being watered every other day and loves every bit of humidity it can get.This compact Serpens plant grows well in well-draining soil mixtures and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures.This perennial species arises from the family of Apocynaceae, pronounced as a-pos-ih-NAY-see-ee. Fortunately, the Hoya Serpens plant care is not as difficult as its family name’s pronunciation. It is an attractive plant with typical plant needs.The Hoya Serpens naturally hails from the Himalayan regions. It is found in several Asian countries, including Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. It was first sighted by Joseph Dalton Hooker back in the 1880s and today has over 200 known species.

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Humidity

Normal

Lighting

Full Sun

Temperature

min 5°C

Hardiness zone

10 - 11

Difficulty

Medium

How to Care for the Plant

Water
The Hoya Serpens comes from the lands of the Himalayas; therefore, drying it out markedly can lead to serious consequences. The Serpens plant has normal watering needs. If your soil mix does not excessively hold water, watering each inch of the plant is not necessary.However, if your potting mixture tends to hold a lot of water, your Serpens plant’s roots may die out, as is the case with excessive peaty mixes. Let your best watering guide be the plant’s soil. Water it when it seems too dry and withhold watering when sufficiently wet.
Pruning
The Hoya Serpens plants have a fairly vigorous growth rate. As a result, they can form unwieldy and large vines. Thus, pruning a Serpens plant from time to time may be a good idea.You can use a pair of pruning scissors/shears. Cut off any brown or dead-looking stems or leaves for a more pleasant look. You can also cut down its vines or leaves merely for size-control.
Fertilizer
feed your Serpens plant with a good-quality fertilizer twice a week or monthly. It is best to use organic or synthetic well-balanced fertilizer, slightly higher in phosphorous. The increased phosphorous content will most likely help the Serpens plant bloom.

Disease diagnosis

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Sunlight
The Hoya Serpens species naturally grows among and between the Himalayan treetops. It is accustomed to receiving diffused and indirect sunlight. Therefore, it is imperative that the Serpens species’ lighting needs are imitated to its natural lighting requirements for the best growth.Place your Hoya Serpens plant in bright, filtered, and indirect sunlight for healthy growth. If inside the house, you can place the Serpens plant next to a southwest facing window or just inside the balcony door. Ensure that direct ultraviolet rays do not hit the plant as they may lead to leaf-scorching.
Soil
The Hoya Serpens plant enjoys being potted in a coarse and well-draining medium. Ensure that the soil is not too wet or dry, as their roots can either rot or dry out within a short time, respectively. The ideal pH for this wax plant is 6.0 to 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral).This perennial beauty thrives in pure coco chips or peat soil mix. I would recommend you prepare a potting mix containing an equal share of peat, perlite, and orchid (fir bark, charcoal, and perlite).
Temperature
This exotic houseplant thrives in temperatures ranging from 60 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit (15 to 30 degrees Celsius). Ideally, during the day, the Hoya Serpens plant likes temperatures from 68 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit (20 to 29 degrees Celsius). And during the night, it enjoys a temperature range between 54 to 64 Fahrenheit (12 to 18 degrees Celsius).