January 18th, 2022

Hey Plant Friends!

This week we are talking about Hoya gracilis. This plant is native to Eastern Asia and Australia and belongs to the Apocynaceae or Dogbane which also includes milkweed, jasmine, pachypodium, and many others. All members of this family have flowers with radial symmetry with 5 petals per flower centered around an axis. You’ve probably heard Hoya referred to by their common names including wax plant, porcelain flower, and wax flower. This plant is truly incredible for its diverse foliage and fragrantly showy blooms. Hoyas make for a great indoor plant and we especially love Hoya gracilis because it is a smaller variety with narrow, green leaves and white flecks.

Let’s talk about care. Hoya gracilis needs very bright, indirect sunlight. Morning light is great with combined with dappled light throughout the day. When it comes to soil, Hoya need a well-draining mix that is lightweight. We recommend the Sol Soils Houseplant Mix as a great option. Water Hoya when their soil is almost completely dry. They do tolerate some wilt, but too much wilt will slow bud formation and flowering. When it is time to water, give them a good soak then let drain. Never allow Hoya to sit in standing water. These plants do love humidity so misting your plant, using a humidifier in your plant room, or placing it on a pebble tray ideal. Fertilize Hoya gracilis in the summer to encourage blooms using a bloom booster fertilizer such as Miracle Grow’s Bloom Booster. Once a month is plenty.

There are many different types Hoya in the greenhouse, but our Gracie is just too adorable to pass up. Hoya gracilis is available in the greenhouse in 4” pots. If you have additional questions feel free to reach out to us by phone, Instagram, or email us - hello@tonkadale.com.

Happy Planting