Hoya Wayetii
A hoya with slender, keel-shaped leaves that flush red-edged in bright light, trailing in dense curtains from a hanging pot. Easy, pet-safe, and the variegated form is one of the prettiest small hoyas going.
Hoya wayetii is the little one with the narrow, boat-shaped leaves. They grow close together along the stems, so a hanging plant becomes a thick curtain within a couple of years, and in bright light the leaf edges turn a deep red. The variegated form adds cream margins that blush pink, and it is the version most shops sell.
It is regularly mislabelled Hoya kentiana, a near-identical species; the care is the same. Small, tidy, pet-safe and easy, it is one of the best hoyas for a kitchen window or a bright bathroom shelf.
Light
Bright, indirect light with some direct morning sun brings out the red edges and the pink in the variegation. It tolerates medium light but stays plain green and grows slowly. A few feet from a south or west window is good; direct midday sun can scorch the thinner variegated leaves.
Water
Let the soil dry out, then water well and drain. Every ten days or so in summer, every two to three weeks in winter. The leaves go slightly soft and wrinkly when thirsty. Overwatering rots the roots, and a hanging pot in a dry room can dry out faster than you expect in July.
Soil and potting
A chunky, well-draining hoya mix of bark, perlite and potting soil. Small pot, good drainage. Repot every two to three years into a pot one inch larger. It flowers best a little root-bound.
Feeding
Half-strength balanced feed every six weeks in spring and summer.
Propagation
Two-node cuttings in water or sphagnum, four to six weeks to root. The dense stems give you plenty to work with; pot several cuttings together for a full hanging plant.
In a hot, dry home
Well suited. It likes the light, tolerates the heat and dry air, and only asks that you keep the AC from blowing straight on it. In the hottest weeks, check a hanging pot every week; small pots in a dry house empty fast.
Hoya Wayetii varieties
Same care, different look. These are the named forms you will see for sale.
- Wayetii Variegated
Cream and yellow margins on the narrow leaves, flushing pink in bright light. The form most often sold.
- Wayetii (green)
Plain deep green leaves with dark red edges in strong light.
Problems and fixes
Leaves wrinkled and thin
Likely cause: Thirsty
Fix: Water thoroughly; they plump within a day.
Yellow leaves dropping
Likely cause: Overwatering
Fix: Dry the pot fully before the next watering.
No red edges, variegation dull
Likely cause: Not enough light
Fix: Brighter spot with a little morning sun.
Crispy brown tips on variegated leaves
Likely cause: Direct sun or very low humidity
Fix: Filter the light; group with other plants.
Hoya Wayetii questions
Is Hoya wayetii safe for cats and dogs?
Yes. Non-toxic.
Is Hoya wayetii the same as Hoya kentiana?
They are different species but nearly identical in leaf, and shops mix them up constantly. Care is identical, so it does not matter for you.
Does it flower?
Yes, small clusters of dusty pink to red flowers with a caramel scent, once mature and in bright light.
Plants with a similar rhythm
Hoya Pubicalyx
- Light
- Medium to bright indirect
- Water
- Every 10 days
- Pets
- Safe
Hoya Rope Plant
- Light
- Medium to bright indirect
- Water
- Every 2 weeks
- Pets
- Safe
String of Hearts
- Light
- Bright indirect to direct sun
- Water
- Every 10 days
- Pets
- Safe
