Hoya pottsii aka Claret Hoya

Hoya pottsii is considered a moderately easy houseplant, making it suitable for plant enthusiasts with some experience. While tolerant of occasional neglect, it performs best with consistent care. The main challenges are avoiding overwatering (the most common cause of problems) and providing adequate light for flowering. Once established and given proper conditions, this plant is quite resilient and forgiving.

Hoya pottsii is a climbing vine that can grow several meters in length when given support. Stems remain slender, typically not exceeding 2 cm in diameter. The thick, fleshy leaves measure 8.5-14 cm long and 4.5-8 cm wide. Growth rate is moderate to fast under optimal conditions. The plant can be trained to climb a trellis or moss pole, or allowed to trail from a hanging basket.

Hoya pottsii thrives in temperatures between 15-32°C (60-90°F) and does not tolerate cold well. Avoid temperatures below 10°C (50°F), which can cause damage. In winter, the plant will tolerate brief drops to about 4°C (40°F) but prolonged exposure to cold temperatures is harmful. Keep away from cold drafts and air conditioning vents.

Yes, Hoya pottsii produces pleasantly scented flowers in compressed clusters resembling umbels. Individual blooms are 12-18 mm in diameter with waxy, recurved petals, typically white to cream with darker caramel or red-colored centers. Flowers appear on pedicels 20-30 mm long. Blooming typically occurs in spring and summer but requires the plant to be mature and receiving adequate bright indirect light. Never remove spent flower stalks (peduncles), as the plant will rebloom from the same location.

Yes, Hoya pottsii flowers are pleasantly scented. The fragrance is often described as sweet, with some cultivars like 'Khao Yai' noted for being highly perfumed. The scent is typically strongest in the evening and can have minty or fruity notes. Like many Hoyas, the fragrance is a key attraction of the species.

Hoya pottsii propagates easily from stem cuttings. Take a healthy cutting about 15 cm (6 inches) long with 2-3 nodes and at least 2-3 leaves. Remove the bottom leaves and allow the cut end to callous for a few hours to overnight. Root in water or moist, well-draining soil mix. Keep humidity high and provide bright indirect light. Rooting typically takes 4-6 weeks. Spring and summer are the best times to propagate when the plant is actively growing.

Prune Hoya pottsii after flowering or during the active growing season (spring/summer) to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth. Use clean, sharp scissors to remove leggy growth or dead leaves. Never cut off the peduncles (flower stalks) even after blooms have faded, as Hoyas rebloom from the same spots. Light pruning stimulates new growth and can help control the vine's spread.

Repot Hoya pottsii when it has doubled in size or every 1-2 years, whichever comes first. Hoyas generally prefer being slightly rootbound, which can actually encourage flowering. Choose a pot only slightly larger than the current one with good drainage holes. Use a well-draining mix such as orchid bark, perlite, and peat or coco coir. The best time to repot is spring when the plant is beginning active growth.

Gently wipe the thick, fleshy leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust and allow better light absorption. Avoid using leaf shine products, which can clog the leaf pores. For best results, clean leaves every few weeks. The waxy texture of Hoya leaves naturally repels some dust, but regular cleaning keeps the plant healthy and looking its best.

The most notable cultivar is Hoya pottsii 'Khao Yai' (also known as sp. 22), originating from Khao Yai National Forest in Thailand. It features exceptionally large leaves (10-15 cm long) that develop attractive red blotching in bright light, and highly fragrant cream-colored flowers with caramelized tips. Other variations include plants sold as 'Splash' with silver speckling on leaves. Note that due to taxonomic complexity, plants labeled as H. nicholsoniae or H. verticillata may be the same or closely related species.

Common pests include mealybugs (white fuzzy insects), aphids, and scale insects, all of which suck plant sap. Treat infestations by isolating the plant and applying rubbing alcohol solution (1:4 with water) or insecticidal soap. Root rot from overwatering is the most common disease, caused by fungal pathogens like Pythium and Phytophthora. Prevent by using well-draining soil and allowing the soil to dry between waterings. Always quarantine new plants before adding them to your collection.

Hoya pottsii can be grown outdoors year-round only in USDA zones 11-12, where temperatures stay above 10°C (50°F). In these tropical and subtropical climates, it can be grown on trees, trellises, or in hanging baskets in filtered light. In cooler climates, it can be placed outdoors in summer in a shaded location but must be brought inside before temperatures drop in autumn. In its native habitat, it grows from sea level to 1,100 meters in eucalypt forests, monsoon forests, and rainforests.

Claret Hoya’s native range is Southeast Asia and Australia.

Claret Hoya does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.

Claret Hoya loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

To ensure optimal growth, the Claret Hoya prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

No additional humidity is required for the Claret Hoya. Plants take in most of their water through their roots, not their leaves, therefore, watering the soil is the most effective way to supply humidity to your plants.

Repotting the Claret Hoya is necessary either when it has doubled in size or once every year, whichever happens first. With fresh potting soil replenished annually, the plant will receive all the necessary nutrients, rendering the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that the source of a plant's energy is the sun, not fertilizer.

The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.

The Claret Hoya does not exhibit a standard dormancy pattern. If a substantial slow-down in growth is noticed, double-check that the plant is getting sufficient sunlight and water for optimal growth.