Today we are going to talk about another rare variety of hoya called Hoya Callistophylla. This plant has glossy leaves with unique patterns on them.
In its natural habitat, this hoya plant climbs on large trees. The best part is you can grow it in hanging baskets or in normal plant pots.
It depends on you whether you like to give it support and grow like a tree or want long vines. In this care guide, I will explain every single step of its growth and maintenance.
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About the plant
It is naturally found in the jungles of Australia and New Zealand. There it grows up to 20 feet long with large leaves.
But indoors, it does not reach this height due to changes in the growing environment.
It has green glossy shining leaves with unique green patterns. But this is not all that it has, its star-shaped orange or yellow flowers are its real beauty.
There are few plants that produce star-shaped flowers in multi-colors. Growing and caring is simple and easy even for beginners.
If you never grow a succulent in your life. You can easily start your journey from this plant.
Light Needs
Hoya Callistophylla does not like direct sunlight like other succulents. It has glossy leaves that need protection from direct sunlight.
In its natural home, the plant grows under the shadow of large trees.
But indoors you have to protect it from direct sunlight or your plant will lose its glossiness. When hot sun rays strike on the leaves. The stored water gets evaporated from the leaves.
The leaves become dehydrated and lose their natural color and shine.
You cannot reverse the damage of leaves. But if you correct the light issue then the new leaves will grow with glossiness.
The best place for your Callistophylla hoya will be South facing window. Because it needs plenty of dappled light to produce a heavy bloom.
The minimum amount of light that it needs is 5 hours per day. For best results expose it to indirect bright light for 8 to 9 hours per day.
Potting Soil
Hoya Callistophylla needs soil that drains well and also holds a good amount of moisture. To achieve these qualities, you need to amend the regular potting soil with fine ingredients.
Peat and perlite are the two ingredients that you need to mix in the potting soil in equal quantities.
The pH should be between 6.0 to 7.3 pH. To check it use a soil pH testing kit. Litmus paper test is not recommended.
Because the test results are hard to read. Do not try to use regular soil because such soil becomes waterlogged on watering.
This increases the chances of root rot even if there are drain holes in the bottom.
Soil plays a very important role in Callistophylla plant care and maintenance. So you need to be very careful while choosing it.
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Watering
As I said too much water is deadly for your plant. Always try to avoid accidental overwatering and let the soil dry between waterings.
In the summer season, you need to water it more than in the winter season.
I always check the soil conditions of my succulent plants before watering them. Because even an extra cup of water in the potting soil can damage the entire plant.
To prevent all water-related problems let the soil dry and then soak the plant in water. This technique is best for all types of tropical succulent plants.
Use neat and clean water that is drinkable. Heavy water that contains unwanted minerals is not useful for watering plants.
Fertilizing
Hoya Callistophylla is a slow-growing plant this means it does not need any fertilizers. But for its good health, you must give it some nutritional boost.
The supplements must have low nitrogen and a little bit of high phosphorous. Nitrogen is required to produce green colored glossy leaves.
Whereas phosphorous is required to encourage the bloom.
Use liquid fertilizer only, you have to dilute the solution according to the instructions of the nutrient bottle. Spring and summer are the two seasons of fertilizing.
Temperature & Humidity
65 to 80 degrees F is the comfortable temperature range for the plant. Your hoya plant will not survive at low temperatures.
As the temperature drops below 50 degrees F the plant starts suffering from cold. The soft tissues of vines start freezing.
The potting soil loses its warmth and the roots also lose their normal function.
Keep the room humidity between 50 to 65 %. In the summer season, you may need to mist water on the plant.
Remember that dry air increases dehydration in the plant. As result, leaves become dry and brown. The first sign of low humidity is brown tips.
Toxicity
Almost every hoya variety is safe for pets and humans. You still need to watch your pets and children. Because the ingestion of plant parts may cause stomach discomfort and choke.
Place it out of reach of your pets. This will keep your plant as well as your pets safe.
Repotting
Spring is the repotting time for Hoya Callistophylla. Use terracotta plant pots because the material of these pots keeps the plants safe from overwatering.
Do not repot it before 2 years of its age. The diameter of the pot must be 2 inches wider than the current pot.
Propagating Hoya Callistophylla
Stem cutting is the only possible way of Callistophylla propagation. This technique has a more successful rate than other methods. Follow the below steps to get 100% success.
Cut the 5 inches long stem that is green and soft.
Do this in the early days of spring or summer
Use water for rooting the stem
Place the stem in a clean glass of water and place it in a warm location
Do not expose it to the direct sunlight
Within 30 days you will see the new roots
Now you can transfer the plant to the potting soil
Do not forget to change the water once in 7 days or when it gets dirty
Conclusion
Direct sunlight and over-watering are two deadly things for the plant. Hoya Callistophylla grows slowly and does not need many fertilizers.
Give extra care to your plant in the winter season. It cannot handle the frost and cold winds. To avoid temperature shock and plant stress.
Grow it inside in a warm room.
