Hoya Kentiana is different than other Hoya plants. It has long leaves with green outsides and a creamy center.
It also produces flowers in cluster form, they release a pleasant fragrance. It is easy to grow and care for. Because its needs are almost the same as other hoya varieties.
You will enjoy the complete growing journey.
If you are looking for a rare hoya plant then this must be your first choice. But there are some differences in the care of Hoya Kentiana and regular hoya plants.
All the similarities and differences are listed below in the form of a care guide.
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About the plant
Hoya Kentiana produces 10 to 18 feet long vines. This growth is not possible indoors due to the change in the growing conditions. Indoors it gets less light, low humidity, and sometimes less care.
Therefore, it stays short in length and this makes it a perfect plant for hanging baskets.
Because the indoor temperature changes many times in a day. Like when you open or close the window the outside air disturbs the overall room temperature.
Every single drop or rise in temperature disturbs the plant. This puts stress on it which directly affects its growth.
If your plant is not growing or growing slowly then the possible reason is a change in the growing conditions.
This makes it important to know about its care requirements before bringing it home.
Light Needs
Hoya Kentiana loves to grow in bright light. It is not a plant that you can place in partial shade and it will grow happily.
To help it in blooming you need to grow it in bright light. Even the morning and evening sunlight is beneficial for it.
All you need to do is just protect it from the afternoon sunlight from 11.30 am to 4 pm.
My Kentiana Hoya is thriving like crazy because it sits on the east-facing window. There it gets plenty of light and I don’t have to worry about its protection.
The sun rays keep the plant soil fresh and also decrease the chances of root rot. Because the sunlight keeps the soil warm and this evaporated the extra amount of water.
If sunlight is the problem for you then you can use the grow lights. Use 200 watts grow light to grow two Kentiana hoyas at the same time.
Potting Soil
Perlite or orchid bark mix potting soil is best for growing Hoya Kentiana. This soil only absorbs a limited amount of water. It drains water well in a few minutes.
This formula is lightweight and does not become waterlogged. Therefore, you will not face water-related diseases.
I do not recommend garden soil. Because the garden soil contains many types of useful and harmful bacteria. It may also contain pathogens. They are very harmful to plants.
Remember that the harmful soil can infect the other plants that grow close to it.
Therefore, use a commercial potting mix that contains peat, perlite, or orchid bark.
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Watering Hoya Kentiana
Now, this is the little tricky part of its care. This variety of hoya needs less water and enjoys little dryness in the soil.
Its watering needs are similar to succulents. Do not let the soil dry completely. Let the soil dry a little bit in two watering sessions.
If you learn the right watering technique will not face any water-related issues with your plant.
Deep watering is the best method.
In this technique, you soak the plant in water until the water comes out of the drain holes. Then let the top 2 inches of the soil dry.
Then again repeat the same watering process.
In the summer season, you may need to water it once in 10 days. But in winter check the soil condition first then think about watering.
Poke your finger in the soil, if there is enough moisture do not water. Only give some water when the top surface is dry.
Fertilizing
To produce a good number of flowers it needs some fertilization. Use balanced fertilizer in liquid form. Use it only in spring and summer.
Dilute it in clean water and give it to the plant. Then wait for 30 days before the next application.
Keep in mind that a little bit of overfertilization can burn your plant. The first sign is burned leaf tips.
Temperature & Humidity
65 to 80 degrees F is the recommended temperature range for it. Bring your plant inside when the outside temperature starts dropping below 50 degrees F.
The low-temperature damage the soft tissues of its vines and this damage is irreversible. You have to cut the damaged parts to save your plant from dying.
Yellow leaves also indicate temperature fluctuation. Remember that low temperatures can trigger early dormancy conditions.
50 to 70 % air moisture is best for growing the Hoya Kentiana plant. Whenever you feel the humidity is low. Use the spray bottle and mist water on the leaves.
This technique is very helpful on low humid days.
In extremely low humidity (35% or low) use room humidifiers or plant humidifiers. The traditional methods will not work.
Toxicity
As per the Guidelines of ASPCA, Hoya Kentiana is not toxic to pets and humans. But the ingestion of plant parts may cause stomach discomfort, Sore throat, or choking.
Place it away from the reach of your pets or children or keep eye on them while they play around the plant.
Repotting
You will be happy to know that the Kentiana plant like to live in root-bound conditions. This means it does not need frequent repotting.
Generally, you need to repot it once the soil loses its fertility and becomes not useful for the plant.
Repot it once in 2 to 3 years.
Use any type of pot for the potting up. Just make sure the pot you are going to use must have two or more draining holes.
They are a must for saving plants in overwatering situations.
Hoya Kentiana Propagation
Stem cutting is the only successful method of Hoya Kentiana propagation. Cut the stem and remove the bottom leaves.
There should be only two leaves at the top of the stem.
Then dip the cut edge in the rooting hormone and plant it in the potting soil.
Place the pot in a warm and high humid location. Within 30 days the stem cutting will develop new roots and look stable in its pot.
Then you can transfer it to the main plant pot and give it regular care. Do not expose it to direct sunlight before 30 days of propagation.
Conclusion
Protect it from sudden temperature changes and strong sunlight. Then Kentiana will grow healthy and dense.
Treat it like a succulent when it’s time to water it. Soak and dry is the only beneficial watering technique.
Fertilize it only in the growing season. In winter, stop fertilizing and reduce the watering applications.
