Hoya Linearis Complete Plant Care Guide

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Hoya Linearis is a crazy looking hanging plant that looks like it came right out of the jungle. This makes for a great beginner houseplant because the plant doesn’t have any crazy needs and it even lets you know when it needs a drink.

Here are the main things you need to know to take care of Hoya Linearis.

Water. Water Hoya Linearis when the soil is almost completely dried out. This is typically once a week for most people. The foliage will start to look shriveled up and thin and that’s how you know it’s time for a drink.
Light. Place in bright indirect sunlight (south, west, or east facing windows) or under plant grow lights for 12+ hours per day.
Fertilizer. Feed your Hoya Linearis with a high quality fertilizer like Dyna-Gro Grow. Feed every watering, bi-weekly, or once a month.
Humidity. Hoya Linearis enjoy high humidity in the 50%+ range. I keep mine right at about 50% and it’s loving it. This plant thrives in high humidity just like other Hoya’s.

Here’s what to know to keep Hoya Linearis thriving in your home.

Light

Hoya Linearis thrive in bright indirect sunlight. The best spot for this plant would be near a south facing window which gets the most intense, brightest sunlight of the day. This type of sunlight is very strong so if you place your Hoya Linearis directly on a window, make sure to

This plant doesn’t like growing in low light and also doesn’t like growing in bright direct sunlight. The foliage is quite delicate so you want to be careful where you place this plant.

I have my Hoya Linearis sitting under T5 Barrina plant grow lights which are on 13 hours per day from 8AM-9pm. This is a big reason why my plant grows so quickly.

Water

Water Hoya Linearis when the top layer of soil dries out. You can figure this out by sticking your finger into the soil about two inches deep. If the soil is dry, it’s time to water your plant. If the soil still feels wet, check your plant in a few days.

Hoya Linearis will give you a clear signal when it’s time for water. The foliage will start to shrivel up and look a lot thinner, meaning it’s time for a water. I don’t let my plant get to this point and instead water it once a week.

You’ll want to reduce watering in the winter months and up the watering in the summer months. Growth naturally slows down during the winter season which is why you want to water less during this time.

Check your plants moisture level by using an index finger or moisture meter. If using an index finger, all you have to do is stick your finger in about two inches deep. After you’ve had your plant for awhile you’ll get a better idea on when to water it without even checking the soil.

Soil

Hoya’s thrive in well-draining, chunky soil. Never let this plant stick in compact, dense soil because this can easily lead to root rot and kill your plant.

A simple Hoya soil recipe is 40% coco coir, 30% orchid bark, 20% chunky perlite, and 10% worm castings.

You can also buy houseplant mix that is already made and ready to go.

A brand I recommend and use is Ivy and May’s Redwoods Houseplant And Aroid Potting mix. This mix comes from triple ground redwood from sustainably managed forests and includes triply ground redwood bark, Douglas fir bark, perlite, worm castings, and essential oil.

I’m pretty lazy when it comes to my houseplants. I still have my Hoya Linearis in the same pot of soil that I bought it with and my plants thriving.

I never like to immediately repot a plant when I bring a new plant home. This is because the plant is already in shock from moving to different places and being in different climates. When I do repot a plant, I usually wait a month or two.

Temperature

Hoya Linearis do well in any home that is between temperatures of 60 degrees F to 90 degrees (15 degrees Celsius to 32 degrees Celsius).

Fertilizer

Plants need fertilizer to get the nutrients it doesn’t get in your home, but would otherwise get in the wild. Fertilizer is crucial for plant growth and the longevity of your houseplants.

I use and recommend Dyna-Gro Grow, an affordable high quality fertilizer that lasts a long time. All I do is mix 1/4 teaspoon with a gallon of water and use this to water all of my houseplants. My plants are booming with growth and I credit a lot of that to this fertilizer.

I’m a little extra and also like to use Liqui-Dirt plant food.

This is technically not a fertilizer but just a plant food. Liqui-Dirt claims that their product can replace your fertilizer, so it’s up to you if you use this as your only fertilizer, even though it’s technically not a fertilizer. You can use Liqui-Dirt for your hydroponics, leca, aquaponics, or indoor and outdoor soil. Liqi-Dirt is pet-safe and has no odors or chemicals.

Humidity

Hoya Linearis is one of those houseplants that rewards you if you give it enough humidity. If you give your plant humidity in the 70%+ range, you may notice rapid growth on your plant and even some beautiful blooms.

Here are my best tips for increasing the humidity around your plant.

Place your plant in a greenhouse getting at least 50%+ humidity
Place your plant on top of a pebble tray with water
Place your plant next to a humidifier running consistently every day
Group your plants together and they will work together to create a microclimate of humidity
Optional: You can mist your plant but know that this doesn’t do a whole lot, but it can be an enjoyable experience for some

Propagation

Propagating Hoya Linearis is straightforward.

To propagate Hoya Linearis you must:

Use clean sheers to cut off a strand (or a few strands) of Hoya Linearis.
The nodes are where the leaf meets the stem. Place the node under soil or water. More people seem to have success with soil.
Roots will take 3-4 weeks to grow. You can leave your plant in the current substrate or move it to a healthy houseplant mix.

Increase your chances of propagation success by cutting a few strands of Hoya Linearis. I don’t use rooting hormone and don’t think it’s always helpful. So don’t worry about spending the extra money on rooting hormone.

Hoya Linearis Common Questions

Is Hoya Linearis rare?

You won’t find Hoya Linearis at a big box store like Lowes or Home Depot but you may find this plant at a plant shop. I bought my plant from a Facebook plant seller and it came shipped in a box healthy and happy.

How much is a Hoya Linearis?

Hoya Linearis range in price but you can expect to pay between $20-$40 for a 4 inch pot. I believe I paid around $25 for the Hoya Linearis pictured in this post.

How do you care for Hoya Linearis?

Hoya Linearis thrive in bright indirect sunlight or under plant grow lights. Place your plant in 50%+ humidity as Hoya’s love humidity and will reward you with new growth and possibly blooms.

Water your plant whenever the top layer of soil is dry. You’ll water more in the summer months when the plant is actively growing, and you’ll water less often when the plant is slower growing in the winter months. Fertilizer during the active growing season with a high quality fertilizer like Dyna-Gro.

Is Hoya Linearis hard to care for?

Hoya Linearis is not hard to take care of. As long as you give this plant bright indirect sunlight and high humidity in the 50%+ range, your plant will be happy. I have my Hoya Linearis sitting in a greenhouse cabinet getting 50%+ humidity with no humidifier running. The plants in the cabinet create a microclimate of humidity which is why I don’t need a humidifier in the cabinet.

Is Hoya Linearis a fast grower?

Hoya Linearis is a medium to fast grower depending on the growing conditions. You definitely want to put this plant in high humidity and even on the warmer side to encourage growth and even blooms.

How big do Hoya Linearis get?

Hoya Linearis get huge and they basically create a plant curtain in the home. This plant can get up to 8 feet tall in the home – I know, crazy right?!

Hoya Linearis is a completely different plant from String of Needles. I would go as far as saying Hoya Linearis is much easier than String of Needles. I’ve owned a String of Needles and it was one of my least favorite plants.

How do you propagate Hoya Linearis?

Propagate Hoya Linearis by taking a plant cutting. Increase your chances of propagation success by taking a few strand cuttings. You want to cut a strand that is at least 3-5 inches long. The node is right where the leaf meets the stem. Place the node under soil or water (people have more success when rooting in soil). Roots will take about 3-4 weeks and then you can move the plant wherever you wish or keep your Hoya Linearis in the same pot you have it propagating in.

I’ve never had my Hoya Linearis bloom in my house but I’ve heard it has a lemon scent.

How do I get my Hoya Linearis to bloom?

Increase your chances of Hoya Linearis blooms by making sure your plant is sitting in a spot getting bright indirect sunlight, warmth in the 80 degree F range, and high humidity in the 50%+ range.

Is Hoya Linearis toxic to pets?

No, this plant is not toxic to pets. You can get more information on toxic and pet-friendly plants at ASPCA here.

Common pests

Hoya Linearis is prone to getting pest pressures just like other houseplants. Reduce your chances of getting pests by using pest preventive. I use and recommend both Azamax and Bonide Systemic Granules.

Azamax is liquid-based and you mix a tablespoon into 1 gallon of water. Spray this liquid mixture onto all of your plants, both sides, stems, soil, everything.

Any time I do this, I make sure to turn off grow lights or place a curtain in the window because I don’t want the plants to burn while this water mixture is on them. Azamax prevents spider mites, aphids, whiteflies, thrips, fungus gnat larvae, fungus gnat adults, and powdery mildew.

Bonide Systemic Granules are incredible for protection against fungus gnats.

If you have a fungus gnat problem, this typically means you’re overwatering your plants. Wet, overwatered soil is the prefect breeding ground for fungus gnats.

If you’ve dialed back on overwatering and you still have a fungus gnat issue, I recommend using Bonide Systemic Granules. All you do is sprinkle these granules on top and this will eradicate your problem quickly.

Common issues

Yellowing leaves: If your Hoya Linearis gets yellowing leaves, this is a sign that your plant is receiving too much water. Make sure you’re only watering when the top layer of soil is dry. Typically this is once a week in the summer or once every two weeks in the winter time.

Pests: Some people have trouble with Hoya Linearis and pests. If this becomes a problem for you, make sure to use a pest preventative on a regular basis. I use both Bonide Systematic Granules and Azamax and never have any pest issues.

Key Points To Remember

Hoya Linearis is a fun jungle looking plant that creates a beautiful curtain. This is a great houseplant to hang off a shelf or from the ceiling. Besides requiring higher humidity, this plant doesn’t ask for too much.

Here are the key things to remember for Hoya Linearis

Place in a spot getting bright indirect sunlight (south facing windows is best)
Water once the top two inches of soil are dry
Fertilize during the active growing season with a high quality fertilizer like Dyna Gro
Place in a spot getting at least 50%+ humidity

Hoya guides:

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