Hoya fungii is a beautiful, easy-to-grow, fast-growing epiphyte that flowers quickly and displays fragrant pink blooms.
Hoya fungii is found in southern China (specifically in Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, and Yunnan), Vietnam, and Laos. It grows as an epiphyte in open forests.
It is a lovely plant with climbing stems carrying pale green ovate to elliptic in shape leaves highlighted by dark green veins. The stems can reach a length of 6.6 feet (2 meters).
This plant produces fragrant, star-shaped flowers from spring to fall. The sweetly-scented flowers grow in umbels of up to 60 and last as long as 10 days. The corolla has a fuzzy interior and is typically white, but its color can range from pure white to deep rose pink, depending on temperature and light levels. The corona lobes are yellowish to pinkish, with a dark red hue near the base. The fruit consists of smooth, lance-shaped follicles.
Propagating Hoya fungii
While layering is the simplest method for propagating Hoya fungii, stem cuttings are the most common approach. Leaf cuttings tend to be more difficult, and growing from seeds is the easiest but most lengthy method. To get the best results, take stem cuttings when the plant is actively growing. Sow seeds during spring and summer.
Ideal Growing Conditions for Hoya fungii
Light
The ideal environment for this plant is indoors with bright, indirect sunlight. Although it can manage in lower light conditions, it might become weak and leggy, resulting in fewer leaves and flowers if the light is too dim.
Soil
To grow a healthy plant, it’s crucial to use well-draining soil that allows excellent aeration and doesn’t retain too much moisture.
Water
Since this plant is prone to overwatering, soak the soil thoroughly in spring and summer, but be sure to let it dry out before watering again. Failing to do so could lead to root rot. In fall and winter, the plant becomes relatively dormant and requires only moderate watering.
Temperature
Hoya fungii flourishes in hot and humid conditions, so it’s essential to keep it away from drafty windows and doorways during colder weather. It grows best in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 11a to 11b, where the average minimum winter temperatures range from 40 to 50 °F (4.4 to 10 °C).
Hoya fungii Care
Fertilizer
It doesn’t require heavy feeding, but it can benefit from a high-potassium fertilizer diluted to half strength every two weeks during the growing season.
Repotting
As an epiphyte with shallow roots, this plant doesn’t need a deep container and doesn’t require frequent repotting. It prefers to be slightly rootbound, so only repot it in spring if it outgrows its current container.
Toxicity
This plant is not toxic, so you can safely keep it in a home with pets and kids.