For those of you who are on the hunt for fast-growing Hoyas, the Hoya Limoniaca is for you. Famous for its unique flowers and fragrance, the Hoya Limoniaca stands prominent among the Hoya species.
What differentiates this particular plant from other Hoyas are its flowers, which only last for about five days.
The Hoya Limoniaca arises from the Hoya plant family, which has several species still undiscovered. Distinguishing between these vast numbers of species is quite tricky.
However, most plants differ in terms of size, color, and foliage, making things significantly easier for experts.
The Hoya Limoniaca plant hailed from the lands of New Caledonia and was discovered in 1921. Due to its pleasant fragrance and exotic flowers, it gained popularity fairly quickly.
This sub-tropical species looks beautiful hanging from baskets and grows reasonably well outdoors as well as indoors.
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Basic Plant Care Instructions for Hoya Limoniaca
The Hoya Limoniaca plant care guide is pretty basic; some perlite-based soil mix, filtered sunlight, and adequate water are all it needs. Furthermore, place it at 80% humidity and maintain this moisture level. This beautiful species is a tough one; therefore, it can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, from 60 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
Soil
The Hoya plants love soils that are well-draining and well-aerated. The Hoya Limoniaca grows exceptionally well in organic and high-quality ingredients soils.
Whatever soil you use, make sure it does not hold excess water, as it can cause severe damage.
The ideal soil-type for Hoya Limoniaca is perlite merged with peat moss. Your Limoniaca plant is most likely to thrive if your soil mix contains all the necessary components in sufficient quantities. You can also use succulent and cactus mixes and worm compost.
Alternatively, you can pot this tropical beauty in orchid bark-type soil with a little charcoal.
The ideal pH for the Hoya Limoniaca plant is approximately 6.3 to 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral).
Although the Hoya Limoniaca plant grows pretty well outdoors, planting it indoors is a better option.
Please ensure that the container you use for this species has plenty of holes at the bottom for adequate water drainage.
Watering
The Hoya Limoniaca is not a succulent plant. However, it has waxy leaves that give it succulent-like characteristics.
Watering the Limoniaca plant every other day is unnecessary, as most Hoyas dislike having their roots perpetually moistened.
For this plant specifically, under-watering is better than overwatering.
However, in no way does this mean that the Hoya Limoniaca plant should not be watered at all.
The watering frequency of this exotic species depends on several factors, the season being the main one. The Hoya plants should be watered abundantly during the summers and scarcely during the winters.
I recommend watering your Hoya Limoniaca plant every week in the summers.
However, in the winters, lower the frequency and bring it down to watering the plant once every two weeks. Please remember to check the plant’s roots for excess water as it mostly causes greater susceptibility to infections.
Light
The Hoya Limoniaca plant does exceptionally well in bright, dappled sunlight. You can place it at various locations in your house, and it will most likely grow fine since it grows better indoors than outdoors.
However, you might have to rotate your plant after every few weeks or change its position entirely, depending on the light intensity and the season.
If you are wondering where to place your Hoya Limoniaca, I suggest you place it in natural light next to a sliding glass door or south or east-facing window.
Allow the plant to sit in this position for a few weeks. Later on, rotate the plant so all parts receive their fair share of sunlight.
If you are a resident of the less sunny areas, an east or west exposure window will also work reasonably well. However, please remember to keep it away from direct sunlight and direct drafts of cold wind.
If you live in areas where there is high-intensity sunlight, tie a 60% to 80% shade cloth to your window and place your Limoniaca plant behind it. You can also put it in front of sheer curtains.
Alternatively, the Limoniaca plant can be placed under artificial growing lights.
Ensure that your light setting allows sufficient light to fall on all parts of the plant. However, exposure to direct sunlight for extended periods should be avoided as your plant’s leaves will most likely scorch.
Temperature
The Hoya Limoniaca plant is not too fussy when it comes to temperature requirements. It generally thrives in moderate temperatures.
However, like all other plants, there is also an ideal temperature range for the Limoniaca plant.
The optimum temperature ranges from 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 27 Celsius) for the Hoya Limoniaca plant. Anything below 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 Celsius) proves unfavorable, and the Hoya plant withers away.
Fortunately, most households are within this temperature range.
The simple rule is if you are comfortable, your Limoniaca plant is also most likely comfortable.
For those of you who reside in colder regions, maintaining these temperatures might be slightly troublesome. However, it is not an unsolvable problem.
Simply place your Limoniaca plant in the vicinity of a heater during the colder months to avoid damage. Please make sure that the plant does not directly sit in-front of the heater.
In some areas, the temperature may vary considerably during the day and night. Therefore, take care of the plant accordingly and place it in appropriate conditions.
Humidity
The majority of the Hoya plants, including Limoniaca, love humidity. Due to its sub-tropical nature, the Hoya Limoniaca plant enjoys moderate humidity levels throughout the year.
The Hoya Limoniaca plant likes moisture levels ranging from 60% to 80% during the day and 80% to 100% at night.
This is a considerably high range that many household inhabitants may find uncomfortable.
This can arise as an issue. However, luckily, this problem has a fairly simple solution.
I suggest you place your Limoniaca plant in rooms/areas that are not occupied at all times, such as the backyard, garden, or the rooftop.
Maintaining such high humidity levels can also be a problem.
However, like the previous issue, this problem also has several solutions.
For the ‘natural only’ individuals, spraying the Limoniaca plant’s surroundings with room-temperature water is a good option.
For individuals who do not mind utilizing a bit of technology, I recommend getting your hands on a humidifier, a device that helps establish and maintain the desired moisture levels.
Similarly, you can buy a hygrometer for establishing ideal humidity levels for your Hoya Limoniaca plant.
Nonetheless, excessive humidity can cause increased susceptibility to bacterial infections and diseases.
Therefore, although a little troublesome, keep a close eye on your Hoya Limoniaca plant for any signs and symptoms of infection due to high humidity.
Fertilizer
Another reason why the Hoyas turn out as great houseplants is that they are not heavy feeders.
You can feed them small amounts of fertilizer just a few times throughout the month, and they will grow happily.
They will even reward you with beautiful fragrant blooms.
When it comes to Hoya Limoniaca particularly, feeding it with good-quality fertilizer about twice a week or whenever you think it needs some food is sufficient. I also advise you to use a high-nitrogen fertilizer that is composed of 2:1:2 or 3:1:2.
If you forget feeding plants, that is also not a problem in the Limoniaca plant’s case. Simply feed your Hoya plant once a month with a slow-release fertilizer.
You can apply a light layer of organic fertilizer such as the worm compost on the soil’s top. Follow this light application with another one the following spring.
Please remember to spread the fertilizer, whether solid or liquid, a few inches away from the Limoniaca plant’s stem.
If too close, the fertilizer may cause toxic reactions.
If you are confused about the type of fertilizer to use, buy one made explicitly for Hoyas.
Do not feed your Hoya Limoniaca plant during the late fall and winter seasons, as these are resting seasons. The plant has no active growth during this time; therefore, applying fertilizer may be futile. Or worse, it may cause salt buildup leading to toxicity.
Repotting
The Hoya Limoniaca plant likes being slightly root-bound; therefore, do not rush repotting it. However, if you feel that your plant is looking unwell or drying up faster than usual, repot it.
Establishing a definite time for repotting the Hoya Limoniaca plant is tricky. Mostly, the condition of the plant is indicative if it needs repotting. As a rough estimation, repot your Hoya Limoniaca once every 1.5 to 2 years.
You do not necessarily have to opt for a giant pot. Choose one that is slightly bigger than the last for repotting your Hoya Limoniaca plant. Please ensure that the chosen container has plenty of drainage holes to prevent water accumulation.
Pruning
You can prune your Hoya Limoniaca plant for several reasons, such as size control, increasing its bushiness, thinning it out, or simply eliminating any dead growth.
The Hoya Limoniaca plants grow fast but do not grow humongous. However, cutting off a few vines to control its size can make it look more organized and well-maintained.
As the Limoniaca plant ages, it may grow some yellow leaves or fall prey to bacterial diseases. In both cases, it is best to get rid of the affected leaves.
Please sterilize your pruning equipment, such as pruning shears, before using them on your plants. You can use a plant-specific alcohol spray for this purpose. Additionally, wear protective clothing.
Propagation
The propagation of a Hoya Limoniaca plant is considerably trouble-free. You will need a healthy Limoniaca plant, rooting powder, water, pair of scissors, and an appropriate pot.
- Begin with disinfecting and sanitizing all your propagation equipment. This will minimize disease transmission.
- Next, look for a non-flowering stem from the Limoniaca plant and cut off a few pieces from it.
- Take the cutting, which has atleast two nodes at the end. It can also have more than two.
- This is followed by filling up a pot with the appropriate soil mix for the Limoniaca plant. Next, cover the pot with plastic wrap. This will increase the humidity levels in the pot. Alternatively, a propagator can be used.
- For the next step, plant the cuttings in the prepared soil.
- Add some growth hormone or rooting powder to this soil mix. This will increase the chances of successful propagation.
- Please make sure that the surrounding temperature is 60 degrees Fahrenheit or above.
- You can make use of a humidifier to maintain ample moisture levels.
- Water and feed the Limoniaca plant.
Wait patiently while the plantlet grows. During the initial 14 days, the Limoniaca plant needs care, plenty of water, and high-quality fertilizer. Please protect your plant from all possible infections during this time.
During weeks 3 to 6, the plantlet gives rise to shoots. Please keep up the ideal growing conditions for healthy growth.
After approximately 2 to 3 months, your plantlet will be mature enough to be shifted into a bigger pot. You can now treat it as a healthy mature Hoya Limoniaca plant.
Blooms
The Hoya Limoniaca plant has lovely foliage; however, its flowers are something else. Each Limoniaca plant has different colored flowers; some are pale yellow while some are mustard. A few types produce white coronas with yellow tips, while the rest give rise to yellow flowers with red centers.
Each flower is about 0.4 inches (1 centimeter), with 20 to 40 in each umbel. The flowers can be a little hard to notice among the foliage; however, the fragrance cannot be missed. It is somewhat similar to Hoya Carnosa, but undoubtedly, not as strong.
The flowers produce no nectar and last for approximately five days.
Growth
The Hoya Limoniaca plant has a fast growth rate. It grows to a height of about 48 to 72 inches (4 to 6 feet) or more and requires a USDA hardiness zone of 11 or above for outdoor planting.
The plant has lovely foliage; the leaves are light green with visible veins. They are about 2.4 to 4.3 inches(6 to 11 centimeter) long and 0.8 to 1.8 inches (2 to 4.5) centimeter wide.
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Common Problems for Hoya Limoniaca
Mealy Bugs
Mealybugs are small insects with a white coating that feed on plant nectar. They secrete a sticky substance called honeydew that attracts ants. Moreover, they promote sooty mold growth.
The mealy bugs are frequently seen in the nodes or under the leaves. An infected plant often has white leaf axils.
Use an organic bactericidal spray to get rid of the annoying mealy bugs.
Aphids
Another frequent visitor is aphids, which are insects that form clusters on young plant shoots and flower buds. They also breed under old leaves. They mostly attack the plant when it is too moist. Their number can increase drastically within a few days.
When infected, the Limoniaca plant’s buds do not open, and the leaves are also twisted. New growth may also be adversely affected.
To get rid of aphids, use an insecticidal spray and spray your Limoniaca plant with it.
Botrytis Blight
Botrytis Blight, more commonly known as gray mold, is a fungal disease of the Hoya Limoniaca plant. It affects the buds, flowers, bulbs, and leaves of the plant. It is the chief cause of decay in the flowers.
The Limoniaca plant, when affected by Botrytis Blight, develops abnormal-looking flowers with irregular flecks and brownish spots. The spots also appear on the plant’s leaves and stems.
To prevent the possibility of attack, sterilize your gardening tools. For treating plants affected by Botrytis Blight, use a fungicide spray, and avoid overcrowding and overfeeding.
Tips for Growing Hoya Limoniaca
- Let the plants be slightly root-bound
- Avoid pruning the fresh side growth
- Give your Limoniaca plant a thorough shower every now and then
- Get rid of any abnormal-looking leaves
- Place in filtered sunlight spot
Frequently Asked Questions about Hoya Limoniaca
Why is my Hoya Limoniaca plant growing yellow leaves?
This can be due to the natural and harmless aging process or due to problems such as overwatering and nitrogen deficiency. Decrease your plant watering frequency and increase the fertilizer’s nitrogen content.
When will my Hoya Limoniaca plant flower?
The Hoya Limoniaca plant takes some time to produce flowers. You can speed up the process by keeping it slightly root-bound, maintain favorable growing conditions, and avoid pruning the fresh sides.
How long do Hoya Limoniaca plants live for?
The Hoya Limoniaca plants are durable. Therefore, they live for 2 to 3 years or more when given the appropriate care. However, variations exist.
Conclusion
The Hoya Limoniaca plant is an excellent houseplant choice. It is not only easy on the eyes but also has fragrant flowers that are exotic and unique. The plant has a simple care guide and lives for a considerable amount of time.
Daniel has been a plant enthusiast for over 20 years. He owns hundreds of houseplants and prepares for the chili growing seasons yearly with great anticipation. His favorite plants are plant species in the Araceae family, such as Monstera, Philodendron, and Anthurium. He also loves gardening and is growing hot peppers, tomatoes, and many more vegetables.