With its stunning leaves and tiny flowers, Hoya Wibergiae is among the rarest species of Hoyas. It is native to the beautiful forests of Indonesia, India, and the Maldives and belongs to the Asclepiadaceae family.
Plant lovers commonly keep it as an indoor plant due to its climbing vines that look ideal in hanging baskets and trellis.
It does not demand a lot, and for factors like humidity and water, there is nothing critical that you need to remember. However, slight care can go a long way.
It has rich-looking leaves with a waxy appearance that changes with seasons and time. Silver linings and splotches on the lush green of the leaves add charm to the plant.
The silver begins to turn to a glowing pink or a pale purple if it receives proper sunlight. The entire range of shades, alongside their intricate patterns on the leaves, is fascinating.
It also has fragrant inflorescences that can bloom twice a year. These are shaped like tiny stars with rosy centers and grow in bunches of up to 70 flowers!
Its petals are beautiful silver, with glossy tints that make it seem like it is sparkling in the light. They have a fruity scent, so Hoya Wibergiae not only adorns your home but also purifies and revitalizes the atmosphere for you.
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How to care for Hoya Wibergiae?
If you are a beginner, looking after this plant is relatively easy. Hoya Wibergiae thrives in indirect, bright sunlight and enjoys regular watering. It rewards optimum growth if you use a well-drained soil mix with substrates like peat moss and perlite. An average humidity level of 50% and a slightly warm temperature of 78 to 82 Fahrenheit (25.5 to 27.7 degrees Celsius) is all it asks.
Soil
Hoya Wibergiae needs a soil mix that does not retain too much water and allows the passage of air. It is essential because too much water pooling around the roots can severely damage them eventually. Waterlogging also stimulates fungi and other microbes that cause root rot.
For this reason, well-drained soil works effectively. Though you can look for it in the market, it is best to prepare it yourself because adding the right composition of ingredients for each plant is vital. For Hoya Wibergiae, add ½ part peat moss with ⅓ perlite and ⅓ fine orchid bark.
You can also include a handful of coconut coir and charcoal for optimum effect. Coconut choir helps in moisture retention, so adding a handful means ensuring your Hoya does not dehydrate due to other ingredients.
Besides the soil mix, you should keep your plant in a neutral pH, which may be a little acidic (6-7). It helps with the availability of nutrients, and the slight acidity keeps the bacteria away without damaging the plant.
Watering
This Hoya species does not require too much water, but a moderate supply is vital for its health. It is because Hoya Wibergiae is waxy and succulent, so it can naturally retain some moisture. However, water helps the plant in photosynthesis, transport, and absorption of the nutrients, so an adequate supply is essential.
While you do not have to stick to a rigorous schedule, it is best to regularly water your plant. I like watering my Hoya Wibergiae three times a week, preferably in the morning. It facilitates its growth without endangering the roots.
In the summer months, your Hoya needs slightly more water, as the evaporation and transpiration frequently occur due to the increased air temperature. To replace the often-lost moisture, watering every other day would be a tractable idea.
Moreover, if you notice its beautiful leaves turning brittle to the touch, you should mist it with lukewarm water.
Light
As a succulent plant, you may understand it as being tolerant of a range of sunlight. While it is mostly true, adequate sunlight is vital and renders visibly healthier plants.
For my Hoya Wibergiae, I prefer to provide bright sunlight from a shaded place. It is because too much sunlight can dehydrate this waxy plant and scorch its surface, but too little can stunt its growth.
Keeping it in the shade would help fulfill its needs while protecting it from hazards. As it is a flowering plant, you should place it where bright light is accessible from a distance, especially during the blooming season—the particles in the light foster the plant’s growth by boosting photosynthesis.
An excellent place to position the pot will be on a windowsill if you have installed curtains. You can close them during noon and open them as evening falls.
I have found it beneficial to change the locations the intensity and frequency of sunlight changes with the weather, so in winter months, I keep my Hoya in the garden for most of the time.
Moreover, if you love the shades in the leaves as I do, you can observe the best of them by supplying them with bright sunlight.
I have noticed that the silver turns to a pixie pink and dusky purple when Hoya Wibergiae receives good sunlight; this enhances the appearance of the leaves.
Temperature
Hoya Wibergiae has average temperature requirements, but it is more tolerant to heat than to cold.
It thrives in a mild temperature of 78 to 82 Fahrenheit (25.5 to 27.7 degrees Celsius). Unless you reside in an extreme climate, you do not have to take any extra precautions to maintain the temperature.
Nevertheless, the temperature changes over time, so it is vital to cater to your Hoya accordingly.
In the peak months of summer, like June and July, keeping the plant always hydrated and indoors would protect it from weather harshness if it receives some filtered sunlight.
Whereas in winter months like November and December, you would want to be cautious with your waxy plant, especially if it snows in your area. It gets icy on winter nights, and the temperature drops below 60 Fahrenheit (15.5 degrees Celsius), so I never keep it outside.
Such chilly weather hampers its sustainability by freezing the cells, causing shock. If you notice drooping and discoloring leaves, immediately bring your Hoya indoors and keep it there for some time.
Humidity
Like its water requirements, Hoya Wibergiae also has low humidity needs. While it grows just fine in average humidity, providing it with more will help in optimum growth.
I have observed that when I keep the humidity up to 60%, the leaves feel more turgid and healthier.
It could be because high humidity levels are known for reducing excessive transpiration. However, since it has a waxy texture, 50% humidity in the air also works well.
Fertilizer
Most of the time, Hoya Wibergiae does not need external feeding and grows simply fine on its own. However, since it is a flowering plant, a little help in the blooming season can go a long way.
While the soil needs several nutrients like Potassium and Nitrogen, this species requires a substantial quantity of Phosphorus for optimum growth of flowers and leaves.
Remember to choose a fertilizer with a higher Phosphorus ratio but using a well-balanced fertilizer would also be an excellent idea as it compensates for any deficiency in the soil.
I prefer it in liquid form, as it is easy to add a portion of water and spray on the leaves. I usually drain the remaining fertilizer in the soil, so the roots can also benefit from it.
Repotting
Hoya Wibergiae is an easy plant to look after, and like humidity and water, it does not have any frequent repotting need. This species grows at a moderate rate throughout the year, so it has two or three years before you have to repot it.
Since it has ambitious climbing vines, they may tangle around each other and give a messy appearance. Though I find the tangle visually pleasing, it is challenging to provide all parts with adequate care.
After years of growth, the vines may also come out of the drainage hole of the pot. Repotting it in a slightly larger pot is the best way of dealing with it.
Pruning
As an avid climber, Hoya Wibergiae looks charming in hanging baskets and trellis. However, you may want to consider pruning it when you find the branches growing in all dimensions.
Though growth is a healthy sign, too much of it can get in the way of home residents, especially if you have little children.
While pruning, the best approach is only to cut the damaged parts. I prefer to closely examine the leaves, branches, and stem of my Hoya for any lesions, blisters, or discoloration.
Once you have identified the unhealthy areas, selectively pruning your Hoya Wibergiae can not only improve its appearance but also foster its growth.
Remember to use disinfected scissors, wear gloves, and always take precautionary measures during pruning.
Propagation
In my opinion, propagation is a wonderful way of replicating your plants. I especially like propagating the plants I love, including Hoya Wibergiae. It saves costs and is a delightful process.
With a healthy plant and some basic gardening tools, you can also propagate your plant through various easy-to-follow methods.
Stem Cuttings Method
- Wear goggles and gloves, and then sterilize your gardening equipment like scissors and shears.
- Choose a healthy branch after carefully examining the plant. This branch should have a few nodes and leaves but no flowers.
- Make a gentle, angled cut just below the nodes. You can leave two or three above it.
- While handling your stem cutting with care, dip it in rooting hormone.
- If you would prefer to plant it in soil, prepare a well-drained mix with peat moss and perlite, like the one you used for the original Hoya Wibergiae.
- On the other hand, if you wish to observe the growth stages as I do, you can place it in a transparent jar of distilled water.
- In either case, put it where there is moderate sunlight available and water regularly. In a few months, you would have a beautiful and thriving plant.
Blooms
Hoya Wibergiae is a flowering plant with stunning blooms. These are tiny, shaped like stars, and grow in clusters of 60-70 at once. The flowers are tiny and range from 0.4 to 0.6 inches (1 to 1.5 cm) in size.
These flowers have a creamy white corolla that glistens in the sunlight, making it an ethereal sight. The petals feel waxy to touch and converge at a pink center that may have traces of orange in it.
Its flowers are fragrant, with a scent that is slightly spicy and slightly fruity. These last for about seven days and may bloom twice a year. My plants flower in early spring and late autumn when I provide optimum conditions and fertilize beforehand.
Growth
This species grows quickly if you take care of its basic needs like filtered sunlight and regular watering. It loves to grow in long vines with evergreen leaves with intricate designs and various shades on their surface.
The petiole length can vary from 0.2 to 2 inches (0.5 to 5 cm) long, and you may observe varied sizes on the same plant.
Its gorgeous leaves can be 2.5 to 4.5 inches (6.3 to 11.4 cm) long and 1 to 2.5 inches (2.5 to 6.3 cm) wide. These ranges are standard, and the actual size depends on the atmospheric condition and soil available to your plant.
Common Problems for Hoya Wibergiae
Hoya Wibergiae is resistant to most external factors, but it is not entirely immune to the attacks of pests. Here are the most common problems it may face.
Mealybugs
Common to all houseplants, mealybugs can also affect Hoya Wibergiae. If you observe a cotton-like deposit on the stems or leaves of your plant, it can be an indication that some ambitious mealybugs are feeding off your precious plant. You may also see honeydew or waxy strips.
They penetrate the outer layers and suck the sap, stealing the nutrition that is the life force of your plant. To eliminate mealybugs, isolate the plant first so it does not infect any nearby species.
I treat the infestations using 70% alcohol on a cotton swab. You can dilute it with lukewarm water to protect the plant. In either case, make sure you maintain a healthy distance from the bugs.
Spider Mites
Unlike what the name suggests, spider mites are a kind of spiders instead of mites. They are particularly problematic because their small size makes it challenging to spot them, and by the time people recognize the spider mites, they have already wreaked havoc.
They suck the chlorophyll from leaves, and if your Hoya Wibergiae is healthy, unfortunately, spider mites find it even more appealing.
However, you can get rid of these quickly once you recognize them. I suggest using a high-pressure hose to blast them with water, but you need to be careful about not damaging any blooms.
As they shrink away from humidity, using a humidity tray with some water and pebbles near the plant would be a practical solution.
Thrips
You may observe some white dots and spots on your plant when thrips infect. It can be hard to distinguish these as Hoya Wibergiae has natural silver traces in the leaves, but you have to look for round, white marks for thrips.
These pests can carry microbes like viruses and make your plant sick.
To get rid of thrips, place paper towels on the surface of the pot. Next, shake the vines, so they have to fall off.
You should also try blasting it with water, but it may be harmful to the flowers if it is the blooming season. I also got rid of thrips by spraying my plant with some Neem oil, as it has antiseptic properties.
Tips for Growing Hoya Wibergiae
- Some people cut the peduncles after growing; it is not the right approach with Hoya Wibergiae. Remember to leave the peduncles intact, and they may bloom again.
- If you wish to see different shades like pink and silver on its leaves, place it near bright sunlight.
- Using a fertilizer before the blooming season can help with its growth and lead to healthier flowers.
- While choosing a location, consider the spicy scent that can be overwhelming for some people.
Frequently Asked Questions about Hoya Wibergiae
What is the best place for Hoya Wibergiae?
You may find this species on coastlines, beaches, and parks. If you plan to grow it as an indoor plant, the vines will look beautiful in wooden frameworks, latticework, and trellises.
Is this plant poisonous?
Though it is not known as poisonous, the milky sap in the stems may be toxic. It would be best if you considered keeping it away from children and pets for health and safety concerns.
Does this species like bright sunlight?
It thrives under bright sunlight, but it must not be direct because it can lead to wilting, drooping, and scorching of leaves.
Conclusion
If you are searching for a low-maintenance plant with an enticing appearance throughout the year, this would be a perfect choice. With gloriously colored leaves and fragrant flowers, Hoya Wibergiae is also an enticing plant.
It has no special water, humidity, and fertilizer demands, so you can easily look after it by providing it filtered sunlight and moderate temperature.
Read about some other beautiful Hoyas like Hoya Fitchii and Hoya Ciliata.
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.