Hoya Linearis is a unique indoor plant that can be rare and tricky to get your hands on. And, it’s different than many of the Hoyas you will see more commonly. Rather than large, flat leaves like many other Hoyas, Hoya Linearis leaves are skinny, soft, and fuzzy.
As Hoya plants, the Linearis is also known by the common names wax plant, wax vine, porcelain vine, and porcelain flower.
It’s important to note that Hoya Linearis is an epiphyte native to the Himalayas. An epiphyte grows on the surface of another plant (typically a tree). Knowing this will help guide the way you care for your Hoya Linearis.
Being an epiphyte means that the plant gets nutrients and moisture from its surroundings rather than getting it all from its roots.
Pro Tip: The key to growing Hoya Linearis is to allow its potting mix to dry entirely between thorough waterings. Using a combination of good light, small pot size, and the right potting mix will enable the soil to dry out quickly.
So, how do you care for Hoya Linearis?
Proper Hoya Linearis Care
Here are the basics of H. Linearis care, which we will detail.
- Soil: Use a well-draining, well-aerated potting mix
- Light: Bright, indirect light
- Water: Water when the top two inches of the potting mix are dry
- Humidity: Above 50% for optimal growth
- Pruning: As needed to maintain the desired shape
- Where to buy: Available on Etsy
| Preview | Product | Price | |
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Hoya Linearis 'Long Fuzzy Stems' - Hoya - Live Plant | Buy on Amazon |
Soil
The best soil for Hoya Linearis is one that drains really, really well. You can start with a good succulent mix or cactus mix and then add some perlite. Sharp drainage is essential for any plant, but especially for epiphytes.
You don’t have to overcomplicate the soil decision, though. In addition to the above, you can also accomplish the proper drainage with a houseplant potting mix with some perlite and orchid bark. Use a 1:1:1 ratio.
Adding perlite will improve drainage, which is a must for epiphyte plants. Orchid bark is another popular addition.
Fertilizer
Feed your Hoya Linearis plant twice a month using a balanced fertilizer during the spring and summer. Always dilute fertilizer according to the label and manufacturer’s instructions. Over-feeding can damage your plant.
When you feed your plant, be sure the potting soil is slightly moist. Moist soil will prevent the roots from being burned by the fertilizer. Fertilizer that’s not diluted enough can kill your Hoya Linearis if it’s too strong.
Pot
The most important feature when choosing a pot for your Hoya Lineiaris is adequate drainage holes for all the soil to drain out between waterings and to avoid root rot. Hoya Linearis requires excellent drainage because this is how they grow in nature. They receive heavy rains but dry well by good air circulation.
As far as size, smaller is better. Hoyas, in general, like smaller pots and like to be root bound.
The Hoya Linearis is ideal for hanging planters that show off the green, curtain-like foliage.
When Should I Repot Hoya Linearis?
Hoyas need repotting much less frequently than other plants and are content to be in the same pot for years. Keeping Hoya’s root-bound also encourages flowering.
Hoya Linearis roots grow pretty slowly, so you’ll only need to repot it every few years at the most.
How to Repot Hoya Linearis
Only go up by one pot size when it is time to repot a Hoya. These plants don’t like being in a too big pot for long periods. Be sure your new pot has drainage holes to avoid root rot. Try to repot your plant during the growing season (spring and summer).
Sun/Light Requirements
The Hoya Linearis needs indirect sunlight for at least half the day. Keeping your Hoya Linearis in the correct lighting will help the potting medium to dry out more quickly, which, as we’ve mentioned, is very important for this plant.
Unfortunately, this houseplant will not do well in low-light conditions. Not getting enough light will cause etiolation, where the stems become long and stretched as they reach for more light.
If you choose to pot your plant in a hanging basket, remember that they begin to get bald if hanging plants don’t get light on the top. Make sure your Hoya Linearis is getting light at the top.
Avoid direct sunlight, which will make the leaf tips brown.
Getting enough sun to your plant will also help the potting soil dry quickly, which is essential for the Hoya Linearis. Make sure you place your plant in a room that is well lit throughout the day.
How to Water Hoya Linearis
Timing is everything when it comes to watering your Hoya Linearis. Keep the soil on the dry side and let your plant dry out well between waterings.
Keeping the soil dry between waterings does NOT mean that you should only add a tiny bit of water when you water. Always water your plant thoroughly when you do water it. Let all the excess water drain through the drainage holes, and then don’t water it again until your plant has soaked up all the water and the soil is dry.
Pro Tip: Watering thoroughly will allow the soil to be moist and roots to soak in the water they need.
Pick up the pot and notice when it is very light. Feel the potting mix with your finger to tell when the soil is dry. You will get to know when the soil has completely dried out.
In the winter, when your plant is dormant, water less often. Ensure you water the plant in the morning, so excess moisture evaporates. At night, cooler temperatures mean slower evaporation.
In its natural environment, the Hoya Linearis is used to heavy rain. But because they are hanging plants, they get good air circulation and do not sit in water. Overwatering will cause root rot and damage to the plant.
Humidity
As a tropical epiphyte, this plant loves humidity in the air and surrounding environment. Epiphytes mainly get their moisture from the surrounding air. Not providing enough humidity will cause the plant to wither and the foliage to wilt.
Pro Tip: Hoya Linearis enjoys moderate to high humidity, 50 to 70%.
One of the simplest methods is just a light misting. Providing your plant with a regular misting of filtered water can help to create a more humid environment surrounding the plant. Just be sure not to soak the leaves.
The easiest way to add humidity around your plant is with a plant humidifier. We have two detailed articles about humidifiers for plants:
Pro Tip: An inexpensive hygrometer is a wise investment in testing the humidity level in your home and adjusting it accordingly for your plants.
Temperature
Hoya Linearis can handle relatively cool nighttime temperatures. The Himalayan region where this plant originates gets very cold at night.
Generally, maintain daytime temperatures between 60-80F (16-27C) for best growth.
Outdoor growth of this plant is only recommended in USDA hardiness zones 11a to 11b.
Choose a frost-free area with damp, well-draining soil. The location should be sunny but sheltered with midday shade.
Pruning
Hoya Linearis does not need to be pruned, but you can cut it back to maintain the shape and length you want to achieve. You should remove any dead or dying leaves.
While pruning your Hoya Linearis, avoid cutting the flowering spurs or peduncles. Flowers emerge from the same peduncles each time it blooms. If you remove one, your Hoya will lose its ability to bloom in that area.
While pruning your Hoya Linearis, you should:
- Use sterilized pair of scissors or shears
- Cut back dried leaves or stems
- Noot remove old stems; this is where the blooms will grow
- Remember that the white latex released from the cuts is irritating to the skin
- Wear gloves to protect yourself from skin irritation
Size and Growth of Hoya Linearis
Your Hoya Linearis will reach maturity between 3 to 5 years of age. As an indoor plant, it can grow up to six feet long. It is not a fast grower when grown indoors.
When Does Hoya Linearis Flower?
Clusters of fragrant, star-shaped flowers (characteristic of many Hoyas) appear typically in late summer or fall. Some people say the flowers have a lemony scent.
To encourage your Hoya Linearis to bloom:
- Make sure your plant is getting enough light
- Keep your plant around until it is 2-3 years old. Mature plants bloom flowers.
- Rootbound Hoyas tend to flower more.
A Linearis that doesn’t bloom doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re doing anything wrong. Remember, DON’T remove the peduncles!
Hoya Linearis Common Problems
Leaves Falling Off (Dropping Leaves)
Cold drafts can often cause dropping leaves on your Hoya Linearis. Don’t keep your plant on a cold windowsill or near a breeze.
Brown Tips
Brown tips on your Hoya Linearis are probably caused by too much direct light burning the leaves. Move your plant to a location with only indirect sunlight.
Mealybugs and Aphids
Mealybugs and aphids are two common pests to watch out for with the Hoya Linearis (and other hoyas). For general pest prevention and control, use an insecticidal spray weekly.
Yellowing Leaves
Yellowing leaves can be a common problem for hoyas. It can be caused by natural aging, overwatering, underwatering, nutrient deficiency, or pest/disease infestation.
Read More: Why Is My Hoya Turning Yellow?
FAQs: Hoya Linearis
Is Hoya Linearis ard to Grow?
As long as you follow the guidelines we’ve discussed, this house plant is not hard to grow. Be sure to let the soil dry out between waterings. If you plant this plant in a hanging basket, be sure to give it sun from all angles. Doing this will give you many years of life with your Linearis plant.
Is Hoya Linearis Rare?
Due to high demand, the Hoya Lineairs plant can be difficult to find. If you have one, consider yourself lucky and consider propagating it for you and your friends! It’s fairly easy to propagate Hoya Linearis with stem cuttings.
Is Hoya Linearis a Succulent?
Hoyas, including the Hoya Linearis, are tropical succulents native to Asia and Australia. The Hoya genus includes more than 300 species and even more hybrids and cultivars! In general, Hoyas are known for their thicker, succulent-like leaves and waxy flower clusters (also known as umbels). Hoya Linearis leaves are uniquely different from most Hoyas, but it is still a succulent.
Is Hoya Linearis Toxic to Dogs and Cats?
Hoyas are considered non-toxic, but Hoya Linearis has a white, milky sap that it exudes when you cut or break a leaf or stem. This sap can irritate your skin.
Plants Similar to Hoya Linearis
Plants that look like Hoya Linearis include String of Needles (Ceropegia Linearis), Hoya Retusa, and Hoya Shepherdii. Let’s go through each one and compare the similarities and differences.
Hoya Lineairs vs. String of Needles
Is Hoya Linearis the same as String of Needles? They are not the same plant, though they look incredibly similar. Hoya Linearis plant is in the genus Hoya while Ceropegia Linearis, the scientific name for String of Needles, is in the genus Ceropegia.
Hoya Linearis vs Retusa
The difference between Hoya Retusa and Linearis is in the leaves. The Hoya Retusa features elongated, flat, and narrow leaves that grow in clusters. The leaves have a wispy, almost succulent look to them. The tips of the Retusa leaves widen at the end.
Hoya Retusa is sometimes called the “frog toe wax plant.” Its vines grow two feet long or more. In the summer, this plant produces flowers that appear individually rather than in clusters like other Hoyas. The flowers are white with purple centers.
Hoya Shepherdii vs. Linearis
Hoya Shepherdii is a Hoya species with leaves that resemble string beans hanging in bunches from their stalks.
Also known as “string bean hoya,” H. Shepherdii has long and narrow dark green leaves that look like green beans and are three and a half inches long. Mature plants with long vines have particularly stunning foliage.
The flowers are white with red centers that form small clusters.
Related Post: Hoya Curtisii Care Guide
Where to Buy Hoya Linearis Plant
The unique leaves and delicate features of the Linearis make it a popular and somewhat rare house plant. Finding in local greenhouses or big-box stores can be pretty tricky. Luckily they can almost always be found on Etsy.
Final Thoughts on Hoya Linearis
If you’re looking for an indoor plant that is unique and looks great in a hanging basket, this is it!
Some items we discussed that will help you with Linearis plant care to keep it growing strong:
Good luck growing your Hoya Linearis plant and making it part of your cozy, fresh, and green home!
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