Hoya Keysii

If you’re looking for a truly special houseplant, the Hoya keysii is a fantastic choice. This rare and captivating succulent is known for its unique, coin-shaped leaves and easy-going nature.

It’s a plant that stands out in any collection. Let’s look at how to care for this beautiful Hoya and help it thrive in your home.

Often called the “Coin-Leaf Hoya,” this plant is native to parts of Asia and Australia. It’s a vining plant that can trail beautifully from a hanging basket or climb up a support. The leaves are its main attraction—they’re thick, succulent, and almost perfectly round.

Each leaf has a subtle, velvety texture and can develop lovely red edges when given enough light. While it can flower, the blooms are less showy than some other Hoyas, but the foliage more than makes up for it.

Why Choose This Hoya?

There are several reasons this plant has become so sought after:

Unique Foliage: The round, plump leaves are unlike most other houseplants.
Drought Tolerant: Its succulent leaves store water, making it forgiving if you forget to water occasionally.
Compact Growth: It grows at a moderate pace, so it won’t quickly outgrow its space.
Non-Toxic: It’s safe around curious pets like cats and dogs.

Perfect Light and Location

Getting the light right is the most important step for a healthy Hoya keysii. It needs bright, indirect light to look its best.

Ideal Spot: An east or west-facing window is perfect. A south-facing window is okay if filtered by a sheer curtain.
Signs of Too Much Light: Leaves may turn yellow or develop crispy, sunburned spots.
Signs of Too Little Light: Growth becomes very slow, and the leaves may lose their compact shape and red edges. The space between leaves (internodes) will get longer.

Avoid deep shade. Without enough light, the plant will struggle and become leggy.

Watering Your Plant Correctly

This is where many succulent owners make a mistake. Overwatering is the fastest way to harm your Hoya keysii. It prefers to dry out between drinks.

Check the Soil: Before watering, stick your finger about 2 inches into the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water.
Water Thoroughly: When you do water, do it completely. Pour water until it runs freely out the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot.
Let it Drain: Always empty the saucer or cache pot after 15 minutes. Never let the plant sit in standing water.
Seasonal Changes: Water more frequently in the warm, bright growing season (spring and summer). In fall and winter, reduce watering significantly, sometimes waiting until the leaves soften slightly.

What About Humidity?

While it adapts to average household humidity, it appreciates a bit more moisture in the air. If your home is very dry, you can:

Place it on a pebble tray filled with water (keep the pot above the water line).
Group it with other plants.
Use a small humidifier nearby.

Misting is not usually recommended, as it doesn’t raise humidity for long and can promote fungal issues on the leaves.

The Best Soil and Potting Mix

Your Hoya keysii needs a loose, airy potting mix that drains exceptionally well. A standard potting soil will hold too much moisture.

You can easily make a great mix at home. Here’s a simple recipe:

2 parts regular potting soil
1 part perlite
1 part orchid bark or coconut coir

This combination ensures water flows through quickly while providing some nutrients and anchorage for the roots. Always use a pot with a drainage hole. Terracotta pots are excellent because they help wick away extra moisture from the soil.

Feeding and Fertilizing

This plant isn’t a heavy feeder, but it benefits from some extra nutrients during its active growth period.

Type: Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer (like a 10-10-10 or 5-5-5 formula) or one formulated for succulents.
Frequency: Fertilize once a month from early spring through late summer.
Method: Dilute the fertilizer to half the strength recommended on the bottle. This prevents root burn.

Do not fertilize in the fall and winter. The plant is resting and won’t use the nutrients, which can then build up and harm the soil.

Pruning and Propagation

Pruning is simple. You can trim back any overly long vines to maintain a bushier shape. Always cut just above a leaf node (the point where a leaf meets the stem). New growth will emerge from this point.

Don’t throw those cuttings away! You can use them to make new plants. Propagating Hoya keysii is very straightforward.

Take a cutting with at least 2-3 leaves.
Let the cut end callous over for a day or two.
Place the cutting in water or directly into a moist potting mix (like the one described above).
If using water, change it weekly. Roots should appear in a few weeks. Once they’re an inch or two long, pot the cutting in soil.

Common Problems and Solutions

Even with good care, you might encounter an issue. Here’s how to troubleshoot:

Yellowing Leaves

This is most often caused by overwatering. Check your watering habits and make sure the soil is drying out. If the stem is also mushy, you may need to take cuttings from healthy parts to save the plant.

Brown, Crispy Leaf Edges

This can be from too much direct sun (sunburn) or from very low humidity. Assess the light situation first, as that’s the more likely cause.

No New Growth

If your plant seems stalled, it’s usually due to insufficient light or a need for fertilizer (during the growing season). Try moving it to a brighter location first.

Pests

Mealybugs and aphids can sometimes appear. Look for small white cottony masses or tiny green insects. Wipe them off with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or treat the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Repotting Your Hoya

Hoya keysii actually likes to be a bit root-bound and rarely needs repotting. You should only repot every 2-3 years, or when you see roots growing out of the drainage holes.

Choose a new pot that is only 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the old one.
Gently loosen the root ball and place it in the new pot with fresh potting mix.
Wait a week before watering after repotting to let any disturbed roots heal.

FAQ About Hoya Keysii

Is Hoya keysii a fast grower?

No, it’s considered a moderately slow grower, especially in lower light conditions. With ideal care, you might see a few new leaves per vine each growing season.

Does the Coin Leaf Hoya flower?

Yes, it can produce clusters of small, star-shaped flowers. They are typically a pale pink or cream color. Flowering is less common indoors and requires very bright, consistent light.

Why are the leaves on my Hoya not round?

New leaves often start out more oval or heart-shaped and gradually become rounder as they mature. If mature leaves are misshapen, it could be a sign of inconsistent watering or nutrient deficiency.

Can I grow this Hoya outdoors?

In USDA zones 10-11, it can be grown outdoors in a shaded spot. In other areas, it’s best kept as a houseplant, but it can enjoy a summer vacation outside in dappled shade.

Caring for a Hoya keysii is a rewarding experience. Its unique apperance and resilient nature make it a joy for both beginners and experienced plant enthusiasts. By providing the right balance of light, water, and a well-draining home, you’ll be able to enjoy this rare and captivating succulent for many years to come. Remember, patience is key—this is a plant that rewards consistent, gentle care over time.