Hoya Treubiana

If you’re looking for a truly special plant to add to your collection, the Hoya treubiana is a fantastic choice. This rare and captivating succulent is a treasure for any indoor gardener, known for its unique and beautiful foliage.

It’s not the easiest Hoya to find, but its striking appearance makes the hunt worthwhile. Let’s look at everything you need to know to successfully care for this remarkable plant.

Native to Southeast Asia, the Hoya treubiana is a vining epiphyte. This means in the wild, it grows on other plants or trees rather than in soil. Its most distinctive feature is its long, narrow leaves. They are a deep, sometimes bluish-green and have a subtle, silvery sheen or flecking. The leaves are thick and succulent, helping the plant store water.

While it can flower, it’s primarily grown for its stunning foliage. The blooms, when they appear, are typical of Hoyas—small, star-shaped clusters often with a pleasant scent. But it’s those elegant, cascading vines that truly steal the show.

Ideal Growing Conditions

Getting the environment right is the key to a happy Hoya treubiana. It thrives in conditions that mimic its natural tropical habitat.

Light Requirements

This plant loves bright, indirect light. An east or west-facing window is usually perfect. Some gentle morning or late afternoon sun is fine, but you must avoid harsh, direct midday rays. They can scorch the beautiful leaves.

Too little light: Growth will slow down, and the vines may become leggy as they stretch for light. The silver markings may also fade.
Just right: You’ll see steady growth and maintain the leaf color and compact form.
Too much light: Leaves may turn yellow, develop brown crispy patches, or look washed out.

Temperature & Humidity

As a tropical plant, it prefers warmth and appreciates higher humidity. Average household temperatures between 65°F and 80°F (18°C – 27°C) are suitable. Try to keep it away from cold drafts, air conditioning vents, or sudden temperature drops.

While it can adapt to average home humidity, it will truly thrive with a bit more moisture in the air. Here’s a few simple ways to increase humidity:

Place the pot on a pebble tray filled with water (ensure the pot sits above the water line).
Group it together with other plants.
Use a small room humidifier nearby, especially in winter.

Planting and Potting Mix

The right soil is crucial for preventing root rot. Remember, this is an epiphyte with succulent leaves—it hates soggy roots. You need a mix that is airy and drains exceptionally well.

A good basic recipe is:

1 part high-quality potting soil
1 part orchid bark or coconut chips
1 part perlite or pumice
A handful of horticultural charcoal (optional, but helps keep the mix fresh)

You can also use a premium pre-mixed succulent or cactus soil and add extra perlite and bark to it. The goal is for water to flow through quickly, not pool around the roots.

Watering Your Hoya Treubiana Correctly

This is where most people go wrong. Overwatering is the fastest way to harm this plant. The succulent leaves mean it’s very drought-tolerant.

Check the soil: Before watering, always stick your finger about an inch or two into the soil. For a Hoya treubiana, it’s best to let the soil dry out almost completely between waterings.
Water thoroughly: When you do water, do it thoroughly. Pour water evenly over the soil until you see it running out of the drainage holes.
Let it drain: Always empty the saucer or cache pot after 10-15 minutes. Never let the plant sit in standing water.
Adjust for seasons: Water more frequently in the spring and summer (active growth season) and much less in the fall and winter when growth slows.

A sign of thirst is leaves that feel slightly softer or thinner than usual. It’s always safer to underwater than overwater with this species.

Fertilizing for Growth

During its active growing season (spring and summer), you can feed your Hoya treubiana to support it. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half the recommended strength. A fertilizer with an equal NPK ratio (like 5-5-5 or 10-10-10) works well.

Fertilize once a month during spring and summer.
Do not fertilize at all during fall and winter.
Always apply to damp soil to avoid burning the roots.

Over-fertilizing can cause salt buildup and damage the roots, so less is more.

Pruning and Propagation

Pruning isn’t strictly necessary but can help maintain a bushier shape. You can trim back any overly long or leggy vines. Always use clean, sharp scissors or pruners. The good news is, those cuttings are perfect for making new plants!

Propagating Hoya treubiana is straightforward. Here’s the most reliable method (water propagation):

Take a cutting with at least one or two nodes (the little bumps on the stem where leaves grow from).
Remove any leaves from the bottom node.
Place the cutting in a glass of clean water, ensuring the node is submerged.
Put it in a bright spot with indirect light.
Change the water every few days to keep it fresh.
In a few weeks, you should see roots developing. Once the roots are an inch or two long, you can pot the cutting in your well-draining soil mix.

You can also propagate directly in sphagnum moss or a light soil mix, keeping it slightly moist.

Common Problems and Solutions

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

Yellowing Leaves

This is most often a sign of overwatering. Check your soil moisture and watering habits immediately. Ensure the pot has drainage and the soil mix isn’t staying wet for to long. Sometimes, yellow leaves can also indicate a need for fertilizer, but check water first.

Brown, Crispy Leaf Tips or Edges

This usually points to low humidity or, less commonly, underwatering. Try increasing the humidity around your plant. If the soil is extremely dry and compacted, adjust your watering schedule slightly.

Lack of Growth

If your plant seems stalled, consider three factors: light, season, and nutrients. Is it getting enough bright, indirect light? Is it winter (a natural rest period)? Has it been years since it was repotted or fertilized? Address these factors to encourage new growth.

Pests

Hoyas can sometimes attract common houseplant pests like mealybugs (look like tiny white cotton balls) or aphids. Regularly inspect your plant, especially under the leaves. If you spot pests, isolate the plant and treat it promptly. You can wipe them off with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or use an insecticidal soap.

Repotting Guidelines

Hoya treubiana actually likes to be a bit root-bound and doesn’t need frequent repotting. Repotting every 2-3 years is usually sufficient, 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.
Always use a pot with drainage holes.
Gently loosen the root ball and place it in the new pot with fresh, well-draining mix.
Water lightly after repotting and wait a week or so before resuming your normal watering routine to let any disturbed roots heal.

FAQ

Is the Hoya treubiana rare?
Yes, it is considered a rarer Hoya species compared to common ones like Hoya carnosa or Hoya pubicalyx. You may need to check specialty plant shops or online retailers.

How fast does Hoya treubiana grow?
Growth speed is moderate. With ideal conditions, you can expect several inches of new growth during the spring and summer months. It grows slower in lower light or during winter.

Does Hoya treubiana need a trellis or moss pole?
It’s a vining plant, so you can grow it in a few ways. You can let it trail beautifully from a hanging basket. Alternatively, you can provide a small trellis or moss pole for it to climb, which can encourage larger leaves.

Why are the leaves on my Hoya treubiana not shiny?
The natural sheen can sometimes dull due to dust or mineral deposits from water. You can gently wipe the leaves with a soft, damp cloth to clean them. Avoid using leaf shine products, as they can clog the plant’s pores.

Is Hoya treubiana pet friendly?
While Hoyas are generally considered non-toxic, it’s always best to keep any plant out of reach of curious pets who might chew on the leaves, as they could cause mild stomach upset.

Caring for a Hoya treubiana is a rewarding experience. By providing bright indirect light, a well-draining home, and careful watering, you’ll be able to enjoy this stunning, rare succulent for many years. Its graceful vines and beautiful leaves make it a standout piece in any plant collection.