If you’re looking for a truly special plant to add to your collection, the hoya keysii is a fantastic choice. This rare and beautiful succulent is a treasure for any plant lover, known for its unique foliage and charming flowers.
It’s a plant that rewards patience with stunning visual interest. While it might be a bit harder to find than common hoyas, its care is straightforward once you understand its basic needs.
Hoya Keysii
Often called the “Fishtail Hoya” due to the distinctive shape of its leaves, Hoya keysii is a vining succulent native to parts of Australia. It belongs to the Apocynaceae family, sharing kinship with milkweed and oleander.
Its leaves are its standout feature. They are thick, fleshy, and have a pronounced fold along the midrib, giving them that unique, fishtail-like appearance. The foliage can range from a deep green to a lovely silvery-green, sometimes with subtle speckling.
What Makes It So Special?
Beyond the leaves, Hoya keysii produces lovely clusters of flowers. The blooms are typically a soft, creamy yellow with a pinkish-red center. Each tiny, star-shaped flower is fuzzy and arranged in a perfect umbel.
Like other hoyas, the flowers are long-lasting and have a sweet, pleasant fragrance, often noticed in the evenings. It’s a plant that offers beauty in both its foliage and its floral display.
Finding Your Hoya Keysii
Because it is a rarer species, you won’t likely find it at a big-box garden center. Your best bets are:
- Specialist succulent and cactus nurseries.
- Online plant shops that focus on rare hoyas and succulents.
- Plant swaps or community groups where collectors trade cuttings.
- Reputable sellers on platforms like Etsy.
Always check reviews when buying online to ensure your getting a healthy plant. It might cost a bit more than common plants, but its well worth it for a quality specimen.
Your Complete Care Guide
Caring for your hoya keysii is similar to caring for many other succulent-leaved hoyas. The key is to remember it stores water in its leaves, so it’s better to underwater than overwater.
Light Requirements
This hoya thrives in bright, indirect light. An east or west-facing window is ideal. It can handle some gentle morning sun, but harsh afternoon rays can scorch its beautiful leaves.
- Too little light: Growth will become leggy and stretched out, and the plant is unlikely to flower.
- Perfect light: You’ll see compact growth with closely spaced leaves and good color development.
- Signs of too much sun: Leaves may turn yellow or develop brown, crispy patches.
Watering and Humidity
This is the most critical part of care. Let the soil dry out almost completely between waterings.
- Stick your finger about an inch into the soil.
- If it feels dry, it’s time to water.
- Water thoroughly until it runs out the drainage hole.
- Empty the saucer underneath to prevent root rot.
In winter, reduce watering frequency even more. As for humidity, average household humidity (around 40-50%) is usually fine. It appreciates a bit more humidity but won’t demand a terrarium setting like some tropical plants do.
Soil and Potting
A well-draining mix is non-negotiable. A standard succulent or cactus mix works well. You can make your own by mixing:
- 2 parts regular potting soil
- 1 part perlite
- 1 part orchid bark or coconut coir
Choose a pot with a drainage hole. Terracotta pots are excellent because they allow the soil to dry out faster. Only repot when the plant is root-bound, and only go up one pot size at a time.
Feeding and Temperature
Feed your hoya keysii during the growing season (spring and summer). Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength, about once a month. Stop feeding in fall and winter when growth slows.
It prefers warm temperatures between 60°F and 80°F (15°C – 27°C). Protect it from drafts and sudden temperature drops, as it is not cold-hardy. Keep it away from air conditioning vents in summer and cold windows in winter.
Propagation: How to Make More Plants
Propagating hoya keysii is a rewarding way to share this rare plant with friends. The most reliable method is stem cuttings.
- Select a healthy stem with at least two nodes (the little bumps where leaves grow).
- Using a clean, sharp pair of scissors or pruners, cut just below a node.
- You can remove the bottom leaves to expose the node.
- Let the cutting callous over for a day or two to prevent rot.
- Place the cutting in water or directly into a moist, well-draining potting mix.
- If using water, change it weekly. Roots should appear in a few weeks.
- Once roots are a few inches long (for water propagation) or you see new growth (for soil), you can pot it up.
Common Problems and Solutions
Even with good care, you might encounter an issue. Here’s how to troubleshoot.
Yellowing Leaves
This is most often a sign of overwatering. Check the soil immediately. If it’s soggy, let it dry out completely and consider repotting into fresh, dry mix if root rot is suspected.
No Flowers
If your plant is mature but not blooming, the usual culprits are insufficient light or too much nitrogen fertilizer. Move it to a brighter location and switch to a bloom-boosting fertilizer (higher phosphorus) during the growing season.
Pests
Hoya keysii can occasionally attract mealybugs, aphids, or spider mites. Check your plant regularly, especially under the leaves.
- For light infestations, wipe pests off with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
- For more persistent problems, use insecticidal soap or neem oil, following the product instructions carefully.
Displaying Your Hoya Keysii
This plant’s vining nature makes it versatile. You can grow it in a hanging basket and let the trails cascade down. Alternatively, provide a small trellis or moss pole for it to climb, which can encourage larger leaves.
It looks stunning on a high shelf where its trailing stems can be appreciated. Just ensure wherever you place it meets its light requirements—don’t sacrifice health for aesthetics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hoya keysii toxic to pets?
Like many plants in the Apocynaceae family, its sap can be irritating and is considered toxic if ingested. It’s best to keep it out of reach of curious cats and dogs.
How fast does Hoya keysii grow?
Growth speed is moderate. With ideal conditions, you can expect several inches of new growth during the spring and summer months. It’s not a super fast grower, which is part of what makes it managable.
Why are the leaves on my Hoya keysii not folding?
The characteristic fold can be less pronounced on very young leaves or if the plant is not recieving enough light. Mature leaves in good light should show a clear fold.
Can I grow Hoya keysii outdoors?
You can in warm climates (USDA zones 10-11) in a shaded, protected spot. For most people, it is best grown as a cherished indoor houseplant.
How often should I repot my Hoya keysii?
These plants like to be a bit root-bound and bloom better under slight stress. Repot only every 2-3 years, or when you see roots growing out of the drainage holes.
Caring for a hoya keysii is a joy for any plant enthusiast. Its unique form and low-maintenance nature make it a standout in any collection. By providing the right balance of light, careful watering, and a little patience, you’ll be rewarded with a healthy, growing specimen that might even surprise you with its fragrant blooms. Remember, the most important thing is to enjoy the process of learning about this special plant’s needs.