Bella Hoya: A Complete Guide

There are over 500 hoya species out there, making it easy to collect as many as your home or office will hold! But where do you start? You could take a trip to your local nursery and spend time in the tropical plant section to discover your next houseplant. Or you could spend a little time perusing beautiful hoya species online to see if one calls to you. We can help with the latter option. In this article, we will explore the lovely bella hoya.

Keep reading to learn more about this stunning plant.

This lovely evergreen is also known as a “Miniature Wax Plant” because its vines do not grow quite as long as most hoya plants. Bella hoya vines only extend approximately 1.5 to 2 feet long. 

Below, we will explore some of the unique attributes of the Hoya lanceolata subsp. bella and how to properly care for it.

Bella Hoya Leaves

The bella hoya plant has beautiful, small, and delicate leaves. They are typically a light-green shade and shaped like a lance. The leaves have a waxy feel. And each leaf is approximately 1 inch long.

Bella Hoya Flowers

The aromatic flowers of the bella hoya plant are a stunning shade of white. They are relatively small, coming in at a little less than 1 inch in diameter, and have pink/red coronas. 

Bella hoya flowers are star-shaped and bloom in clusters of 10-30 during the summer. But the plants will not flower for the first few years. However, as long as your bella hoya plant is well cared for, you should start to see blossoms after 2 or 3 years. It takes some patience, but your plant will reward you with gorgeous flowers before you know it. 

Fun Facts About Bella Hoya

Bella hoya plants are relatively rare and highly sought-after. So keep your eye out at your local nursery or your favorite online dealer. And buy it quickly when you see one in stock because they do tend to sell out quickly.

Caring for Bella Hoya 

One of the nicest aspects of hoya plants is that they are relatively easy to care for. That means that even those new to plant care can grow a bella hoya successfully.

And, with bella hoya, you don’t have to be overly concerned about pests or diseases. But do be aware that excess watering may result in root rot, and the plants are vulnerable to aphids when outside. Additionally, with proper care, your hoya plant will live a long, happy life…possibly even a few decades! So, let’s dive into some care instructions for your bella hoya.

Water Requirements 

Bella hoyas do not require much water. Though, in the summer, you should pay closer attention to its watering needs. Water the hoya once the top two inches of potting soil are dry. You can test this by sticking your finger down into the soil an inch or two. If it is still moist, hold off on watering. But if it is dry, go ahead and water.

Water until the soil is saturated but not soggy. However, the soil can dry out completely between waterings in the winter.

Propagation and Pruning 

All hoyas, including bella hoyas, are easy to propagate. That means you can fill your home and office with gorgeous plants! All you need to do is take a cutting from the stem and insert it into a cup with water. Taking this step will help your cutting grow new roots. Once those are fully established, go ahead and move your cutting to a fresh potting medium.

Pruning your hoya is almost as simple. If the vines start taking over, feel free to prune it back. But don’t cut where there were flower buds last year. The flowers grow in the same place every year, and you don’t want to risk accidentally cutting off flowers.

Growing Requirements 

Bella hoyas do not have a deep root system, so it is best to plant them in shallow containers or pots. Opt for one that will keep the roots snug but not so small it results in a root-bound plant. Avoid containers that are too large to prevent waterlogged soil, as that causes root rot. Therefore, finding an appropriate container for your bella hoya is critical. The pot you select should have proper drainage holes to allow excess water a path out. 

Choosing a potting medium is relatively easy. All you need is loose, nutrient-rich potting soil. Blends marketed for succulents and cacti are a great option. You may also want to consider adding ceramic, pumice, or perlite to improve drainage. 

Hoyas do not need to be fertilized in the winter when they are dormant. However, in the warmer months, you should fertilize the plant regularly to encourage growth.

 The ideal solution is a slow-release, water-soluble fertilizer. Alternatively, you can add a nitrogen-rich fertilizer in the spring to support rich foliage. And after flower buds form, switch to a phosphorus-rich fertilizer.

Temperature Requirements 

Bella hoya plants are tropical, so they need a warm, humid environment. Keep their home between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit with a minimum 60% humidity level. Most homes and offices easily meet the temperature requirements. However, you may have to take additional steps to increase the humidity levels. Bella hoyas require slightly more moisture than many other hoya varieties, so you want to stay on top of their moisture levels.

Your bella hoya can tolerate some minor and temporary cold up to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. But remember that prolonged exposure to cold temperatures can stunt plant growth. So do your best to ensure your lovely plants get brought inside during colder weather.

Light Requirements 

Bella hoya plants need a little extra light to thrive. Try to get your plant quality, indirect light for about half the day. But make sure they do not get less than six hours of sunlight. Anything less than that, and your plants will grow leggy as they seek out light. This takes energy away from leaf and flower production. 

If you don’t receive enough sunlight during the day, substitute natural sunlight with grow lights or artificial lighting. But if you have to go this route, increase the light exposure to at least 8 hours daily. Grow lights are less powerful than natural sunlight, which is why your plants need additional time under them.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Nick Pecker/Shutterstock.com