15 Hoya Varieties to Grow Now

Hoya plants are extremely popular houseplants, thanks, in large part, to their impressive vines. Many hoya species have extensive, lengthy vines that look elegant in hanging baskets or climbing trellises. The only problem is deciding which hoya plant to pick up and add to your (possibly growing) collection. And that is a tough question since over 500 hoya species are recognized. So, we wanted to help narrow down some of the choices. Below we look at fifteen hoya varieties to grow right now.

Keep reading to find out some interesting facts and tidbits about each species. Maybe one (or more) will call to you!

1. Hoya carnosa 

This hoya species has delicate, slender vines that look spectacular when wrapped around a bamboo pole. It is very popular amongst hoya lovers and relatively easy to care for.

• The plant grows up to roughly 2 to 4 feet high.
• Its vines extend up to 1 to 2 feet long.
• One of the most popular and easiest-to-find hoya varieties. 
• Winter hardy in Zones 10-12.
• Typically grown in hanging baskets. However, they can get trained to climb up a trellis or bamboo shaft. 
• Small, white, waxy flowers that grow in clusters each summer.

2. Hoya curtisii

This plant is called the “Aloha Wax Plant.” And it makes an intriguing addition to any hoya collection.

• Light green to olive green with silver flecks.
• A dense plant whose vines reach between 1.5 to 3 feet long.
• Cream-colored flowers with red/orange centers.
• It is a smaller, more compact plant ideal for small spaces.

3. Hoya lanceolata subsp. bella

Bella (or beautiful) hoyas certainly are lovely. They are also easy plants to care for, so they are appropriate for beginners. This hoya is known as a miniature wax plant. It has shorter vines reaching only 2 feet at maximum.

• Lance-shaped, dark green leaves are only about 1 inch long.
• Shorter vines than most hoya species.
• Beautiful, tiny white flowers with a pinkish center.
• This hoya species handles small amounts of direct sun.

4. Hoya lacunosa x obscura ‘Sunrise’

This hoya species is beloved for its unique, color-changing foliage and flowers. It is hard to find due to its popularity.

• Bright light changes the color of this hoya’s foliage.
• Its vines grow up to 6 to 8 feet long, making it a great addition to a trellis.
• White flowers with lovely yellow centers.

5. Hoya retusa

It is a spectacular hoya unlike any of its relatives. If you bring the H. retusa home, you will definitely add a fascinating focal point to your space.

• Long, narrow leaves that actually widen at the ends.
• Its vines extend up to roughly 4 feet long.
• Individual flowers rather than clusters.
• White with purple centers.

6. Hoya multiflora ‘Shooting Star’

This hoya species is commonly known as ‘shooting star’ thanks to its unique flower clusters.

• Dark green leaves are elliptical, roughly 8 inches long and 2 inches wide.
• Gold and cream-colored flowers with reflexed corollas.
• Sweet, fragrant blossoms.
• Vines grow up to 8 feet long.

7. Hoya mindorensis

Bring this tropical plant home to delight in its gorgeous flowers. Its unique floral arrangement makes it a standout among hoya varieties.

• Dense flower clusters that are reddish pink, yellow, or dark red.
• The flowers have delicate white, feathery edging.
• Vines grow 4 to 6 feet long.

8. Hoya krohniana ‘Eskimo’

Eskimo hoya is a vining cultivar with intriguing leaves.

• Heart-shaped or oval green leaves with silver/grey flecks.
• Fragrant flowers that look like puffs. 
• The flowers are white with a yellow center.

9. Hoya callistophylla

Add some intrigue to your hoya collection with this remarkable plant.

• Large leaves that reach roughly 9 inches long and 3 inches wide. 
• Light green leaves with contrasting dark green veins.
• Vines reach six to twelve feet long.
• Its flowers are white and star-shaped with red/yellow centers.

10. Hoya shepherdii ‘String Bean’

This hoya plant is nicknamed the ‘String Bean’ plant. It is one of the countless unique hoya varieties available.

• Deep green leaves with a glossy sheen.
• Light pink flowers that smell like chocolate!
• Got its nickname because the leaves look a bit like green beans.
• Small clusters of white flowers with red centers.

11. Hoya australis

This fast-growing hoya plant is an exceptional choice for beginners. It is very easy to care for and produces stunning flowers.

• Flowers bloom throughout the year.
• Sweet-smelling flowers are white and blossom in large clusters.
• Large, light green leaves.
• Winter hardy in Zones 10 and 11.
• Its vines reach up to an amazing 8 feet long!

12. Hoya linearis

This hoya is the perfect plant for anyone looking for a challenge. It is one of the most difficult hoya plants to care for.

• Linear leaves that are blue-green and slightly hairy.
• Stunning white flowers with yellow centers.
• The flowers have a citrus scent.
• Its vines reach roughly 6 feet long.

13. Hoya compacta ‘Hindu Rope’

As the name suggests, this hoya is compact and an ideal choice for someone that doesn’t have room for a climbing or trailing hoya.

• It has waxy, curling vines that produce an eye-catching display.
• The tiny, whiteish-pink star-shaped flowers are highly fragrant.
• Its flowers last a few weeks and bloom between early spring and late summer.

14. Hoya pubicalyx

Add a unique pop of color when you bring home a Hoya pubicalyx. It is the perfect selection for those newer to plant care.

• Thick, narrow, long leaves — they reach up to 7 inches.
• Pink centers compliment the maroon flowers.
• It is one of the easiest houseplants to care for.

15. Hoya kerrii ‘Sweetheart’

Known as the ‘Sweetheart’ hoya, the H. kerrii plant has eye-catching, heart-shaped leaves. You may find single, heart leaves in small pots at your local grocery store or nursery. It is one of the most popular hoya varieties.

• Large, heart-shaped leaves that are roughly 2 to 3 inches across.
• Unique brown flowers that only blossom periodically.
• The flowers show up every summer and have a spectacular fragrance.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Supratchai Pimpaeng/Shutterstock.com