Narrowleaf Hoya: A Complete Guide

Written by Jennifer Hollohan
Updated: March 9, 2023
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Have you ever wondered about that plant you saw once that had vines trailing everywhere? There is a strong chance that the plant that caught your eye was a hoya. Hoyas are flowering evergreens that belong to the Apocynaceae family. There are hundreds of hoya species, hybrids, and cultivars. 

We will explore the Narrowleaf hoya (Hoya kentiana) in this article. You will learn all the fascinating attributes of this particular species. And we will offer tips and tricks to care for your hoya plant so that it can thrive. You will learn about its light requirements, soil and nutrient needs, and what temperature and humidity to maintain.

Let’s dive in.

Common Name(s)Porcelain Flower, Wax Plant
Plant FamilyApocynaceae
Native Region(s)Philippines
Life CyclePerennial
USDA Hardiness Zone10-11
Cultivar(s)Variegata

Narrowleaf hoya is a lovely vining plant that grows to 8 feet or longer, so be sure to provide them plenty of space to stretch their…vines. This attribute makes them the ideal match for hanging pots or trellis on a patio. 

The article below explores what makes the Hoya kentiana unique. Then we dive into how to care for your Narrowleaf hoya plant. 

Hoya Wayetti flowers

Hoya kentiana is a vining plant that reaches up to 8 feet long or sometimes even further.

©Fabrizio Guarisco/Shutterstock.com

Hoya kentiana Leaves

You will be amazed at the leaves on Hoya kentiana plants. They are a deep, dark green. And they occasionally have purple shading around their edges. However, their most unique attribute is the shape of the leaves. They are approximately 4 inches long but only ¾ inches wide and shaped like a canoe.

Hoya kentiana Flowers

The flowers of hoya plants are particularly striking because most look made out of wax. It catches everyone’s eye and creates a highly unique visual element in any room or garden. Typically hoya plants blossom in the spring or summer. However, Hoya kentiana has an extended flowering season. Therefore, you may get flowers anytime, starting in late spring and going into early fall. 

All hoya plants take time to blossom, however. If you purchase your plant young or start it from a cutting, expect to tap into your patient side. It generally takes two to three years of quality care before any hoya shows its flowers. However, it could take longer if a hoya lives in a less-than-optimal environment. So, kick back and relax. You’ll be thrilled you waited.

Hoya kentiana flowers, in particular, are quite striking. They are a little larger than many of their cousins, coming in at around 1-2 inches in diameter. And they are a lovely red shade with a bright orange center.

Fun Facts About Hoya kentiana

There is some debate over the differences between Hoya kentiana and Hoya wayetii. Some argue the two are the same plant, while others suggest H. kentiana has longer leaves. There appears to be no clear answer. However, both plants (whether the same or different) are beloved by bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds! 

Caring for a Narrowleaf Hoya

Consider picking up a hoya plant, even if you are new to caring for plants. They are incredibly easy to take care of due to their low-maintenance nature. You also don’t have to worry about many diseases or pests plaguing your Narrowleaf hoya. If you take care of it well, your plant will live for many years and could live up to a few decades. Let’s dive into how you can care for your Hoya kentiana plant.

Light Requirements

Hoya kentiana needs indirect but bright light for at least six hours each day. It is ok to give it some direct sunlight, but avoid the height of the day if your day. And make sure to take it out of direct light after it has been around two hours. Any longer can result in scorched leaves. 

However, the plant will suffer if you do not provide your Narrowleaf hoya enough quality light. As a result, it will grow weaker in general, producing less foliage, and may become leggy.

Temperature Requirements

As a tropical plant, Hoya kentiana needs proper humidity and temperature regulations. The best environment for it will be at 60-80 humidity and 60-85 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature of most indoor environments fits the bill perfectly. However, you may need to find a cozy spot to meet the plant’s humidity needs. 

Hoyas can tolerate slight fluctuations in temperature, down to around 50 degrees. But prolonged exposure to cold can stunt their growth. The best bet is to provide a relatively stable environment to help your Narrowleaf hoya thrive.

Growing Requirements

Selecting the proper container for your Hoya kentiana is critical. Hoya plants do not have a deep root system, so they only need a shallow pot or container. Purchase one that will keep the roots snug but not root bound. Too much excess room for soil may result in a waterlogged home, leading to root rot.

Additionally, Narrowleaf hoyas need plenty of drainages. Select a pot with drain holes and a potting medium that allows water to flow through. Nutrient-rich, loose potting soil will do the trick. You can even pick up one marketed toward cacti and succulents. Also, consider adding perlite, ceramic balls, or pumice to increase the aeration.

Your hoya plant does not need fertilization during the winter (or dormant) months. However, you will want to feed it regularly during the spring and the summer to encourage growth. You can use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer if you’d like. Or consider starting with a nitrogen-rich one and switching to a potassium-based fertilizer once the flower buds start forming.

Water Requirements

Hoyas, including Hoya kentiana, do not require much water. During the winter, you can even let the soil completely dry out before adding more moisture. But in summer, you will want to pay a little closer attention. Keep an eye on the soil. And when the top 2 inches have dried out, you can add more. Water until the soil is saturated but not soggy.

Propagation and Pruning

One of the best things about hoyas is that they are easy to propagate, so you can fill your space with beautiful plants if you would like. All you need to do is to take a cutting of the stem and put it in a container with water. Doing so will help a new root system develop.

If your hoya is getting a little out of control, feel free to prune it. There is a note of caution here, however. Don’t prune in areas where flower buds were the year prior. Flowers return to the same location year after year, and you would hate to lose precious blossoms.

Hoya Wayetti flowers

There are approximately 10-12 stunning red flowers on each umbrel.

©Fabrizio Guarisco/Shutterstock.com

The photo featured at the top of this post is © JJ van Ginkel/Shutterstock.com


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About the Author

Jennifer Hollohan is a writer at A-Z Animals, where her primary focus is on gardening, mammals, and travel. Jennifer has over twenty years of writing experience. She holds a Master of Arts in Anthropology from the University of Colorado at Boulder, which she earned in 2005, and is a Herbalist. Jennifer lives in Colorado with her family. She loves hiking, admiring wildflowers, gardening, and making herbal tea.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

Do hoyas like deep or shallow pots?

Hoya plants do not have deep root systems. So the ideal pot for them will be on the shallower end. You risk developing waterlogged soil if you plant your hoya in a deep pot. And that may lead to root rot.

Do hoyas prefer to climb or hang?

The beauty of hoya plants is that they have magnificent trailing vines. The delicate tendrils make them perfect for hanging pots. Alternatively, you can set your hoya near a trellis and let it climb to its heart’s content.

Do hoyas attract bugs?

Hoya foliage is packed full of bug-friendly sap. So, the plants can attract mealy bugs or aphids, which are sap-sucking insects. 

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.