Sunrise Hoya: A Complete Guide

With just over 500 hoya species available, choosing just one is a difficult task. The stunning genus is part of the Apocynaceae (dogwood) family. And while many of them are similar, they have some striking differences. Therefore, it is worth taking time to go to your local nursery to discover what hoya plants are available near you. But there are also some wonderful nurseries that will happily ship you a hoya plant. However, before you bite the bullet and buy your first (or next) hoya, understanding what makes each hoya unique may help. In this article, we will look at the spectacular sunrise hoya.

Continue reading below to explore this unique plant.

This slow-growing hoya species is a spectacular addition to any home or office. While it only grows roughly 1 to 2 feet wide, its vines get extremely lengthy. The long tendrils reach 9 feet high and can get staked with bamboo sticks. Alternatively, the trailing vine looks beautiful in a hanging basket.

Keep reading to learn more about Hoya lacunosa x obscura and how to care for this stunning plant. 

Sunrise Hoya Leaves

This hoya plant has deep, dark green leaves with red veins. It is well-known for its ability to change color when exposed to bright light. The red veins become strikingly brighter and more noticeable under the right conditions.

The teardrop-shaped leaves are smooth and should get pruned in early spring. 

Sunrise Hoya Flowers

The lovely clusters of flowers also change color when exposed to sunlight. They are pink when kept in the sunlight and white if kept in the shade. These stunning flowers are also highly fragrant, smelling akin to cinnamon. And they grow in clusters of 10-30 blossoms.

Like most other hoya plants, sunrise hoyas do not blossom right away. Instead, they take roughly two or three years before the first flowers appear. But the stunning flowers are well worth the wait.

Fun Facts About Sunrise Hoya

The sunrise hoya is considered a rare hoya plant, but not because it is difficult to source. Instead, its rarity is caused by its extreme popularity. When plants arrive at nurseries, they sell out rapidly!

Caring for Sunrise Hoya 

Even if you are new to plant care, the sunrise hoya is a fantastic choice. They are relatively low maintenance and don’t need too much attention. Additionally, sunrise hoya plants don’t get plagued by many pests or diseases. If you take good care of your hoya, it will last many years (or decades).  

Keep reading to find out how to care for your new sunrise hoya.

Temperature Requirements 

Hoyas are tropical plants that require specific humidity and temperature levels. Keep your beautiful hoya in an area that stays roughly 60 to 80 degrees (F), which is not too difficult in most home and office environments. The challenge is maintaining appropriate humidity levels, which should be 60% minimum. 

Sunrise hoyas can tolerate brief amounts of cold weather, but don’t leave them out in the cold too long. Extended periods below 50 degrees (F) will stunt your plant’s growth.  

Growing Requirements 

Since sunrise hoyas have shallow root systems, they do best in shallower containers or pots. Try to find one that keeps the roots nice and snug but does not keep them rootbound. Too much room in the container will lead to soggy soil and may result in root rot. 

Another consideration when choosing a pot for your sunrise hoya is the drainage holes. Hoya plants need ample drainage, so make sure the pot you select has plenty of drainage holes. 

Sunrisoya plants thrive in loose, nutrient-rich soil. So if you can find one marketed for succulents or cacti, that would be ideal. And if you need to loosen your soil at all, consider adding perlite, pumice, or ceramic balls.  

Sunrise hoyas don’t require fertilizer when they are dormant in the winter. But in warmer months, fertilize it regularly to encourage its growth. The ideal fertilizer is slow-release and water-soluble.

Light Requirements

Unlike most other hoya plants, sunrise hoyas can tolerate small amounts of direct light. In fact, when they are exposed to direct light, their flowers and foliage change colors! 

But most of the day, hoya plants should be kept in indirect light. Make sure to get your plant at least six hours of bright, indirect light. Anything less than that may result in leggy plants with less foliage. 

Feel free to supplement with a grow light if you don’t get enough bright sunlight throughout the day. Just make sure to increase the light exposure to at least 8 hours. 

Water Requirements

Sunrise hoyas don’t have significant watering requirements. During the winter, make sure the soil dries out completely before watering. However, the plants will require more frequent watering in the summer. Keep an eye on the soil. Once the top two inches dry out, add enough water to saturate the soil. 

Propagation and Pruning 

Propagating hoyas is relatively easy. All you need to do is take a stem cutting and place it in water. After a few days, a brand new root system will develop. 

Keep your sunrise hoya pruned if you want to curtail the growth. However, it is important not to cut off areas where flowers blossomed the year before. Flowers reappear in the same spot annually.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Amarisa M/Shutterstock.com