Hoya Propagation

Propagate hoyas by cuttings of top growth, or by leaf cuttings in the same manner as African violets and gloxinias. The average cutting or leaf start will produce a blooming plant in two years or less.

The easiest method of propagation is by layering. Layers mature faster and do not need as much patience. Pin down a stem, at the joint, in a moist rooting medium. Sever and pot the new plant when roots have formed.

I have taken a mature Hoya variegata; severed and planted every leaf and stem; and in less than a year have produced 78 healthy plants! Commercial African violet soil is an excellent starting medium and I prefer small clay pots over plastic, although either can be used.

Rooting Hoya in Water

The most fetching hanging vase I’ve ever seen was a brown jug filled with rooted wax plant cuttings, all growing in water.

The glass of the jug was barely transparent. Three kinds of wax plant were used: Hoya carnosa (plain green leaves), a variegated form of carnosa and Hoya bella (miniature).

I made a similar planting, and gave the vines food by following the directions on a tub of soluble houseplant fertilizer. However, the vines will thrive unbelievably long without any food in the water.