Hoya Finlaysonii - The Low Down - Teak And Terracotta

Welcome to our guide to Hoya Finlaysonii care and propagation…

Hoya Finlaysonii Care Summary

Light needs:	Bright indirect sunlight.
Watering needs:	Check the soil weekly, only water it when 100% dry.
Fertilizer:	A well diluted balanced feed once a month in spring and summer.
Soil:	A cactus compost mixed with the same amount of orchid mix.
Humidity:	60%.
Temperature:	15-28°C (59-82°F).
Where to buy:	Try our list of Rare Plant Shops.
Common issues:	Root rot.

Introduction

Originating from Malaysia, the hoya finlaysonii is known for its dark veined leaves and sweet smelling blooms. A really nice hoya with long leaves and subtle dark veining, and cream/raspberry colored flowers.

Light Needs

Try to give it as much bright indirect sunlight as you can without any direct sun.

How Often To Water A Hoya Finlaysonii

Check the soil with your finger once a week and only water it when dry. They must not get overwatered as the roots get root rot easily.

Tip: be really careful not to overwater this plant o it will be root rot easily. Check it each week, but only water it when the soil is dry all the way down. They live in tree bark in the wild and do not want to sit in heavy wet soil.

Fertilizer

Feed your hoya a well diluted balanced feed once a month in spring and summer.

Soil

You need a really well draining potting mix with plenty of bark in it to reproduce the natural epiphytic environment that hoyas get in nature. You can use a cactus compost mixed with the same amount of orchid mix.

For more on hoya soil (what to buy and how to make your own) see our guide here: Hoya Soil.

When To Repot A Hoya Finlaysonii

Check the roots at Easter time and if they are getting crowded, more the plant to a bigger plant.

Humidity

Aim for 50% humidity or more.

Temperature

15-28°C (59-82°F) is ideal, so they’ll do well in most homes.

How To Propagate Hoya Finlaysonii

As with most hoyas you can propagate them fairly easily with stem cuttings. Take a cutting with 2 or 3 nodes and remove leaves from the bottom node, so you only have leaves at the top and naked stem at the bottom. Put them in water to root so the leaves are out of the water and do not touch it, and the bottom node and stem are in the water. Keep it warm and humid and in medium to bright indirect sunlight. Once it has a large root system, after a month or two, move it to a hoya soil mix.

Is It Toxic To Cats?

It’s not toxic to cats or dogs.

Hoya Finlaysonii Vs Hoya Callistophylla

The callistophylla has bolder veins. For more on this plant see our guide: Hoya Callistophylla Care.

Hoya Jennifer Vs Finlaysonii

These are really similar with similar flowers and leaves making them difficult to tell apart. The Jennifer has slightly thinner and longer leaves.

Hoya Finlaysonii Bloom

It’s blooms are very sweet and flowery smelling, like honeysuckle or jasmine. The flowers do not last very long but are beautiful none the less.

Where To Buy

Try our list of Rare Plant Shops.

FAQs And Common Problems

Be really careful not to water it until the soil is totally dry as they get root rot easily.