Hoya Hit Parade: Ranking the Most Popular Varieties

Written by: April Mall
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Last Update: August 26, 2024
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Tagged:Plant Education

Most Popular Hoya Varieties

Table of Contents

Not two Hoyas are the same. With so many varieties, finding the perfect one to start your nursery or indoor garden could be a bit of a challenge.

That’s where we come in with our handy ranking of the most common Hoyas and all the reasons why they deserve all of our love!

Ready to discover which Hoya is the most popular and why?

Most Common Hoya Varieties in the United States 

  • Hoya carnosa
  • Hoya kerrii
  • Hoya linearis
  • Hoya bella
  • Hoya australis
  • Hoya obovata
  • Hoya curtisii
  • Hoya pubicalyx

This is a quick rundown of the most common Hoya plants, but what is their true ranking? Obviously, this is quite subjective—all Hoyas have something special about them. 

Nevertheless, we took on the difficult task of ranking them based on their appearance, how difficult they are to grow, and how popular they are among other Hoya growers and enthusiasts. 

This is Unsolicited Plant Talks’ popular Hoyas ranking.

Hoya pubicalyx

hoya pubicalyx

Sometimes confused for Hoya carnosa, this Hoya species is a captivating addition to any indoor garden. With its large, velvety leaves of deep green color and quite extraordinary flowers, it’s one of the most stunning Hoya varieties available! 

Appearance

One of the most captivating features of Hoya pubicalyx is its extraordinary flowers. These blooms are typically large and star-shaped, often displaying a vibrant range of colors, including pink, red, and purple. The petals often have a velvety texture.

Care Requirements

Don’t place your Hoya in the direct sunlight, and let it dry out slightly between waterings. Maintain moderate humidity and watch it grow and bloom before your eyes. 

Hoya carnosa

Hoya carnosa

Speaking of the devil, Hoya carnosa is a classic choice, popular among Hoya first-time parents. This species is beloved for its easygoing nature and captivating appearance. 

Appearance 

Its thick, waxy leaves are a lush green, contrasting beautifully with the plant's star-shaped blooms. These delicate flowers typically range from soft pink to creamy white and bloom from spring to late summer.

Care Requirements

Hoya carnosa is a relatively low-maintenance plant, thriving in bright, indirect light.

Like with most Hoyas, overwatering can be detrimental, so allowing the soil to dry out between waterings is crucial.

Pro Tip! 

Check out our Overwatered Hoya Signs & How to Rescue It Guide to learn all about how to spot when your beloved Hoya receives too much water! We go into all the details, offering tested tips for your rescue and after-care.

 

Hoya ‘Bella’

Hoya ‘Bella’

There are many popular Hoya plants in this ranking, but few can rival Hoya ‘Bella ’ when it comes to beauty and effortless upkeep. 

Appearance 

This enchanting plant has glossy, heart-shaped leaves, but its true magic lies in its flowers. Hoya ‘Bella’ produces clusters of delicate, star-shaped blossoms, typically featuring a pure white hue with a contrasting pink center, creating an eye-catching decoration. The blooms often emit a subtle, sweet fragrance, adding to their allure.

Care Requirements

While Hoya ‘Bella’ is not a hard plant to care for, it thrives with a few considerations. Provide it with well-draining soil to prevent root rot and allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings.

Maintaining moderate humidity levels can also benefit this plant.

Hoya kerrii

Hoya kerrii

Another common indoor Hoya plant is Hoya kerrii, known better as “Sweetheart Hoya" or "Hoya Hearts.” 

Appearance 

Widely beloved for its heart-shaped leaves, this plant is easily one of the best gifts for your plant-obsessed friend or spouse. Native to Southeast Asia, this slow-growing vine can reach impressive lengths when given proper support.

While its leaves are undoubtedly its star attraction, Hoya kerrii also produces clusters of small, star-shaped flowers. These blooms are typically white with a red center and possess a sweet fragrance.

Care Requirements

Hoya kerrii is another low-maintenance variety, making it suitable for both novice and experienced plant parents. This plant loves bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight as it can scorch the leaves.

Hoya australis

Hoya australis

Moving down our ranking of popular Hoyas, we have Hoya australis–a plant native to the vibrant rainforests and rocky terrains of Australia. Why is that a favorite among Hoya plant growers? 

Appearance 

Often referred to as the Waxvine, Honey Plant, or Common Waxflower, this species showcases thick, succulent, and elliptical leaves characterized by their glossy sheen. 

Care Requirements

To cultivate a thriving Hoya australis, provide it with bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. It's best to water it once the top inch of soil is dry to the touch.

Hoya linearis

Hoya linearis

Hoya linearis is a beautiful vining plant with long, narrow leaves that give it its distinctive name. Known for its relatively rapid growth, it can quickly fill a space with its charm. 

Appearance 

Hoya linearis has long, slender, and often slightly fuzzy stems that cascade gracefully. This trailing habit makes it perfect for hanging baskets or shelves.

Care Requirements

Usually prefers bright but indirect filtered light. This Hoya likes warm temperatures between 65°F and 85°F (18°C - 29°C). You shouldn’t be exposing it to cold drafts, so be careful when placing it near windows.

Hoya obovata

Hoya obovata

Hoya obovata species are easy to recognize thanks to the characteristic oval shape of their leaves, often featuring splashes of gray and silver. With foliage like that, this plant instantly captures attention, embellishing most home plant collections. 

Appearance 

While Hoya obovata is primarily admired for its foliage, it can also produce clusters of fragrant, star-shaped flowers. These blooms are usually white, cream-colored, or pink with a central crown of contrasting color.

Care Requirements

Like most Hoyas, Hoya obovata prefers well-draining soil and should be allowed to dry out slightly between waterings. Maintaining moderate humidity levels will contribute to its overall health and vigor.

Hoya curtisii

Hoya curtisii

Hoya curtisii is a truly charming plant that is characterized by its small, succulent leaves that often have a distinctive dark edge or silver speckling, adding to its visual appeal.

Why might it be an interesting choice among most common Hoya plants?

Appearance

While Hoya curtisii may not be as prolific a bloomer as some other Hoya species, it can produce clusters of small flowers. These delicate blossoms typically have a sweet fragrance, delightful for those charmed by citrusy scents. 

Care Requirements

It’s not a coincidence that most Hoyas in this ranking are very easy to care for. Hoya curtisii is not an exception. 

For optimal health and growth, provide the plant with bright, indirect light. While Hoya curtisii can tolerate average humidity levels, increasing humidity can benefit it substantially.

Why Are Hoyas So Popular?

If you’ve come so far into this ranking, you likely have your own answer to that question. For us, it is rather obvious. 

Hoyas are fairly easy to grow, and even easier to love. With their small, fragrant and colorful blooms and unique, vibrant foliage, these plants can change your surroundings into a tropical oasis. 

No matter if you’re looking for indoor or outdoor Hoya plants, at Unsolicited Plant Talks, we have what you’re looking for. From most popular Hoya varieties to those special and rare, we are your trusted Hoyas supplier.

Born from passion and dedication, delivered to your garden or home – browse our selection of Hoyas and find your new specimen today.


April Mall

Founder of UPT, fell in love with Hoyas right after acquiring her first Hoya 'Sunrise'. Sharing her love for plants with the world through high quality houseplants


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Hoya Australis - Plant Care Guide
Hoya Kerrii - Plant Care Guide
Hoya Obovata - Plant Care Guide