Hoya ‘Christine’ is an attractive collector’s Hoya grown for its thick, glossy foliage and trailing or climbing growth habit. Like many Hoyas, it is relatively easy to care for once established and can reward the right conditions with clusters of beautiful, waxy, star-shaped flowers.
Scientific Name
Hoya ‘Christine’
Common Name(s)
Christine Hoya, Wax Plant
Origin
A cultivated Hoya hybrid. Hoyas originate from tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and the western Pacific.
Light
Prefers bright, indirect light. Some gentle morning or evening sunlight can encourage healthy growth and flowering, but avoid prolonged strong midday sun, which can scorch the foliage.
Water
Allow the top few centimetres of soil to dry between waterings before watering thoroughly. Hoyas prefer to dry slightly rather than remain constantly wet. Reduce watering during autumn and winter when growth slows.
Humidity
Prefers moderate to high humidity but will usually adapt well to average household humidity. Good airflow is particularly important in more humid conditions.
Soil
Requires a loose, airy and well-draining growing medium. A houseplant mix with plenty of orchid bark and perlite works well.
Food
Feed every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer with a balanced liquid houseplant fertiliser diluted to half strength. Reduce feeding during autumn and winter.
Temperature
Prefers temperatures between 18–27°C. Protect from cold draughts and avoid prolonged temperatures below 15°C.
Pet-safe
Yes, Hoyas are generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Sprouts Top Tips
Give ‘Christine’ plenty of bright, indirect light if you’d like to encourage flowering. If your plant produces flowers, don’t remove the old flower spurs, known as peduncles, as Hoyas can bloom repeatedly from the same point.
Extras
This Hoya can be grown trailing from a shelf or hanging pot, or trained around a hoop or trellis for a more upright display. Mature plants can produce clusters of waxy, star-shaped flowers when conditions are right.
Did You Know?
Hoyas are commonly known as Wax Plants because of their thick, glossy leaves and unusually waxy-looking flowers. Some Hoya flowers can also produce a noticeable fragrance, particularly during the evening.
