How to Propagate Hoya by Cuttings? A Detailed Method Guide

Hoya grows in plains and mountainous areas, often epiphytically on trees or rocks, and generally blooms in spring. Nowadays many gardening enthusiasts grow hoya indoors for ornamental purposes. Although the fragrance of hoya is strong, it is non-toxic, and its nectar is even edible. Generally, hoya is mostly propagated by the cutting method.

Hoya

For hoya, both one- to two-year-old old stems and tender stems of the current year can be used as cuttings. Cut them into sections of 5-8 cm, keeping 2 nodes, remove the leaves that will be inserted into the substrate, leaving only 1-2 leaves on top. After the wounds have fully dried, insert the cuttings into a sand bed or a flower pot with loose soil substrate, burying 1/3 or 1/2 of the cutting. If using a No. 180 flower pot, about 10 cuttings can be inserted per pot.

It is best to insert the cuttings immediately after cutting to promote survival. From April to June, the light is relatively strong; to maintain a cool environment, 2 layers of black shade netting can be set up. The cuttings will root in about 20 days, and new leaves will grow after 1 month. Once the roots have developed well, they can be transplanted into a larger flower pot for permanent planting, then moved to a semi-shaded, ventilated spot for routine care.

How to Propagate Hoya by Cuttings: Steps of the Hoya Cutting Propagation Method

The best time for hoya cuttings is generally March to April each year, though propagation can also be done at other times; it is simply more suitable in spring.

Hoya likes soil rich in humus with good aeration and drainage, so the soil is generally prepared with leaf mold, perlite and vermiculite in a ratio of 4:2:2; peat can also be used.

For hoya cuttings, the container can generally be a plastic bottle, a plastic cup or a flower pot; there are no special requirements for the container.

The cutting temperature for hoya should be kept at around 18-25 degrees; it should not be too high or too low.

Any branch can be used except new stems that have not yet produced leaves. It is recommended that gardening enthusiasts choose robust old stems free of pests and diseases, cutting the branches into sections of 6-8 cm each, with at least 2 nodes per section and 2-4 leaves kept. Do not keep too many leaves, as too many leaves cause rapid evaporation and actually make survival harder. Then place them in a cool spot to air-dry for 20 minutes to let the wounds dry.

a. Put the substrate into the pot, and use scissors, chopsticks or a bamboo skewer to make holes 2-3 cm deep, spaced about 6 cm apart.

b. Insert the air-dried branches into the holes made in the soil, then press the surrounding soil firm.

c. After all the branches are inserted, water thoroughly, then cover with cling film. If propagating indoors, place the cuttings in a cool spot with scattered sunlight, and remember not to lift the cling film during this process.

Generally, hoya cuttings will root in about 15-20 days, new leaves will grow after about 1 month, and after 3 months the roots will have developed well and the plants can be planted in their permanent position, after which routine daily care can begin.

Hoya cutting propagation method