The "Fishtail" Hoya, Hoya polyneura, has become a popular plant over the last year - when I got mine over seven years ago they weren't very popular at all. In fact, every care guide basically told you to run if you saw one because no matter what you do, they will die. I was feeling fairly masochistic the day I got mine from a local grocery store as a 6" pot for $14 USD. My, how the times have changed! Anyway, I'm here to give you a fairly simple care guide for this beautiful, and only mildly dramatic, Hoya.

Lighting

Like basically every Hoya, these light bright but not direct mid-day sunlight. Mine lives in a south facing window that is shaded by an old birch tree, so it has strong light but not the scorching sun. If you put yours in a window that receives southern exposure, it is best to not put it directly in front of the window. Also, a sheer curtain should protect it from too much direct sunlight. On the flip side, if the H. polyneura doesn't get enough light it won't grow as lush, will be etiolated, and definitely won't bloom.

Watering

I water mine about once every seven days, but that's because it takes that long for the potting mix to fully dry out. The H. polyneura doesn't like to be dry for too long, as it is a thinner-leafed Hoya. You can tell that the potting mix is dry by picking up the pot and judging by weight. A better way is by using a gauge or by sticking your finger in the soil and feeling how dry it is. I've only ever watered mine from the bottom, but you can just as easily top water. Remember, fully water them, not just sips - these definitely like a bit more water than the "average" Hoya. Never let them sit in water and never water them if the potting mix is still damp, as that will lead to root rot. You may see some Hoya care guides telling you to let the leaves wrinkle before you water again. This is not good advice, especially for polyneura. Stressing them out like that isn't healthy.

Fertilizer

One thing that I've learned is that Hoyas do not like it if they don't have fertilizer, like they just won't grow - at all. Keep them on a regular fertilizer routine, giving them the winter off to have a rest. Just don't forget to give them fertilizer spring through the fall, and make sure that it is a well-balanced organic kind.

Potting Mix

I like to make my own soil mixes, as commercial types either retain too much water or become too hydrophobic. What I do is mix one part worm castings to two parts perlite, orchid bark, and pumice or horticultural charcoal if I've got it on hand. You really don't need to make your own, but at least make sure the kind you use is well-draining.

Pot

I'm sure you've heard people say that Hoyas like to be root bound, and I can tell you that's false. No plants like to be root bound with no room to grow, but some do like a snug pot. Hoyas are one of those that like a snug pot, which helps prevent their roots from being exposed to prolonged moisture. If you plop a Hoya into a pot that has too much room, that extra potting mix can retain water, which will leave the roots exposed to moisture for long enough to cause root rot. The material of the pot doesn't matter, but keep in mind that terracotta will dry out faster than ceramic. Just remember, the pot needs a drainage hole.

Pests

Ugh. The bane of every houseplant hobbyist, pests. Hoyas seem to be magnets every type that you will encounter when it comes to houseplants. Mealies, scale, mites, aphids, thrips, fungus gnats, etc. Click here if you're not sure what these guys look like and want a quick overview!

Propagation

These are some of the quickest Hoya cuttings I've ever seen to root and put out new growth. It is fairly impressive, really. I take a 4-6" cutting, and shove it into potting mix with a light amount of fertilizer in the bottom, and water them as often as I water the "mother" plant. They always take and within no time you'll see new growth!

Troubleshooting

These can be fairly dramatic if things change. Mine has stopped growing because I re-potted it, or because I moved it too much, or because I looked at it too long. If you notice the leaves are dropping or looking wrinkly, check the roots. Whenever mine gets a bit "grumpy" I have been known to show it who's boss and take a cutting. Just kidding, I take a cutting because I'm afraid it'll die.

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