Interested in a versatile indoor plant? Hoya bella is an extraordinary hoya variety that thrives as an indoor plant. Allow gardening expert and plant enthusiast Madison Moulton to guide you through all aspects of this plant, including its upkeep and maintenance.
Characterized by fragrant flower clusters, Hoya bella is a charming cascading houseplant that requires minimal care, making it a perfect addition to any indoor garden. One of the most beloved species in the Hoya genus, it is cherished by hoya enthusiasts worldwide.
Embellished with lush green foliage, this hoya species remains visually appealing throughout the year, especially when adorned on a structure or hung from a basket or pot.
The allure of hoyas lies in their coveted blooms, a delightful sight only under optimal growing conditions. To ensure your hoya thrives and blooms, adhere to this comprehensive care guide.
Insight into Hoya Bella Plant
Plant Type
Houseplant
Family
Apocynaceae
Genus
Hoya
Species
Hoya lanceolata subsp. bella
Native Area
Burma and northern India
Exposure
Bright indirect light
Height
18”
Watering Requirements
Low
Pests and Diseases
Mealybugs, scale, etc.
Maintenance
Low
Soil Type
Well-draining houseplant mix
Bloom Color
White and pink
About Hoya Bella
Hoya bella, an abbreviation of the full scientific name Hoya lanceolata subsp bella, is known for being a miniature version of Hoya lanceolata, commonly recognized as the Miniature Wax Plant or Miniature Wax Flower. Unlike its taller counterpart, the Hoya bella only grows to about 18 inches in height.
Named by botanist Robert Brown after his friend, Thomas Hoy, Hoya bella was given its specific epithet by William Jackson Hooker, an English botanist and the first director of Kew Gardens. Hooker, renowned for his botanical expertise, aptly chose ‘bella,’ meaning beautiful, to highlight this plant’s charm.
Hailing from northern Burma, Hoya bella thrives in warm, humid environments, explaining its preference for such conditions.
Characteristics
While outdoor growth is limited to USDA Zones 10 and above, Hoya bella thrives indoors or in a greenhouse in any climate. This epiphytic plant from tropical regions enjoys high humidity and features semi-succulent leaves that retain moisture, making it water-efficient.
This plant’s variegated varieties offer a tropical aesthetic, but its true allure lies in its star-shaped, fragrant white and pink flowers, which appear in clusters during summer. With a waxy texture, these blooms earned the plant its common name, Wax Plant.
In contrast to slow-growing hoyas, Hoya bella displays slightly faster growth and minimal maintenance requirements, making it ideal for novice hoya cultivators or those intimidated by more delicate species.
Propagation
While propagation of hoyas can be time-consuming due to their slow growth, the results are worth the wait.
James is an environmental gardener and passionate writer who holds a master's degree in agriculture. He graduated from Harvard University with a degree in environmental horticulture and has a particular interest in soil composition. Currently, James works as a researcher in plant research, where he continues to explore and advance knowledge in his field. His combined expertise in environmental gardening and soil science helps him contribute valuable insights to both academic and practical gardening communities.
James is an environmental gardener and passionate writer who holds a master's degree in agriculture. He graduated from Harvard University with a degree in environmental horticulture and has a particular interest in soil composition. Currently, James works as a researcher in plant research, where he continues to explore and advance knowledge in his field. His combined expertise in environmental gardening and soil science helps him contribute valuable insights to both academic and practical gardening communities.