How to Plant, Grow and Care For Hoya Bella

Are you looking for a versatile houseplant? Hoya bella is a unique variety of hoya that makes for a wonderful indoor plant. In this article, gardening expert and houseplant enthusiast Madison Moulton shares all you need to know about this plant, including maintenance and care.

Hoya Bella Plant close up

Contents

Hoya bella is a pretty trailing houseplant with an abundance of fragrant clusters of flowers. Once established, this plant is low-maintenance and easy to care for – an ideal addition to any indoor plant collection. As one of the most popular and well-known species of the Hoya genus, it is a must-have for all hoya lovers.

Like all hoyas, this species has lovely green foliage and looks good year-round, especially if trained up a structure or hanging from a pot or a hanging basket.

What makes hoyas extra special is their sought-after blooms, which only appear in the perfect environmental conditions. If you want to keep your hoya healthy and blooming, all you need is this care guide.

Hoya Bella Plant Overview

Close-up on a cluster of seven white Hoya lanceolata subsp bella flowers, each with delicate petals and a vibrant red center, surrounded by lush green leaves. In the background, another bunch of Hoya bella flowers and green leaves create a soft, blurred backdrop.
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 showcases a round formation of several exquisite flowers in uniformed shade of white. The flowers are complemented by pale green leaves that encircle them, adding a fresh and vibrant touch to the composition.
Originating from northern Burma, it thrives in warm climates with high humidity.

Hoya bella is an abbreviation of the full scientific name Hoya lanceolata subsp bella. It’s named this way as it is a miniature version of Hoya lanceolata, commonly known as the Miniature Wax Plant or Miniature Wax Flower. The original Hoya lanceolata grows to around 2-3 feet tall, but the miniature Bella grows only to around 18 inches.

Hoyas were named by botanist Robert Brown after his friend and fellow botanist Thomas Hoy. But the species Hoya bella was named by Willam Jackson Hooker, an English botanist and first director of Kew Gardens. He was a specialist in ferns, fungi, algae, and lichens and published more than 20 major works on the subject. ‘Bella’ means beautiful, which describes this plant perfectly.

Its origins lie in northern Burma (changed in 1989 to Myanmar, although it’s still referred to as Burma in the USA) and in northeast India. This explains its affinity for warm temperatures and high humidity.

Characteristics

A close-up on the enchanting Hoya bella flowers, each resembling a double star, with two distinct layers of delicate petals forming a captivating pattern. The flowers' elegant symmetry enhances their beauty, creating an eye-catching spectacle.
Hoya bella is an exception among hoyas, as it grows faster and requires minimal care.

Although Hoyas can only grow outdoors in USDA Zones 10 and higher, they can grow in any climate when kept indoors or in a greenhouse. Hoya bella is an epiphytic plant from wet tropical regions that loves moisture in the air. The leaves are semi-succulent, holding onto some of this moisture and making them quite water-wise.

The leaves provide a stunning topical look as a houseplant, especially the variegated varieties. But the flowers are where this plant truly shines. It produces clusters of star-shaped, scented, white and pink flowers in summer. They have a waxy feel, giving them the common name Wax Plant. 

In general, hoyas are slow growers. But when it comes to Hoya bella, this species grows slightly faster than others and is remarkably easy to care for. Bella is the perfect starting point if you’re a beginner to hoya growing and intimidated by the rarer and more fussy species.

Propagation

As hoyas are slow-growing, propagation can take quite a while. But with some patience, it is well worth the effort.

Cuttings

A hand gently cradles a cutting of Hoya bella, showcasing its potential for growth and new beginnings. Placed on a wooden surface, the cutting is surrounded by several potted plants, each with unique textures and patterns, creating an inviting and diverse environment.
When the Hoya bella plant is actively growing, it is best to take cuttings in the spring and summer.

Take cuttings of Hoya bella in spring and summer when the plant is actively growing.

Start by preparing a soil mixture. Add drainage materials like perlite or river sand to potting soil in equal parts. Place in a container with drainage holes and dampen the soil.

Next, look for healthy stems and leaves and take a cutting about 5 inches long with at least 2 or 3 leaves. Use a clean pair of shears to remove the stems cleanly and promote quick recovery.

Cut just below a node for strong root growth. Remove the leaves from the bottom section of the cutting, dip the base in water, and then dip in rooting hormone powder. This substance encourages root growth and protects cuttings from early infections.

Make a hole in the container with a pencil or finger and plant the cutting in the prepared soil mix. Water regularly, ensuring not to overwater but keep the soil moist to create the right environment for new growth. Place in a brightly lit area out of direct sunlight.

You can also place the cuttings in a glass of filtered water to root. Change the water daily, and when the roots have formed about an inch of growth, the new plant can be planted in a pot.

Layering

A close-up showcases the lush dark green leaves of Hoya bella, gracefully scattered on the ground from a pot. The crawling leaves form a natural carpet, indicating the plant's thriving presence and its continuous cycle of renewal and shedding.
After the plant has developed new roots, separate from the original plant and relocate,

One of the most successful ways to propagate Hoya bella is by layering. This replicates how these plants spread naturally and allows them to root while still attached to the main plant, getting all the nutrients and moisture it needs.

Start by placing a pot filled with houseplant potting mix next to the original container. Take a healthy stem from the mother plant and stake it into the soil with a bent wire or pins at a node. Keep the soil moist while the plant takes root and starts growing. This is a less invasive way of propagating and does not risk the chance of shock.

Once the plant has grown new roots and starts growing independently, it can be cut from the mother plant and moved. Keep in a brightly lit space out of direct sunlight.

Seed Sowing

The white translucent paper cradles several hoya seeds, their white stems reaching out with green tips. There is a clear sign of germinating life emerging from within the protective casings.
Once they have taken root, provide them the same care as your fully-grown hoya plants.

Seed is not the best way to propagate this plant due to low success rates compared to the other methods. But if you want to give it a go, plant the seeds in a seedling mix as you would with any other plant. Keep moist and place in a warm, well-lit area out of direct sunlight.

After the seeds germinate and the first few leaves appear, plant these plantlets into pots filled with well-draining houseplant mix. Once established, you can care for them like mature hoya plants.

Repotting

A mini shovel carefully pours dark rich soil onto a white bowl, concealing the unseen parts of the Hoya plant and revealing only its sturdy stem, a hidden foundation for future growth.
Handle the repotting process with a delicate touch. Don’t rush!

Repot your hoya every 2-3 years to replenish the soil and increase the pot size as it grows. It’s best to repot in spring so the plant gets enough time to settle in its new container before winter. Choose a container about 2 inches larger so it has the space to grow well in the next few years. Don’t choose a pot that is too big, or you may have a problem with flowering.

Set up the day before and water the plant well so it won’t suffer from shock when moved. Set up the new container with a mix of potting soil and drainage materials like vermiculite, perlite, or clean sand mixed together well. Carefully remove the plant from its current container and try not to disturb the roots too much while removing as much old soil as possible.

A gentle touch is best – take the time to do it properly for the best results. Plant in the new pot with the aforementioned soil mix and water well. Install supports if you plan on training the vines.

How to Grow

Light

A close-up reveals a Hoya bella flower hanging upside down on a branch, defying gravity with grace. The flower is accompanied by green leaves, and in the blurred background, dark green leaves create a lush and verdant atmosphere.
It’s essential to provide protection to shield the leaves from scorching under the summer sun.

Bright indirect or filtered light is best for this hoya. They need a full day of this type of light to thrive. With too little light, they will likely grow slowly and not produce flowers.

Sunlight determines this plant’s flowering ability. The better the light, the better your chances of flowers. If placed in a spot with low light, the stems will become leggy and new leaves that appear (if any appear at all) will be small and diminished. Once flowers appear, it’s best to stop rotating the pot and limit movement as much as possible.

Protect the leaves from getting scorched in the direct summer sun. If they need an extra boost, an hour or so of direct morning sun is fine, as long as it is gentle. East-facing windows are preferred, but they can also grow in front of south or west-facing windows where the sunshine is filtered.

Water

The focus is on the spout and sprinklers of a metal watering can, elegantly pouring water with precision. In the background, rich brown soil serves as the canvas, accentuated by a line of vibrant green plants, creating a harmonious and refreshing scene.
During the growing season, water your plants consistently but in moderate amounts.

The thick leaves of your Hoya bella should give you a clue as to how much water they need. Since the leaves store some water to manage periods of dryness, they don’t need to be watered as often as other houseplants. This also means they are quite sensitive to overwatering and hate sitting in soggy soil.

Water moderately but consistently during the growing season. Allow the soil to become almost completely dry before watering again. You can test the top layer with your finger and water when about half the pot has dried out. Lifting the pot to feel its weight can also help you assess how much moisture is left in the soil, as the moisture increases the soil weight.

Never water when the soil is still moist, as excess water can cause fungal growth, leading to root rot. You can also slow watering dramatically in winter when evaporation is slower as the plant absorbs less water.

Soil

A white bowl holds a mixture of dark soil and white perlite. The contrasting colors highlight the composition, while a mini orange shovel rests on top, ready for gardening adventures, adding a touch of charm to the scene.
Improved airflow is crucial for these epiphytic plants, as they can thrive with minimal soil.

An airy, well-draining houseplant potting mix is an ideal soil mix for Hoya bella. It can be planted in hanging baskets and allowed to trail over the edge or trained on an upright trellis or moss pole.

Add bark chips and perlite to regular potting soil to improve drainage if you can’t find any houseplant potting mix at your local nursery. As these plants are epiphytic and can survive with minimum soil, high drainage levels are essential for improved airflow. Also, ensure the container has drainage holes for the water to drain through, or well-draining soil won’t have the same effect.

Temperature and Humidity

A close-up highlights the captivating Hoya bella flowers, standing out against a backdrop of lush green leaves. The blurred background adds depth, revealing a serene blue sky adorned with fluffy white clouds, providing a sense of tranquility.
Moving Hoyas away from cold windows or doorways during the colder months is recommended.

Hoyas like to be in humid environments, preferably with humidity of over 50%. But they won’t struggle too much if humidity is slightly below this preferred level. Because of the waxy leaves, it can survive without added humidity for a while. General household humidity is usually suitable, but avoid placing plants in the path of drafts.

Hoyas prefer a warmer temperature range of between 75F and 85F. In the colder months, move them away from cold windows or doorways to avoid damaging the leaves.

Fertilizing

A man wearing white gardening gloves holds white fertilizers in his hands, ready to nourish the earth. The focus then shifts to the rich and fertile dark soil, patiently waiting to receive the nutrients, creating the perfect environment for growth and vitality.
Use a nitrogen-rich fertilizer to promote robust foliage during spring.

Hoya bella needs fertilizer every few weeks during the growing season. Use a houseplant or hoya-specific plant food. This is especially important if you want to encourage your hoya to flower.

In the spring, a fertilizer high in nitrogen will encourage healthy foliage. Just before they are expected to flower, feed with a fertilizer higher in phosphorus to give the flowers a more intense color and form.

Avoid feeding in winter when growth slows down. New foliage produced at this time will be more vulnerable to cold damage.

Maintenance

A close-up on a black pruning shear, the thumbs firmly hold a stem, ready to make a precise cut. In the background, several leaves provide context, showcasing the meticulous process of plant care and maintenance.
Prune gently to maintain the plant’s shape and eliminate damaged or dead leaves.

Do not remove the flower stalks after blooming, as new flowers will form on the old spurs. Prune lightly to maintain shape and remove any damaged or dead leaves. If your plant only produces one or two long stems, you can prune these back to encourage the plant to branch. This will make the new growth much fuller.

Common Problems

This tropical plant can experience issues when its needs aren’t met.

Overwatering

With a blue container held in hand, water cascades onto the hoya plant's roots, nurturing their health and growth. Despite potential risks of root rot, the plant's vibrant green leaves thrive, while a round orange object rests in the background.
Adjust the watering schedule and allow the plant sufficient time to recover.

Root rot is a problem caused by overwatering a hoya. If the leaves of the plant are dying off unnaturally, wilting, or yellowing, check that you are not drowning the roots by overwatering. Root rot can also be caused by compacted soil, limiting aeration around the roots.

Once root rot sets in, the plant can no longer absorb nutrients and may become stunted. Other root rot symptoms can include an unpleasant smell or the presence of tiny fungus gnats on top of the soil where they lay their eggs. When these larvae hatch, they will start eating the small roots of the plant.

You must remove the plant from its pot and study the roots to determine how to treat root rot. If they are mushy but not too far gone, cut off any infected roots with a clean pair of shears. Unfortunately, if you have to cut off more than 60% of the roots, you may be unable to save the plant. Prepare a new pot with fresh soil mix and replant. Change the watering schedule and give your Hoya bella time to recover.

Underwatering

A close-up reveals the Hoya potted plant displays wrinkled and dried-out leaves, standing as a testament to its journey. The dark brown pot and soil complement the plant's unique characteristics, adding to its overall charm.
If you notice wrinkled and dried-out leaves, it indicates insufficient watering.

While trying not to overwater a hoya, you also run the risk of underwatering too. If the leaves appear wrinkled and dried out, it may be a sign that your plant is not getting enough water. It may also go limp and become lackluster as the cells lose the ability to hold their structure. The soil should be dry to the first few inches of soil but moist underneath this before you water again.

Stunted Growth

The potted hoya plant appears stunted in growth, its dark green leaves cascading towards the ground from a vibrant yellow pot. Against a white background, the contrasting colors captivate the eye, emphasizing the plant's unique form.
If there is a nutrient deficiency, it can cause slow or limited growth.

There are many reasons why your hoya may stop growing outside the winter dormancy period.

The first thing to check is light levels. They need a full day of bright indirect light to grow their best. If photosynthesis slows down, so does the growth of the plants. Add extra lighting, such as grow lights or a fluorescent lamp, if necessary.

Another reason growth may be slow or stunted is a lack of nutrients. In this case, feed the plant with a liquid fertilizer high in nitrogen for healthy leaves and vigorous growth.

Losing Leaves

A close-up feature at the top of a potted hoya plant, noticeable branches without leaves reach out, showcasing the plant's intricate structure. Planted in dark soil, the hoya thrives within a double pot arrangement, featuring an inner orange pot surrounded by an outer yellow one. Another potted plant complements the scene on the side.
During winter, hoyas often shed leaves due to a drop in temperature or exposure to cold drafts.

In the winter, hoyas tend to lose some of their leaves. This is natural but may also be caused by drops in temperature from cold drafts. Move the plant to a warmer area and increase humidity to prevent further leaf drop. This should solve the problems and keep the leaves intact for the next season.

No Flowers

Positioned next to a plant ladder, a potted hoya plant stands proudly, its lush green leaves stealing the spotlight, even in the absence of flowers. Against a white backdrop, the plant's vibrant foliage adds a touch of life to the surrounding environment.
It will take a few years before a young hoya blooms.

Young hoyas will not flower for a few years. Only mature hoyas will flower, so patience is key if you’ve purchased a young plant. For mature hoyas that aren’t flowering, ensure they have enough sunlight.

Also, check the pot size, which may be too large for the plants. Too much water or too much fertilizer can also prevent plants from flowering.

Pests and Diseases

Although these plants are known to be relatively pest- and disease-free, they can be susceptible to a few problems:

Mealybugs

A close-up reveals a green leaf adorned with two white mealybugs, as evident from the tiny holes left behind on the sides of the leaf. The delicate balance between the leaf's health and the pests' presence creates a dynamic scene.
If you identify any mealybugs, isolate the affected plants and treat them.

These common sap-sucking insects are found on a range of houseplants and can migrate to your hoyas too. When they suck the sap from the leaves, they weaken the structure and excrete a honeydew substance that leads to the growth of sooty mold. Mealybugs thrive in warm conditions and can be found on indoor plants year-round.

Often mealybugs can be brought in on an infected plant, so it’s wise to check each plant before adding to your collection. Once you have identified the pests, isolate your Hoya from any other plants and treat it with insecticidal soap.

If there are only a couple of adult mealybugs, use a cotton swab dipped into rubbing alcohol to force them to release from the plant, then treat the plant with the insecticidal soap to eliminate any hidden eggs. Follow up with further treatments to remove the eggs completely before adding the plants back into your collection.

Scale

A close-up showcases a stem of hoya bella with a scale firmly attached to its surface. The scale's brown-to-beige bumps create an intriguing visual texture, drawing attention to the intricacies of the plant's growth.
Brown-to-beige bumps on the leaves and stems indicate the presence of scale.

Hoya bella is also susceptible to scale, although this issue is not as common. Scale is a larger category of sucking insects that attach to leaves and stems and weaken the structure of the cells. They can be identified by the brown-to-beige bumps that appear and stick to the leaves and stems.

Treat with insecticidal soap with several follow-ups to get rid of them, treating individual adult scale with the same rubbing alcohol on cotton swab method as for mealybugs. Although only the males have wings to fly to other plants, the wingless females can reproduce without the males. But it is still advisable to move infected plants away from other plants until the infection has been dealt with.

Spider Mites

A close-up on the hoya leaves highlights the presence of webbing, evidence of the plant's interaction with tiny orange spider mites. As the leaves turn yellow, the scene portrays the complex relationships between plants and pests.
To prevent infection, keep the humidity levels higher and treat any mites you find with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Webbing between leaves and stems is a sign of an infection of spider mites. These are also sucking insects that cause damage to plants by sucking the sap from the leaves, causing them to wilt or turn yellow. These pests hide underneath the leaves and are often not found until infestations are severe.

These mites prefer warm and dry conditions. Keep the humidity levels higher to prevent infection, and treat any mites that you see with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Aphids

A close-up features a green stem suffering from an infestation of several white aphids, which latch onto its surface. The presence of the aphids poses a threat to the stem's health, emphasizing the challenges that plants face in their environment.
To eliminate aphids, use forceful water spraying or organic treatments.

Sucking insects like aphids can attack at any time during the growing season, and they love the taste of new shoots on a plant. Spray vigorously with water to remove them, or use insecticidal soap or neem oil to protect the plants from infection. Remove the top layer of soil and replace it with new soil to avoid eggs hatching and causing another infection.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do Hoya bella flowers smell like?

Many people smell different things in their flowers, from ylang-ylang to chocolate and honey. But this sweet and diverse fragrance is certainly strongest at night.

Is Hoya bella slow-growing?

This particular hoya is a little faster growing than other hoyas. You will still need to wait a few years for it to flower if you buy the plants young. Look out for mature plants in the nursery if you want the flowers earlier or even better, a plant already in flower.

How do you make a Hoya bella bloom?

Giving them the right care, especially in lighting and nutrients, will encourage your Hoya bella to flower. Make sure to prune the plant to make it bushier and encourage more branches or stems. This will create more space for flowers. Also make sure the plants receive enough light as this is important for the plants to flower prolifically. Increase the number of hours the plants are exposed to daylight or even invest in grow lights to improve lighting.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know all there is to know about Hoya Bella, your next steps are to welcome one into your houseplant collection. This easy to care for plant will grow for many years if provided proper maintenance and care. They are also easy to propagate, and make an excellent semi-succulent houseplant for beginners.

Share This Post
Hoya Krimson Queen vs. Hoya Princess

Houseplants

Hoya Krimson Queen vs. Hoya Princess: What’s The Difference?

If you’re looking at adding to your houseplant collection, chances are a Hoya carnosa is on your list. But the ever-popular Krimson Queen and Princess have probably thrown a spanner in the works with their similarities. While similar, the pair has a host of differences to look out for, which gardening expert Madison Moulton gets into in this article.

An up close image of hoya krimson queen with variegated white and green leaves.

Houseplants

How to Plant, Grow, and Care For Hoya Krimson Queen

Are you thinking of adding a Hoya Krimson Queen to your houseplant collection? These popular succulents are a great addition to any indoor garden. In this article, gardening expert and houseplant enthusiast Madison Moulton takes you through all you need to know about the Hoya Krimson Queen and their care.

Desert Rose cactus growing in container with pink blooms

Cacti & Succulents

How to Plant, Grow and Care For Desert Rose Plants

Thinking of adding a desert rose to your garden, but aren't sure where to start? This flowering cacti is quite beautiful, and well known for its stunning pink blooms. In this article, gardening expert Paige Foley takes you through all you need to know about Adenium Obesum and their care.

Trailing succulent is growing in a hanging basket with vines hanging over the side of the container.

Cacti & Succulents

31 Trailing Succulent Plants For Hanging Baskets

Are you trying to find the perfect succulent plant to hang in a basket somewhere around your home or apartment? There are plenty of different trailing & vining succulents that can fit just about any type of decor. In this article, gardening expert and houseplant enthusiast Madison Moulton looks at her favorite vining or tralining succlents for hanging baskets in your indoor garden.