| Common Name(s) | Shooting Star Hoya and Wax Plant |
| Scientific Name | Hoya Multiflora |
| Sun Exposure | Indirect Sunlight |
| Soil pH | 6.1 to 7.5 |
| Watering Requirement | Only when top soil completely dry |
| Hardiness Zone | 10 and 11 |
| Plant Height | Up to 8ft |
The Hoya Multiflora is a flowering, climbing plant originally from Indonesia. Today, the plant can be found throughout Southeast Asia. The leaves of a Hoya Multiflora are a deep green and are complimented by their uniquely shaped white and yellow flower clusters. This plant is relatively slow growing and semi-rare. Hoya Multifloras are quite sturdy considering they are climbers. Though the plant is classified as a climber, it does not have to climb as its stalk can support the plant easily on its own, so it can sit erect in a pot unaided.
Hoya Multiflora Care
Hoya Multifloras are not necessarily hard to care for, but are a little finicky, especially if you are wanting them to produce flowers, which most plant owners are aiming for. So, if you are the plant owner that wants an independent grower that just needs water here and there, the Hoya Multiflora is not the plant for you.
This pant loves the sun and is happiest if it gets at least six hours of indirect sun light a day. This said, a window spot is your best bet with a Hoya Multiflora. Keep in mind that if the plant is exposed to too much, or direct sunlight, the leaves can yellow or burn.
When it comes to soil, the Hoya Multiflora likes it a bit on the acidic side, requiring a pH of 6.1 to 7.5. Along with acidity, airflow and drainage are key to successful growing. So, a good option for your Hoya Multiflora would be a combination of peat, orchid mix, and perlite. Perlite in particular is good for any plant that needs aeration. An extra precaution to avoid too much dampness, is adding pebbles to the bottom of your Hoya Multiflora’s pot to allow for extra drainage.
The Hoya Multiflora is a tropical plant, with this in mind, it should be no surprise that this plant loves humidity and thrives in a balmy temperature. The Hoya Multiflora can adapt to lower humidity and some temperature variation, but its optimal range is 64°F to 84°F and 60 to 80 percent humidity. If your plant is outdoors and the temperature drops below 55°F, take it inside to prevent damage. This plant’s Hardiness Zones are zones 10 and 11, so it is not meant to live in cold climates.
Water, all plants need it, but too much of a good thing isn’t such a good thing. Hoya Multifloras should not be kept moist. Between waterings the plant’s topsoil should be completely dry to the touch before adding any additional water. Overwatering leaves the plant susceptible to root rot and fungal diseases.
While over watering is a common problem, on the flip side, not enough humidity is another. Spraying the plant periodically can help with this, but the best solution for an indoor Hoya Multiflora is a humidifier. This keeps the plant happy and make it more likely to flower.
Fertilization is where this plant gets a little high maintenance. During the growing season, spring and summer, this plant needs to be fertilized at the least once a month, but should really be done every three weeks. Between fertilizations make sure to flush the plants with ample water to prevent root burn. Using organic fertilizers and compost is another easy way to avoid this.
Hoya Multiflora Propagation
To propagate a Hoya Multiflora, start with a stem cutting. The cutting should be a few inches long and have multiple leaves. First, strip the bottom inch or two of leaves away, then place the stripped portion of the cutting in water, making sure the leaves towards the top are not submerged. Place the container in an area that gets indirect sunlight for a good portion of the day, as this is where the cutting has its best chance of successful growth. The water should be changed every few days to ensure the cutting stays bacteria free. Within a few weeks, the newly grown roots will be ready to be placed in soil. You will know the cutting has matured enough to pot once the roots are a half inch in length. The Hoya Multiflora is an extremely easy plant to propagate and shouldn’t give even the newest of gardeners a problem if they follow the few simple steps laid out above.
A reminder to new plant enthusiasts, propagation is all about new growth. Because of this, propagation will only be successful if done during a plant’s growing season. The Hoya Multiflora’s growing season is spring and summer, so cuttings should be harvested in spring, or early summer at the latest.
Hoya Multiflora Size & Growth Rate
The Hoya Multiflora is a slow growing plant that generally gets to about two to three feet in height. This said, it is possible for the Hoya Multiflora to grow to a whopping eight feet. How can this be if most grow to only three feet max? The Hoya Multiflora is a climber, so if left to its own devises out in nature, where it may grow up a tree or some other plant that can provide support, the plant can grow to more than double its domestic counterparts.
The stem of a Hoya Multiflora is quite study, which is not usually the case with climbing plants. Most climbers have flimsy, viny legs that are not made to support independent, upright growth. The Hoya Multiflora however is the exception. The hearty stem easily keeps the plant erect on its own, despite the large, waxy, deep green leaves that should weigh it down.
Hoya Multiflora Common Problems
Like many plants, the Hoya Multiflora can easily fall victim to root rot. Root rot is caused when the plant is over watered or not getting enough drainage, allowing standing water around the root system. If root rot has taken hold, immediately wash your Hoya Multiflora’s roots and cut away any damaged roots, then place the plant in fresh, clean soil, in a pot that has good drainage, and back off on watering.
Leaves are usually the easiest way to tell if your Hoya Multiflora is in distress. Yellow leaves are usually an indication the Hoya Multiflora is receiving too much water. To rectify, add a few more days between waterings and make sure the pot allows for proper drainage. Wrinkled or dropping leaves can be a sign your plant is being underwatered and requires more hydration. Misshaped leaves are generally due to environmental stressors. For instance, a drastic temperature drop or moving the plant from indoors to outside. Hoya Multiflora do not take kindly to any abrupt changes and need to be eased into new environments.
As far as pests go, spider mites and mealybugs are common suspects when it comes to the Hoya Multiflora plant. Mealybugs can be found on the lower leaves and are known to cause mold. To get rid of them, remove the mealybugs with an alcohol-soaked cotton ball and then spray your Hoya Multiflora with a mixture of alcohol and dish soap. Only use a few drops of soap as the mixture should be mainly alcohol. If you are noticing any webbing under the leaves of your Hoya Multiflora, spider mites have taken up residence. You can buy a spray specifically for these mites or you can mix water and rubbing alcohol and rub your leaves down with it using a cloth soaked in the aforementioned mixture.
Is Hoya Multiflora Pet Safe?
The Hoya Multiflora is not toxic to dogs or cats. You can rest easy knowing your pets are safe with this plant in your home or yard.
Hoya Multiflora Flowers
As the name suggests, the Hoya Multiflora does produce flowers. The flowers are white and yellow and resemble shooting stars, which is how this particular type of Hoya came to be known as the Shooting Star Hoya. The flowers grow in a cluster, hanging from long stems with a white tip that fades into light yellow petals towards the back end of the flower, resembling a birdie in badminton.
The plant blooms in both spring and summer, bringing with it the delicious scent of lemon with a hint of sweetness. Flowers are not a given and only will appear if the Hoya Multiflora is kept happy. This is done by keeping the plant properly nourished with a balanced fertilizer, providing the correct amount of water, and making sure that bright, indirect sunlight is readily available.
Where can I find Hoya Multiflora for sale?
Hoya Multifloras can be difficult to find, as you cannot purchase them at your local Walmart or Lowes. Luckily, they can be acquired online through Etsy, Amazon, or online plant boutiques like California Topicals. The price range is quite wide, ranging from $12 to $60 and higher depending on the vender and size of the plant.
Hoya Multiflora Varieties
The Hoya plant comes in many different varieties, all from the family Apocynaceae. The varieties vary slightly in size and leaf shape, but for the most part are very similar, with flowers that are produced in clusters. Hoya varieties include the following:
Hoya Multiflora Shooting Star
Hoya Multiflora Shooting Star house plant, slow growing, has flowers that grow in a cluster that are white and yellow
Hoya Latifolia Albomarginata
Hoya Latifolia Albomarginata wide leafed Hoya species that grows on trees and produces small pink flowers with light pink centers
Hoya Carnosa Variegata
Hoya Carnosa Variegata house plant, has white or light pink flowers that grow in clusters, and waxy leaves
Hoya Vitellina Blume
Hoya Vitellina Blume requires humid conditions, good drainage, and produce beautiful yellow flowers in clusters
Hoya Javanica ‘Milky Way’
Hoya Javanica ‘Milky Way’ grows faster than a Hoya Multiflora and produces flowers that are very similar to the Hoya Multiflora’s, but instead of white and yellow, the flowers are a cream color