I have already written an article on Hoya Krimson Queen, and today it is time for a Hoya Sunrise care guide.
Without any doubt, I am a big fan of Hoya plants. For one, they are easy to grow. Second, they are gorgeous epiphytic plants.
Hoya Sunrise is an ornamental plant native to Malaysia. It is a hybrid between Hoya Lacunosa and Hoya Obscura, that came into existance in 1992.
What makes this plant stand out are its dark-green, teardrop-shaped leaves. These leaves turn purple, revealing the red veins that dissect the foliage when exposed to sunlight.
Furthermore, Sunrise is a perennial plant, so this is why I have one in my office.
Let’s see how you can grow these beautiful plants at home.
Light requirements
This houseplant loves light. Moreover, it needs plenty of sunlight to show its purple shade.
Therefore, you should put it in a medium to bright spot for at least 6 hours of sunlight.
The best solution would be to place it less than 3 feet from an east-facing or west-facing window. That way, she will get enough gentle direct sunlight without the risks of sunburns.
Keep in mind that growing it in a dark spot will prevent it from reaching its full potential.
Furthermore, it will drop leaves without sufficient light.
Also, it is good to know that artificial grow lights are a good alternative.
Temperature levels
Hoya Sunrise needs a warm environment to thrive. The ideal temperature is between 60°F(16°C) and 80°F (27°C).
If temperatures drop below 40°F, it will suffer from cold stress, and consequently, show signs of sickness, such as brown tips.
On the other hand, if temperatures exceed 95°F, it will suffer from the heat and dry out quickly.
Therefore, it is best to grow this plant indoors to provide it with ideal growing conditions.
You can still put it outdoors on warm spring and summer days to benefit from sunlight.
Furthermore, you will need to keep it away from cold drafts.
Read also: Pink Panther Plant Care: Complete Guide
Watering needs
My advice is to water your Hoya Sunrise when the soil has completely dried out.
Indeed, it is a plant that is susceptible to root rot. Therefore, if you give it too much water, you risk harming it.
The rule to keep in mind is this: Never water your Sunrise unless the medium is dry.
Also, it is worth noting that these plants will need more water during hot summer days than during cold winter days.
Therefore, you should monitor your plant’s water needs and act accordingly.
My course of action consists in watering the soil thoroughly until it becomes entirely wet. Then, I wait a few days until the soil has dried out before doing it again.
Soil characteristics
Since Sunrise hates overwatering, it must be clear to you by now that it likes well-draining soil.
Therefore, a potting mix that includes perlite, vermiculite, and bark is what you will be using.
The growing medium must be airy, lightweight, and well-draining to avoid root rot.
The easiest way would be to buy an Aroid potting mix and add a handful of perlite to improve aeration.
Potting advice
Terracotta pots are the perfect choice for Hoyas. Due to their porous nature, they will help dry out the soil quickly. Consequently, you won’t need to worry about root rot.
Also, I would suggest you pick a narrow and tall pot for this plant. Indeed, this way you will ensure that the roots won’t sit in water.
Read also: How to Choose a Pot For Your Houseplant
In addition, it is always a good practice to choose a pot with a drainage hole.
Since this plant likes to be rootbound, you will rarely have to repot it. However, if you notice that there isn’t much more space for root growth, you can move it to a larger pot.
Hoya Sunrise Flower
The star-shaped white/pinkish flowers are a feature of most hoyas, and Sunrise isn’t an exception. And we love them!
I mean, look at those cute small blooms. Moreover, they have a beautiful scent that will haunt you.
Nevertheless, the plant will bloom with these pretty flowers only if given the right growing conditions.
The most relevant condition is good lighting. As I explained above, bright light is essential for Sunrise’s healthy growth.
With that in mind, fertilizing can also help the plant bloom.
Fertilizer
You can fertilize this plant once a month with an organic liquid fertilizer.
Even though I am not a big fan of fertilizers, it seems that Hoya Sunrise reacts well to monthly fertilizing.
You can use a fertilizer that’s rich in nitrogen and apply it during spring and summer. Also, I advise you to avoid it during winter.
Pruning
Pruning is a good way to promote healthy growth.
Indeed, by trimming the sick and weak parts of the plant, you will encourage new and healthy growth.
But, it is best to save this activity for the early growing months.
One piece of advice though: Always use clean pruning shears to avoid viral infections.
Propagation
You can propagate Hoya Sunrise through cuttings or by leaf.
Overall, it won’t be hard to propagate your plant.
Here is how to do it with cuttings.
Start by cutting an internode and removing the bottom leaves.
Next, put the cuttings in a glass of distilled water and wait for the roots to appear.
Note: High humidity levels will increase the chances of success.
After two weeks or so, you will notice a few roots growing out of the cuttings.
Now, take out the cuttings and put them in a new pot with a well-draining potting mix.
Last, place it in a spot with bright indirect light, warm temperatures, and relatively high humidity levels.
Read also: Succulent Leaf Propagation: A Complete Guide
FAQ
You should water your Hoya only when the soil has gone dry. It is best to avoid overwatering because Sunrise is susceptible to root rot.
Hoya Sunrise is fairly rare compared to other hoyas due to its hybrid nature. However, you can still buy cuttings online for as low as 15$.
Yes. Like all hoyas, Hoya Sunrise loves humidity. You should aim for a level of at least 60%.
Hoya Sunrise is a slow grower. Still, you can make it grow more quickly by pinching the stem tips once they have reached 15 inches or so.
Rest assured, Hoyas are not toxic to humans. However, it can be harmful to pets. Still, it is best to keep it away from curious pets and children. I advise you to consult a medical professional if ingested.
Conclusion
To conclude, Hoya Sunrise is a gorgeous epiphytic plant. Furthermore, it is easy to grow, even for beginners.
All you will have to do is follow the tips presented in this Hoya Sunrise care guide, and you will have no issues.
