Among the community of plant collectors and edible gardeners, the hoya Chelsea plant is one that has really taken off almost over year. This useful plant with its heart shaped foliage and sweet smelling flowers bring a little touch of the tropics to any home.
However, the Hoya family has a lot of members but the Hoya Chelsea is recognized by its short growths and particularly dark green, leathery leaf which make it look much different than other hoyas.
However, the Hoya Chelsea is the ideal indoor plant for you if one’s looking for a hardy plant to grow indoors in almost any climate condition. All you need to know about growing a Hoya Chelsea plant for a beginner or seasoned plant parent, these strategies will assure your Hoya Chelsea lives for decades!
What is the Hoya Chelsea Plant?
The Hoya Chelsea plant is an evergreen tropical vine of the Hoya genus, prized for its thick, waxy leaves and star shaped flowers. There is no exact definition of its origin, but hypothesized as a cultivar by crossing other species.
The Hoya Chelsea is a slow-growing plant with thick, dark green leaves that are more fleshy than most and have a slight heart shape to them as well as little crinkling. Its unique foliage makes it an excellent plant for collectors, as well as those who want beautiful indoor plants with none of the fuss.
The hoya Chelsea plant is a great choice if you like beautiful clusters of star shaped flowers, they are often referred to as porcelain flowers because their waxy appearance. The flowers are usually white, pink and fragrant even before the they open making them very inviting.
In addition, while Hoya Chelsea are absolutely stunning in flower with huge special flowers they possess herculean foliage and can easily be grown for its leaves by those who have less than perfect flowering conditions.
The Hoya Chelsea with adequate care can last for years, producing longer vines that will tend to hang or climb so; it makes an ideal hanging basket plant or is appropriate for training along a trellis. Learning and adapting to its needs is the first step towards a gorgeously healthy plant.
Hoya chelsea plant effective growing conditions
If you want your plant to flourish, here is what it entails and take note. These growing techniques will be a great benefit for you-
- Light
The Hoya Chelsea needs a lot of bright, but indirect light which is what it would get in its native tropical habitat under the dapple sunlight. This provides high light without direct sun. Scrambled leaves will turn an unsightly brown and lose their deeply green color due to sunscald.
Temperature: As a tropical plant, Hoya Chelsea grows best at warm temperatures. Optimal temperatures range should be between 60°F — 80°F. Most importantly, you should not place the plant near cold drafts through doors or windows of air conditioners and heating vents which can stress it due to a sudden change in temperature.
- Humidity
Humidity level of the Hoya Chelsea should be moderate to high: around 60% or higher if possible. Indoor heating or low humidity: Similar to direct sunlight you will see curled leaves as well. Try placing a tray of water underneath the plant, use distilled water with lower salt and minerals that are not good for the plants roots or place room humidifier on around-the-clock duty if in dry desert type areas.
It can also help to group it with others of your houseplants which will make then a bit more humid as well.
- Soil & Potting
Mix The Hoya Chelsea needs a free-draining potting mix. Pot soil especially for succulents or simply put together a blend of equal areas peat, perlite and orchid bark. These holes will help in draining off excess water and avoiding root rot.
If you give them the best light, temperature and soil conditions they will undoubtedly reward you with beautiful leaves which mean your Hoya Chelsea is happy now.
Hoya Chelsea Water and Fertilizer
Here we have some tips to get you through its care! Proper watering and fertilizing techniques are very important. Have a look!
- Watering
The Hoya Chelsea can withstand a period of drought to some extent due its fleshy, succulent leaves that retain water. Allow the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry between watering and be sure not to let any standing water within your bird-of-paradise pot as this leads to root rot.
As a guide, you can water more frequently during the active growing season because it uses its mineral high amounts then approximately every 7-10 days but this is dependent on your home humidity and light levels so never are afraid to alter as required.
Symptoms of under watering and Over Watering: The bags become wrinkled or scrawny if the plant is watered too little. Overwatering -Yellow leaves and soggy soil are the two most common symptoms of over-watering. In case you observe these signs, alter your water schedule this keeps the plant healthy.
- Feeding
Feed hoya Chelsea plant just monthly the month of March to September with a balanced, water soluble fertilizer diluted by half. Buffer: Fertilize monthly to create lush growth of foliage and, in the appropriate environment, flowering. Over-fertilizing leads to salt buildup on the soils and may cause root damage.
Regular watering and feeding, while balanced will ensure your Hoya Chelsea remains vibrant yet steady year round.
Hoya Chelsea Propagation
As you can see, propagating the Hoya Chelsea is pretty easy and it will not only help you grow your collection but also share this lovely plant with friends. The fastest way to multiply a Hoya Chelsea is from stem cuttings. Here’s how to do it:
- Select a Healthy Cutting: Choose healthy stem, at least 2 to 3 leaves and one or two nodes on the stem where leaves are present. To take a cutting, use clean sharp scissors or pruning shears and make the cut just below a node.
- Take the Cutting: Strip away all leaves on lowest side of cut end to build a naked node. And it is the place where these shoots will sprout when we water or plant them.
Rooting in Water or Soil
Proper watering and soil preparation are very important and beneficial for your growing plants. Here, I am sharing the details with you-
- Water Method
Set your cutting into a vessel of fresh water with the bare node under water. Replace the water every few days in order to prevent bacteria from forming. You should see some roots beginning to grow in a week or two.
- Soil Method
Dip the cut end in rooting hormone (optional) and place it into a small container filled with well-draining soil The cutting should retain moisture so cover it with a plastic bag and mist once in two or three days (though iris growths prefer to stay dry) until roots form.
- Planting
After the cuttings grow roots, about 2-3 inches long, it can be placed in an ordinary plant pot.
Propagation of hoya Chelsea plant is a method through which you can grow more plants and pass on your love for this plant to others.
Solutions to some Common Problems
Challenges the Hoya Chelsea Might Encounter With all houseplants, there are a few challenges you might face. Here are some most common problems with easiest solutions-
- Yellow Leaves
Yellow leaves are typically the result of over watering. Try to keep the root system dry for as long as possible and continue watering with drier soil. If you notice signs that your plant is suffering from root rot, it will be wise to repot the plant into fresh soil.
- Leaf Curling or Wrinkling
Generally speaking, this is a symptom of dehydration. Water more often to acheive good moisture throughout the raised bed each time you irrigate.
- No Blooms
Understand that the Hoya Chelsea is a slow bloomer often not flowering if it is young and you have prevented light exposure. Keep it in bright, indirect light for best blooms and apply a phosphorous-rich fertilizer during the spring to encourage them. Keep in mind that Patience is a virtue when it comes to getting your Hoya plant to flower.
- Pests
Such as spider mites, mealybugs and aphids are most common. In order to remedy pests, rinse the leaves with a mixture of water and mild soap or use insecticidal soap. You give them time to grow on your plant if you check every day.
When you can take care of these problems immediately your Hoya Chelsea will be healthy and beautiful.
How to Style and Display Your Hoya Chelsea Plant?
Theres the hoya Chelsea, and you can display a good one of those in about 3 different ways to show off your indoor spaces. Its trailing vines lend it to use in hanging baskets where the heart shaped leaves spill perfectly. Or give them a trellis or moss pole to climb up rather than wandering.
Match Hoya Chelsea with glossy planters that will bring a contrast or ceramic pots in pastels and cheerful hues. Pair it with other gorgeous tropical plants for a more of an indoor jungle feel. Hoya Chelsea is also a beautiful addition to a sunny windowsill that will let the leaves catch the light and show their special texture.
The great thing about the Hoya Chelsea is that its creator was a genius, he has transformed this hitherto undemanding houseplant into an extravagant plant.
Conclusion
This is why it should come as no surprise that the Hoya Chelsea plant is a first-rate member of any household indoor garden. Whether you want it for those leaves or even the flowers, this plant will grow proud as long as enough conditions are met and a little love is given.
So, you can make this tropical beauty grow abundantly in your home by learning about its light, water and soil needs. We hope this guide helped you to grow a health and vibrant Hoya Chelsea. Happy gardening!
