Hoya Krohniana Splash

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Hoya Krohniana 'Splash': A Compact Jewel

Introduction:

The Hoya Krohniana 'Splash' is a visually striking variety with small, heart-shaped leaves that feature silvery splash-like variegation. This trailing Hoya is ideal for hanging baskets or letting cascade over the edge of shelves. In addition to its attractive foliage, this plant may also produce clusters of fragrant, star-shaped flowers, typical of Hoyas.

History:

Native to the Philippines, Hoya Krohniana belongs to the Apocynaceae family, commonly known as the dogbane family. The 'Splash' variety is celebrated for the silvery variegation on its leaves, which adds a unique texture and pattern to its compact vines. Hoyas like Krohniana 'Splash' are epiphytic in their natural habitat, meaning they grow on trees and absorb nutrients from the air and rain. Its charming, petite foliage and trailing growth habit have made it increasingly popular in the indoor plant community.

Care Outline:

• Light: Hoya Krohniana 'Splash' thrives in bright, indirect light. Too much direct sunlight can cause the silver variegation to fade or burn the leaves. Aim for 10,000 to 20,000 lux for optimal growth.
• Water: Allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Water when the top 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) of soil are dry. Like other Hoyas, Krohniana 'Splash' is drought-tolerant and prefers to dry out slightly between waterings. Use a pot with good drainage to prevent water retention.
• Humidity: This plant prefers moderate to high humidity, ideally between 50% and 70%. It can adapt to lower household humidity levels but will thrive and grow more vigorously with higher humidity.
• Temperature: Keep the plant in warm temperatures between 65°F and 80°F (18°C to 27°C). It is sensitive to cold and should not be exposed to temperatures below 50°F (10°C).
• Soil: Use a well-draining, airy potting mix. A combination of orchid bark, perlite, and peat moss is ideal to ensure the roots are well-aerated and the plant avoids waterlogged soil.
• Fertilizer: Feed the plant every 4–6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer (such as 10-10-10). Reduce feeding in fall and winter when growth slows.
• Propagation: Hoya Krohniana 'Splash' is easy to propagate through stem cuttings, either rooted in water or directly in soil.

Light and Lux Rating:

The Hoya Krohniana 'Splash' prefers bright, indirect light with a lux rating of 10,000 to 20,000 lux. While it can tolerate lower light, bright light encourages faster growth and helps maintain the vibrant variegation.

• Natural Light: Place the plant near an east-facing or north-facing window where it will receive plenty of indirect sunlight throughout the day.
• Artificial Light: If growing under grow lights, ensure the plant gets 12–16 hours of light per day to mimic natural sunlight and encourage healthy growth.

Propagation:

1. Stem Cuttings:

• Best Time: Spring or early summer during active growth.
• Steps:
  1. Take a cutting with at least one node and a few leaves.
  2. Let the cutting dry for a few hours to prevent rot.
  3. Root the cutting in water or directly in soil, ensuring the node is submerged.
  4. Place the cutting in a bright, warm spot with high humidity until roots develop.

2. Layering:

• Steps:
  1. Choose a healthy vine that is still attached to the mother plant.
  2. Wrap a node with moist sphagnum moss and secure it with plastic wrap.
  3. Once roots develop, cut the stem from the mother plant and pot it in soil.

Soil for Hoya Krohniana 'Splash':

This plant requires a well-draining, light soil mix to prevent water retention and root rot. A recommended mix includes:

• Orchid bark for aeration and support.
• Perlite or pumice for drainage.
• Peat moss or coco coir for moisture retention.

This blend ensures proper airflow to the roots while retaining just the right amount of moisture for healthy growth.

Fertilizing:

• During the growing season, fertilize every 4–6 weeks with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength.
• Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to salt build-up in the soil and damage the plant’s roots.
• Reduce feeding in fall and winter when the plant’s growth slows naturally.

Repotting:

• When to Repot: Hoya Krohniana 'Splash' does not need frequent repotting and prefers to be slightly root-bound. Repot every 2–3 years, or when the plant outgrows its pot.
• Best Time: Early spring is the ideal time to repot, just before the growing season begins.
• Steps:
  1. Gently remove the plant from its pot and inspect the roots.
  2. Repot in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil.
  3. Water thoroughly after repotting and place the plant back in bright, indirect light.