The Spruce / Phoebe Cheong
Hoya shepherdiiis a vining plant known for its fragrant flowers.
It’s sometimes called string bean hoya because of its long, thin, succulent leaves.
Likeother hoyas,Hoya shepherdiigrows best with lots of bright, indirect light and chunky, well-draining soil.
The Spruce / Phoebe Cheong
Hoya Shepherdii Care
Hoya shepherdiican make great houseplants.
Keep the plant out of harsh direct sunlight, which can burn the leaves.
Low-light conditions can cause plant leaves to yellow and eventually drop.
The Spruce / Phoebe Cheong
Soil
Pot yourHoya shepherdiiin a loose, well-drained potting mix.
you could blend standard potting mix with perlite, pumice, or orchid bark to add drainage.
Some gardeners find success with premade succulent soil or African violet mix.
The Spruce / Phoebe Cheong
Water
Allow yourHoya shepherdiito dry out completely or almost completely between waterings.
Check the soil moisture regularly and decide when to water based on that.
Hoyas can store water in their succulent leaves, making them much more drought-tolerant than other tropical houseplants.
The Spruce / Phoebe Cheong
Give the plant a balanced houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength.
Stop fertilizing when temperatures cool in the fall, then resume the following spring.
Be sure to fertilize after giving the plants a good watering.
Avoid removing more than a third of your plant’s total growth at one time.
You’ll need a small glass or jar, water, and clean, sharp pruners or shears.
Here’s how to propagateHoya shepherdii.
Examine your plant regularly for signs of pests, and act quickly if you spot signs of an infestation.
Remove pests with a cotton ball dipped in rubbing alcohol, or use horticultural soap.
Another potential pitfall is root rot, which is brought on by overly wet soil.
Watch out for brown, black, or mushy spots on stems, which can signal advanced root rot.
How Long Does Hoya Shepherdii Bloom?
Hoya shepherdiiusually blooms in the summer months.
Flowers can last anywhere from a few days to one week.
How to Encourage More Blooms
There are a few reasons a matureHoya shepherdiimight not bloom.
Try moving it closer to a source of bright, indirect light, but out of direct sunlight.
Overwatering can affect the plant’s ability to bloom.
So can putting the plant in too large of a pot.
In fact, hoyas in general prefer to be slightly potbound.
What Do Hoya Shepherdii Flowers Look and Smell Like?
Hoya shepherdiiflowers are clusters of tiny, star-shaped flowers that are white or light pink with red centers.
The flowers are highly aromatic and have a sweet, perfume-like scent.
Deadheading Hoya Shepherdii Flowers
Avoid deadheadingHoya shepherdiiafter it blooms.
Instead, let spent flowers drop off of the plant naturally.
Common Problems With Hoya Shepherdii
Like other hoyas,Hoya shepherdiican sometimes be tricky to keep happy.
If you see any of these symptoms of common problems, act quickly to help your plant recover.
Leaves Turning Yellow
Yellow leaves onHoya shepherdiiare often brought on by overwatering.
It may help to repot the plant in a terracotta pot that wicks away excess water.
Lack of light can also cause hoya leaves to turn yellow.
Hoya shepherdiiflowers have a sweet scent that’s been described as similar to perfume, honey, or jasmine.
Yes,Hoya shepherdiimakes an excellent houseplant with the proper care and conditions.
PutHoya shepherdiiin a warm place with high humidity and bright, indirect light.
Keep the plant away from cold drafts and air vents.
