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29 Tips For The Hoya Archboldiana Plant & Other Pink Hoyas

If you are looking for a striking and bold indoor plant, the Hoya Archboldiana is an excellent choice. This vining epiphytic plant is a member of the family Apocynaceae (also called Dogbanes) and is commonly known as Wax Plant or Archbold’s Hoya. It has dark green, leathery, and oval-shaped large leaves and spikey pink and purple bell-shaped Hoya blooms with purple centers and a sharp tip. The flowers bloom in a group of umbel, a flower cluster with stalks of nearly equal length that arise from a central point and create a flat or curved surface. 

The plant is native to the rainforests of Papua New Guinea and prefers hardiness zones 10, popular in Asian countries. The Hoya Archboldiana can grow up to 5+ feet tall, spread to a width of 2+ feet indoors, and grow moderately. 

It needs bright indirect light and humidity, and the soil must be evenly moist throughout the year. A well-draining soil mix of coco peat and perlite is ideal for this plant, with a pH range of approximately 6.4 to 7.3. 

Repotting may be required every few years, and pruning can help control the plant’s height during the growing season in the spring and summer.

You can buy Hoya Archboldiana online from $25 to $80.

The Hoya Archboldiana – Archbold’s Wax Plant

Hoya Archboldiana is a large, strong plant with a unique appearance that makes an excellent choice for indoor gardeners. 

In this detailed care guide, we’re diving into the how’s, why’s, and when’s of everything your Hoya Archboldiana needs to stay healthy.

Read on to find out where you can buy this Hoya, its interesting attributes, and common pitfalls to avoid.

What Is Hoya Archboldiana?

The Hoya Archboldiana is a perennial classified under Hoya. It has beautiful dark green leaves in the shape of an oval.

It is commonly known as Archbold’s Hoya and the Wax Plant. It’s typically known for its bell-shaped flowers, dark leathery leaves, and spikey pink and purple bell-shaped hoya blooms. So it is a large, robust, striking, bold plant.

The Hoya Archboldiana would grow and thrive well in certain climates, preferably in hardiness zones 10. 

Hoya Archboldiana Origin And Family

The Wax Plant is a member of the Dogbanes family. This variety of Hoya comes from the rainforests of Papua New Guinea. As an indoor plant, it has done well in most households when it has much access to humidity.

This large, strong plant was discovered in November 1933 by Richard Archbold. It yields many medium pink flowers during the summer.

Where To Buy

Hoya Archboldiana is a beautiful addition to any garden, and we’ve had great success buying online. You may visit your local nursery first, but if you want to select and purchase plants from the comfort of your home, then be sure to check out Etsy, among other online plant retailers.

The price tags for a Hoya Archboldiana are usually reasonably affordable, ranging between $25 to $80.

Hoya Archboldiana
Hoya Archboldiana

Hoya Archboldiana Plant Size

When grown indoors, the Hoya Archboldiana grows to a height of 5+ feet and spreads to a width of 2+ feet. It grows moderately and thrives near an east or west-facing window.

Hoya Archboldiana Care Needs

Your Hoya Archboldiana, with its bell-shaped flowers, dark leathery leaves, and spikey pink and purple bell-shaped hoya blooms, will flourish if you take good care of it. This plant loves humidity and evenly moist soil throughout the year.

Water your Hoya When the soil is completely dry. Make sure to give it a full drench, allowing water to run down the bottom of the pot. In terms of lighting, bright indirect light is best for this plant. 

Look at the more specific growing tips below to keep your Hoya Archboldiana healthy and happy!

Hoya Archboldiana Care Difficulty

This Archbold’s Hoya is generally moderately easy to care for. The amount of light and well-draining soil are the most important considerations for this beauty.

Hoya Archboldiana Growth Rate

The growing speed of a Wax Plant is typically moderate. Indoors, it reaches a mature height of 5+ feet.

You can manage this plant’s height with proper pruning during the growing season in the spring and summer.

Hoya Archboldiana Potting

For your Hoya Archboldiana container, you want a medium-sized pot made of plastic, terracotta, or clay. Read our section below for repotting.

Hoya Archboldiana Repotting

As your plant grows and expands, you might consider upgrading from your current pot to a bigger pot on an as-needed basis. Typically, the need to repot occurs every few years because this plant grows at a moderate pace.

When repotting, you can use a new batch of well-draining soil which is the ideal growing medium for your Hoya Archboldiana.

Hoya Archboldiana Soil

Well-draining soil is your best bet as a growing medium for Hoya Archboldiana. Coco peat and perlite mix are ideal for the soil. Aeration and drainage are a must for this plant which is moderately easy to care for.

Here are some excellent growing medium options to choose from:

Hoya Archboldiana pH

For the Wax Plant, you’ll want your soil to have an alkaline to neutral pH, approximately 6.4 and 7.3. A well-draining soil should have a pH level near that range, so you won’t need to be overly concerned.

If you need to raise the pH of your soil, you can add a bit of calcitic lime or dolomitic lime, wood ash, or baking soda. 

On the other hand, if you’re worried that the pH is too high, you can lower the pH with sulfur or aluminum sulfate.

To identify the soil’s pH value, use a standard soil moisture meter device, doubling as a pH tester.

Hoya Archboldiana Water

The Wax Plant is a humidity-loving plant that needs evenly moist soil throughout the year. 

Water your plant in the spring and summer when the soil is completely dry. Drench the soil until water drains out the hole at the bottom of the plastic, terracotta, or clay pot. If you’re using a collection tray, toss out the water to fend off root rot and other diseases.

In the winter, you won’t need to water as much. Continue to water your plants deeply but do it less frequently.

Hoya Archboldiana Light

Hoya Archboldiana wants to be in bright indirect light for 12-14 hours daily. Remember that the Wax Plant is from the rainforests of Papua New Guinea. Placing it plant near an east or west-facing window usually works fine.

If its leaves get sunburnt or the soil becomes too dry, you’ll know your Hoya Archboldiana needs less light. Conversely, if it grows slowly, it might develop leggy growth, it won’t bloom, and its leaves might drop off, which means this large, strong plant needs more light. Avoid putting your Hoya Archboldiana in direct sunlight, which could severely damage or even kill it.

Hoya Archboldiana Fertilizer

The Archbold’s Hoya’s growing season is in the spring and summer. During this time, fertilize your plant monthly using a balanced organic fertilizer. 

In the colder seasons, when this plant’s development naturally slows, you don’t need to fertilize at all.

Hoya Archboldiana
Hoya Archboldiana

Propagating Hoya Archboldiana

The Hoya Archboldiana can be propagated from the comfort of your home. Here are steps for making more of this striking, bold plant.

Stem Cuttings In Soil

One of the best ways to propagate a Hoya Archboldiana is by taking a cutting and planting it directly in the soil. Early to mid-spring is the best time to propagate a Wax Plant. Propagate a Hoya Archboldiana in soil by following these steps.

1. Collect your Hoya Archboldiana cutting. Look for a healthy stem on your Hoya Archboldiana with one or two nodes. Cut just below the Wax Plant’s nodes with gardening shears.

2. Plant your Hoya Archboldiana cutting. Directly plant the cutting into well-draining soil, so the nodes are covered.

3. Maintain your Hoya Archboldiana cutting. Keep the soil around your baby Hoya Archboldiana moist and maintain a temperature of approximately 60-95°F. 

4. Rotate your Hoya Archboldiana cutting. Rotate the pot occasionally for even growth on all sides of your Archboldiana.

Stem Cuttings In Water

Water propagation is another easy method to root your Archbold’s Hoya cuttings. Here are some steps to follow:

1. Cut. After harvesting a healthy cutting, pluck off the bottom leaves from its stem. 

2. Submerge. Let the cutting sit in a glass of water. To avoid rot, ensure no leaves are below the water level.

3. Maintain. Keep your cutting in an area with bright, indirect light and good air circulation. A humidifier nearby can boost the plant’s health.

4. Refill. Replace the water each time it starts to turn murky. Keep the nodes submerged for faster root growth.

5. Transplant. Once the roots are long enough, plant your cutting into clean, well-aerated soil. Keep the soil moist to help the roots adjust.

Air Layering Technique

Air-layering stimulates root growth before removing the chosen section from the mother plant. It’s said to have higher success rates than other propagation methods.

Follow these steps to air-layer your Wax Plant:

1. Choose a healthy section. Find the part of the stem with at least one node you want to propagate.

2. Wrap the stem. Wrap the node in sphagnum peat moss. Coco coir is a good alternative too. Use cling wrap and tape to secure the substrate. 

3. Wait for roots. Keep the substrate moist until you see roots poking through. You may need to wait a few more weeks to let the sources develop.

4. Cut and plant. When confident with the root growth, cut off the propagated section below the wrapped node. Remember to remove the clingwrap before planting into the soil!

Humidity And Aeration for Hoya Archboldiana

This Hoya is a striking, bold plant that prefers moderate-to-high humidity between 60% – 80%.

You may consider getting a humidifier if your Hoya Archboldiana has curling or crispy leaves with brown edges. This device is designed to constantly release steam and significantly raise the humidity in a room. 

Hoya Archboldiana Temperature

Your Wax Plant will prosper in a warm-to-temperate area, so keep the temperature between 60-95 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Like most Hoya plants, this houseplant will appreciate consistent temperatures throughout the year. Avoid using hot or cold water when watering your plant. Keep it away from heat sources (such as furnaces and vents) and cold areas (such as open windows during the winter).

Flowers

The Wax Plant is capable of producing flowers that are abundant and pink. In optimum conditions, this plant blooms during the summer.

Toxic

Be on guard if you have small children or pets in your home. Archbold’s Hoya is hazardous to cats, dogs, and humans. If ingested, you can expect the following symptoms: mild skin irritation and mild gastrointestinal upset (if ingested). In most cases, this plant is considered non-life-threatening.

Pests, Diseases, & Other Problems for Hoya Archboldiana

In most situations, the Hoya Archboldiana is a disease-resistant and pest-resistant plant. There are, however, some common issues that can affect it. Below we’re discussing some common problems and solutions to protect your Hoya Archboldiana.

Powdery Mildew

Powdery mildew is not a creature but a fungal disease that thrives in warm, humid climates. It initially grows on the top surface of the leaves, but it will quickly spread on the undersides of your Wax Plant. The leaves will turn yellow and dry out.

Dilute 1 teaspoon of neem oil and 1 teaspoon of dish soap in 4 cups of water. Add ¾ teaspoon of baking soda for good measure. Spray this solution on your plant’s leaves to remove powdery mildew.

Scale Insects

Scale insects might appear as lumps on the stems or leaves of your Hoya Archboldiana. These little bugs, which may be green, gray, brown, or black in color, usually remain sedentary once they’ve latched onto a plant.

If the infestation isn’t too severe, you can use a teaspoon of neem oil diluted in four cups of water to discourage scale insects from attacking your plant. Take a spray bottle and vigorously spritz the plant.

Neem oil and horticultural oils may not kill the pests but will undoubtedly cause some damage to them. Numerous insecticide sprays to treat scales are considered safe to use indoors.

Aphids

An aphid is an actual creature that will eat the leaves of your Archbold’s Hoya, resulting in black and brown patches.

Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to treat an infestation. Weak concentrations of dish detergent can also kill aphids without harming your plant. Choose a product that is free of fragrances, such as Ivory Liquid.

Start by diluting 1 teaspoon of dish soap in 1 gallon of water, then increase the ratio as necessary. Spray this solution on your affected plant, especially on the underside of leaves where aphids can usually be found.

Mealybugs

Mealybugs may infest your Wax Plant. These little parasites damage your Hoya by inserting a feeding tube into the plant tissues and sucking on the sap, and they can eventually weaken or even kill your plant.

To remove them, soak a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol, then use its tip to manually remove each mealybug. Neem oil can also be sprayed on the leaves to suffocate these bugs. 

Brown Leaf Tips

Brown leaf tips on your Wax Plant can be caused by low humidity, underwatering, root damage, and soil compactness. 

Occasionally, you may need to flush out excess minerals, salts, fertilizers, and chemicals in the soil by letting the water flow through for a few minutes. You shouldn’t worry about accidentally drowning your plant’s roots if you have a fast-draining substrate and a pot with drainage holes.

Drooping Leaves

A wilting, droopy appearance on your Hoya Archboldiana indicates distress. Possible causes of drooping leaves are overwatering, underwatering, excessive light exposure, lack of light, and low humidity.

Yellow Leaves

Yellowing leaves on Archbold’s Hoya can be caused by lack of light, too much light, overwatering, underwatering, nutrient deficiency, overfertilization, recent disruption of the roots, changes in temperature and humidity, presence of pests, and many others.

If you need clarification, don’t worry! Gardening requires trial and error to figure out the ideal conditions for your plants, and even master gardeners are learning new things every day. 

It is usually encouraged to prune off yellowing leaves so the plant won’t waste its energy trying to “save” the leaf instead of supplying nutrients to new leaves.

Root Rot

A typical cause of death for the Wax Plant is root rot, which occurs when you overwater your plant. Remember that you should only water when the soil is totally dry.

Poor drainage is another source of root rot, and this Hoya needs well-aerated soil that drains well.

When choosing a pot for your plant, make sure there are drainage holes to allow excess water to flow through. Clay pots and unglazed ceramic planters can also help absorb moisture from the soil and slowly release it into the air.

Similar Plants to Hoya Archboldiana

Love the Wax Plant? Here are some other similar plant options you should try:

  • Hoya Carnosa: A vining plant with thick, waxy leaves that produces fragrant, star-shaped flowers.
  • Dischidia Nummularia: A creeping plant with small, round leaves that grow along a thin stem and can form a ball-shaped appearance.
  • Ceropegia Woodii: A trailing plant with delicate, heart-shaped leaves commonly known as the string of hearts.
  • Epipremnum Aureum: A vining plant with glossy, green heart-shaped leaves known as the Devil’s Ivy.
  • Philodendron Scandens: A climbing plant with deep green, heart-shaped leaves that can grow several feet long.

Conclusion

In summary, the Hoya Archboldiana is a striking houseplant that can add a touch of natural beauty to any indoor space. It has unique pink flowers that bloom in clusters and is relatively low-maintenance, making it an ideal choice for those with little time to dedicate to plant care. 

Following the tips outlined above, you can ensure your Hoya Archboldiana thrives and reaches its full growth potential. Whether you’re an experienced plant enthusiast or just starting with your green thumb journey, this plant is an excellent addition to any home nature collection. 

Remember to check out Hoyas for sale to find the perfect Hoya Archboldiana! Need more Hoya plant guides? Take a look at these other posts from Two Peas In A Condo!
Help us grow: This post contains affiliate links, which means we receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something recommended. All opinions, however, are our own, and we do not accept payments for positive reviews.

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