There’s no other better way to decorate your house than planting Hoya (Hoya Carnosa) plants. Their bold, beautiful, and glossy leaves enhance the elegance of your home, creating a pleasing atmosphere that can lighten your mood.
Hoya plants are also known as “easy-care” indoor plants because, unlike other grown-up seeds, they don’t require constant watering, cutting, and expensive premium fertilizers.
But ever wondered why even after your love and care, the leaves of these sweet-heart plants start to curl up?
Occasionally, it will happen. Thankfully, I’ve done all the hard work of figuring out why your hoya leaves start curling. Here are four common reasons why your hoya leaves begin to curl:
The most common reasons for hoya leaves curling are:
- Overwatering
- Underwatering
- Heat
- Humidity
- Mites
1. Over Watering Causes Hoya Leaves To Curl
Water stress is a condition where your Hoya plant either gets over-watered or under-watered.
If the Hoya is over-watered then the soil will get flooded with water. Overwatered soil will cut off the oxygen supply to roots and can lead to root damage and root rot.
If the Hoya is under-watered and it doesn’t receive the hydration it needs then you’ll end up with dry, curly, and brown leaves.
Hoyas do behave a bit like succulent plants.
Hoyas can retain water for more extended periods, so they don’t need to be watered too often, which is why they have a reputation for being “easy care” plants.
Follow these steps in order to determine when to water a Hoya plant:
- Insert your index finger into the soil 1 to 2 inches deep
- Feel for moisture
- Water if the soil is dry
- Do not water if the soil is wet or moist
2. Under Watering Causing Hoya Leaves To Curl
What a picky beast this Hoya is, if its’ leaves can curl from overwatering or under watering, right? Well, it’s true!
But it will take a while for under watering to cause a hoya’s leaves to curl.
In fact, if a Hoya’s leaves are curling from under watering then they may also be turning brown.
Unfortunately, it may not be easy to save it.
If you think your Hoya’s leaves have started to curl because of underwatering then give it a bit of fertilizer in addition to a fair bit of water.
While it may also be pot-bound, wait to see if it responds to the water and fertilizer before trying to re-pot it. Underwatering does not always mean the Hoya has died and it’s better to re-pot a healthy plant than to try to re-pot one that is dying.
3. Heat Stress Causes Hoya Leaves To Curl
Hoya plants need to be kept in a room that is warmer than 60 degrees Fahrenheit. They can stand to be a bit cooler in winter.
Hoyas are better suited to being an indoor plant than an outdoor plant. While they are succulent-like, Hoyas are more used to being in temperate zones where there aren’t significant variances in temperatures.
However, in the winter months, Hoyas do not like to be too warm.
If you prefer to keep your home on the warmer side during the winter months then place the Hoyas in the cooler rooms. Just try to keep the temperature mild and constant for the Hoya.
If Hoyas are subjected to sudden cold temperatures, like if the weather gets cold quickly or there’s a power outage, you may find that your hoya plant’s leaves will curl.
In most cases, the leaves will recover when the plant warms up, although you may lose some of the leaves if the cold exposure is too long.
4. Low Humidity Levels Cause Hoya Leaves To Curl
Hoyas, like most of us, want an environment that is “just right.”
Humidity levels that are too low may cause hoya leaves to curl. If you live somewhere that the air dries out, particularly in winter, you may want to supplement the humidity that your Hoya receives.
You can either move your Hoya into the bathroom when everyone takes their daily showers, or add a humidifier into your plant room.
While a hoya does need some humidity to thrive, it does not require a wet environment.
Hoyas don’t need to live permanently in your bathroom, especially if you have a family who all shower daily.
Too much humidity can be just as bad for the Hoya as not enough humidity!
5. Spider Mites Can Cause Hoya Leaves To Curl
Spider mites look like dust particles; they’re tiny, little, small creatures that are nearly impossible to notice.
You usually find them because you see a moving group or a bit of web material. You need to carefully inspect the plant and take action right away if you notice an infestation.
Mites feed on the liquid in the Hoya’s leaves that can cause dehydration of the leaves, leading to their curling.
The clear sign that your plant is affected by mites is the new Hoya leaves will curl downwards, wrinkle, and be undersized.
Spider mites are never a pleasant situation to deal with.
First, wash down your plant with a soft, damp cloth. You can use insecticide soap on your cloth, but Neem oil applied after washing is a much better solution. It will help keep the spider mites from thriving.
You may need to use the Neem oil on your Hoya plant more than once.
Make sure to isolate your Hoya plant from any other plants if you notice a spider mite invasion.
Spider mites love several different plant varieties and will happily make themselves at home among other plants if given half the chance.
Final Thoughts
While Hoya plants are considered easy to care for, there are some situations where their leaves may curl.
Keep these issues in mind as you care for your Hoya plants, and everything should go well.
With lots of proper care, excellent soil, and a healthy watering schedule, Hoya plants can live for many years.
