The popularity and demand for the magnificent vining ornamental plant known as “Hoya Sunrise” are indeed rising. This particular variety of Hoya has exquisite white and yellow flowers. However, the green foliage of this plant, which is in the shape of a teardrop, becomes red or reddish pink when sun stressed.
The tough, rare, and breathtaking Hoya Sunrise will grab everyone’s attention wherever you place it, making it worthy of your attention. Aside from being one of the easiest plants to maintain, gardeners find it more rewarding due to its fragrant blooms. They are truly beautiful ornamental and epiphytic plants perfect for all novices.
Do you want to know more about this gorgeous vining plant? Let’s look around Hoya Sunrise through a lens in this article to learn more about it.
Hoya Sunrise Profile
General Information
Hoya Sunrise is an evergreen perennial climbing cultivar hybrid of the flowering plants Hoya obscura and Hoya lacunosa. The genus Hoya, which belongs to the Apocynaceae family, is prominent in Southeast Asia. Hoyas are epiphyte houseplants, which means it grows on another plant’s surface.
This Hoya cultivar is distinguished by its dark-green, teardrop-shaped leaves. When exposed to sunlight, these leaves become purple and display the red veins that run across the foliage. These red or purple veins run along the stems and leaves. Its flowers are always white; however, they can have pink accents. This Hoya grows to a maximum of 10 feet or more.
Etymology
The genus name “Hoya” was coined by botanist Robert Brown, honoring his botanist friend, Thomas Hoy. On the other hand, the cultivar name “Sunrise” describes the leaves’ reddish hue when exposed to the sun for a long time.
Flowering
The Hoya Sunrise flower is tiny and exquisite in a spherical form that is yellow and white in color and has a sweaty, almost honey-like aroma. These perennials produce up to one-inch-long flowers all through the fall and winter, appearing from the leaves’ axils.
Up to 35 blooms can be seen in each umbel as it grows in clusters. Each umbel is around the size of three fingers when extended from the tips to the knuckles at the base.
Related: Hoya Krimson Queen: The #1 Most Informative Care, Propagation, and Watering Guide
Season of Interest and Purchasing
The best times to see them bloom are in the spring or summer, while some types bloom best in the fall. The pale green veins really shine out against the reddish foliage, making it more lovely. When combined, the hues create a magnificent visual effect that is both original and striking.
Growth
Hoya sunrise is a climbing cultivar that thrives as an epiphyte in Southeast Asian woods. It gradually develops to a height of one foot and continues to grow up to 10 feet or more. This plant grows in an upright pattern, with narrow leaves that are six inches long, two inches wide at their broadest point, and up to four inches long from the base.
Hoya Sunrise Overview
| Scientific name | Hoya obscura x lacunosa ‘Sunrise’ |
| Common name/s | Hoya ‘Sunrise’ |
| Family | Apocynaceae |
| Growth Habit | Herbaceous vine |
| Height and Spread | up to 10 feet or more in length in the wild, up to 6 feet indoors |
| Classification based on life cycle | Perennial |
| Origin and Distribution | Widely distributed in Southeast Asia |
| Climate Zone | Generally mild climate |
| USDA Plant Hardiness Zone | USDA Zone 9-11 |
| Color | Green leaves that are teardrop-shaped that has reddish or purplish hue when exposed to sun |
Care Tips
Light Requirement
The Hoya Sunrise thrives in indirect lighting that ranges from medium to bright light. They work well in both natural and artificial lighting. However, a low lighting condition is rarely beneficial to foliage. Avoid direct sun, which can cause sunburn and leaf blistering.
The ideal location of this Hoya would be within 3 feet of an east-or west-facing window. This will ensure this plant gets enough bright shade or gentle, direct sunlight without sunburn.
Temperature Requirement
Southeast Asia has an extremely hot environment all year round because of its equator-bound location. Because of this, tropical plants like Hoya Sunrise require a warm atmosphere to grow. A temperature of between 60°F (16°C) and 80°F (27°C) is considered ideal. They abhor extreme temperature changes since they might stunt growth and cause the leaves to droop and become limp.
However, these plants need temperatures of about 50 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the blooming season to thrive. Furthermore, leaf yellowing and decreased development may be brought on by extremely cold weather.
Water Requirement
Hoya Sunrise plants demand regular watering and thrive in moist conditions. Check the soil once a week and water if the top half is dry. To test this, simply dig with your finger until your knuckle contacts the soil. Before watering again, allow the top two inches of potting mix to dry.
When watering your Hoya Sunrise, it’s crucial to provide adequate soil drainage and water balance. Water your soil regularly if the soil is light and airy. On the other hand, water it less frequently if it’s heavy and compacted.
Humidity Requirement
Using a pebble tray, humidifier, or mist, you may obtain the 40%–60% humidity level that is appropriate for Hoya Sunrise. It helps to provide a more humid atmosphere that is perfect for growing different kinds of houseplants and retaining the color of their leaves.
A lack of humidity is characterized by dry, crunchy leaf tips and edges of your Hoya Sunrise. It is also possible for the leaves to become brown.
Soil Requirement
The Hoya Sunrise thrives in well-drained soil. Therefore, to encourage healthy blooming and ensure the soil is nutrient-rich and organic, you should give your Hoya Sunrise an organic, well-draining soil mixture. As with other Hoyas, a pH level of 6-7 is optimal. A loose potting mixture composed of cactus soil, orchid mix, vermiculite, and perlite is a great way to achieve this.
Fertilizer Requirement
Fertilizer is essential for the plant’s growth and development. Hoya Sunrise is a light feeder, which means it does not require a lot of plant food, as this can eventually do more harm than good. A well-balanced liquid fertilizer with a slow release is preferable, as is a nitrogen-rich fertilizer with an NPK level of (15-15-15).
However, you can fertilize the Hoya Sunrise plant in late April throughout the growing season to encourage the prolific growth rate.
Space Requirement
The Hoya plants thrive in hanging, terracotta, or ceramic planters that have ample drainage holes at the base. Its growth rate will be accelerated with the help of these pots.
The Hoya Sunrise should also have at least a 3-foot space between it and its neighbors, as it has the potential to get fairly big if given enough freedom to climb.
Related: Hoya Retusa: The #1 Most Informative Care, Propagation, and Watering Guide
Growing and Planting Tips
Propagation
To create new seedlings or to save a dying plant, Hoya Sunrise is relatively easy to propagate via stem cuttings. Continue reading below for detailed information on how to propagate this plant.
Propagation by stem-cuttings
To propagate by stem cuttings, you must cut stems from a healthy mother plant. Plant the cutting in readily cultivated, wet soil. To allow for root growth, ensure at least three nodes beneath the soil. Immerse the stem with rooting hormone where you cut it. Place the plant in the pot or terracotta in a warm location with enough indirect light after you can no longer observe root development.
After that, when you notice new roots forming and it has expanded to 1 inch, you may transplant your young Hoya Sunrise into a pot with well-draining soil. The roots will spread out after a month, so pay close attention to them. Please don’t give it a lot of water at that time and fertilize it on the average.
Pruning
An effective technique to encourage vigorous growth is pruning. However, Hoya Sunrise grows slowly and requires minimal trimming. You may prune your plant only once a year, right before the growing season. Using sterile cutting tools, remove the stems and leaves that are weak, damaged, or discolored.
Trimming the undesirable growth and leaves will help the Hoya plant thrive.
Moreover, conserving the plants will help them flourish and look better.
Potting and Repotting
Terracotta pots are the ideal medium for hoyas. Because of their porous nature, they will assist the soil in drying out quicker. However, these plants also do well in ceramic or hanging planters, as long as they have well-draining holes.
You should repot your plants towards the end of the growing season, once every two to three years, to avoid problems like stunted growth from being completely root-bound or the soil losing some of its nutrients during a drought.
Hoya Sunrise Care
| Light | Medium to bright, indirect light |
| Temperature | Intermediate to warm, 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Water | Once a week, increased in summer, decreased in winter |
| Soil | Airy, well-draining soil, organic, rich |
| Fertilization | Regular household fertilizer, once a month |
| Space | Plenty of space to creep or climb, 3 feet between plants |
| Propagation | Via stem cuttings |
| Blooming | Spring and summer |
| Pruning | Minimal pruning |
| Potting | Regular potting mix, use of organic materials such as peat moss, perlite, charcoal, orchid bark, coconut husk, and clay balls. |
Problem and Troubleshooting
Overwatering
There might be more severe effects on your Hoya Sunrise from overwatering a plant than just browning leaves. Excessive watering will result in root rot, sogginess, and irreversible root damage.
Check for overwatering by inserting your index finger one to two inches into the soil. If it appears dry, you may water it again. However, if it is still damp or moist, skip watering for the next day or two. Additionally, check the pot’s drainage and ensure that the soil dries between waterings.
Underwatering
Underwatering may be indicated by drooping leaves that appear to be dead. This is caused by insufficient water or losing too much water as a result of environmental circumstances, such as too much direct sunlight or extremely high temperature.
Underwatered plants are characterized by dry leaves, brown tips, leaf drops, withering, and leaf curling. Plant growers are advised to have appropriate watering routines and avoid direct sunlight.
Nutrient Deficiency
Slower growth, browning of the leaves, paler patterns, and other signs of nutrient insufficiency are possible. Feed your plant to promote root development and stronger leaves to avoid this problem. However, if you have a high-quality organic potting mix, this house plant doesn’t need a lot of fertilizer.
This plant intervention is necessary since NPK functions best in fertilizers. A suitable maintenance routine is also required to prevent a plant from suffering from nutritional shortages.
Flowering Problems
Hoya Sunrise has star-shaped white or pinkish blooms. However, without adequate care, you may never see it happen. Furthermore, if you place Hoya Sunrise in a dark or shaded position, it will not blossom. Sufficient light and enough natural light is the key to Hoya flowering.
If you meet the essential requirements for your Hoya, you will have blooms all year. Some will bloom in their first year of development, while others may take two, three, or even four years to bloom.
Pests and Diseases
Hoyas attract pests. The most frequent pests that affect your Hoya Sunrise are mealybugs, spider mites, and scale. Furthermore, when a plant is stressed, it is more vulnerable to fungi, bacteria, and insects.
Hoya Sunrise Pests and Diseases
| Common Pests/Diseases | Symptoms | Treatment and Prevention |
Common diseases include crown rot, stem rot, root rot, leaf spot, fungal diseases, and Xanthomonas infection | Yellowish rimming around black or dark brown spots on leaves | Avoid overwatering. Keep soil dry. Avoid too high humidity. Proper ventilation is needed around the plant. Remove infected parts of fungal infections to avoid spreading |
Common pests include mealybugs, spider mites, aphids, and scales | Visible insects on the surface | Spray plant with warm, soapy water. If infestation is present, use insecticide or neem oil. Use diatomaceous earth. |
Problems with People and Animals
Toxicity
The Hoya Sunrise, like other plants of its genus, is hazardous. Children or dogs should not ingest these plants since they generate a hazardous milky white sap. The sap is toxic to animals or humans and can make them unwell and have severe allergic reactions when ingested.
Hoya Sunrise Meaning and Symbolism
Hoyas produce lovely circular clusters of fragrant flowers. The wax plant represents wealth and safety. It is best given to people who you wish for safety at all times and prosperity in life.
| General Meaning | Wealth and safety |
| Symbolism | Prosperity and safety |
Landscaping and Gardening Ideas
Companion Plants
Given that this type of plant likes to sprawl, the Hoya Sunrise vine will thrive best when combined with other indoor plants with lots of room in their containers. Cacti and succulents are good plant companions. They have a similar preference for warm areas and loose, well-draining soil with your Hoya Sunrise.
Other suitable partners for Hoya Sunrise are the Blue Star Fern and Bird’s Nest Fern.
- Blue Star Fern, an epiphyte that grows on trees, is native to the tropical rainforests of South America. Blue star fern is a simple indoor plant that thrives in the lower light levels present in most rooms. This indicates that together with Hoya Sunrise, it will create a more humid environment, a muggy location that is shaded by the sun.
- Bird’s nest fern (Asplenium nidus), commonly known as spleenwort and a native of southeast Asia, is a low-maintenance plant that grows best in warm, humid conditions. This fern complements your Hoya Sunrise well and adds a wonderful charm to your interior decor.
Landscaping Ideas
Hoya sunrise plants are unique blooming plants that may offer a unique flare to your home or yard. It grows well in clay pots, hanging baskets, small gardens, and containers. Considering Hoya Sunrise plants are climbers, they require a large and heavy container to hold the plant, such as moss poles or trellis.
It grows best indoors, where there is plenty of area for it to cascade. This plant provides a motif in the fragrant or aromatherapy garden with its attractive blossoms, decorative leaves, and fragrant flowers. It also helps to improve the atmosphere.
Conclusion
The epiphytic vine Hoya Sunrise, a hybrid between Hoya obscura and Hoya lacunosa, is renowned for its minimal maintenance, making it ideal for novices. This is truly a gorgeous plant that draws attention with its distinctive leaves, and green foliage in the shape of a teardrop that becomes red or reddish pink when exposed to sunlight.
The Hoya Sunrise is an outstanding houseplant choice due to its striking appearance and lovely ornamental leaves. If you are thinking of starting a Hoya collection, do not ever miss the chance of getting the unique Hoya Sunrise.
FAQS
- Does the Hoya Sunrise grow fast?
The Hoya Sunrise is a mid to fast-growing vine assuming proper care and attention. Ensure that your plant receives adequate lighting, fertilizer, humidity, and watering frequency.
- Does the Hoya Sunrise bloom?
Yes! Hoyas are flowering vines. They flower in the summer and spring seasons when temperatures rise and humidity levels in the environment increase. Proper light quality and amount are also critical for flowering since the flowering genes of the plant are light-activated.
- Why is my Hoya Sunrise browning?
The browning of the plants can be due to several reasons. However, most of these symptoms are caused by water stress, particularly overwatering. Rectify your watering schedule if this is the leading cause.
However, too much light can also make your foliage brown. Make sure to place them in a bright indirect light setting to avoid having this problem.
- How do you care for a Hoya Sunrise?
The care for Hoya Sunrise is fairly easy. A bright indirect light, high humidity, well-draining potting soil, and a proper watering schedule are a must to have a thriving plant. You may also need to feed your plant once a month to facilitate its growth and development.
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The majority of people who have no interest in the subject, and aren’t green fingered assume that all plants and vegetables require the same growing conditions. This is not the case at all. Each plant has its own unique and interesting history and growing process.
I hope you will find The Natural List useful, and that it will help educate you on the wide variety of different flower and plant species there are across the globe.
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