Many growers confuse Hoya kentiana vs. Hoya wayetii because these two plants look very similar in appearance.
To make a clear selection, continue reading to find similarities and differences between two popular Hoyas.
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Hoya Kentiana vs. Wayetii: Similarities
Hoya plants make perfect houseplants for their lush leaf growth, small leaves, vining stems, and colorful flowers.
Among the Hoyas, Hoya Kentiana and Wayetii are two popular choices for their lush growth, air-purifying abilities, and ornamental appearance as houseplants.
In fact, these two plants share more similarities than differences, which often confuse the growers. They both come from the family Apocynaceae, widely found in Southeast Asia.
| Similarity | Hoya Kentiana and Hoya Wayetii |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Wax Plant, Waxvine, and Waxflower |
| Origin | Southeast Asia (Thailand, Philippines, Malaysia, etc.) |
| Leaf Appearance | Thick succulent-like with dark green shade and prominent white veins |
| Leaf Markings | Speckled or flecked spots around the leaf |
| Flower Color | Pink to maroon, sometimes red and purple |
| Flower Size | Small, clustered in a group |
| Flower Fragrance | Sweet or mild scent |
| Growth Habit | Trailing or climbing |
| Uses | Ornamental plant |
| Lighting | Bright, indirect light |
| Watering Needs | Allow soil to dry out |
| Temperature Range | 65-80°F (18-27°C) |
| Humidity Preferences | Prefers higher humidity |
| Toxicity | Mildly toxic if ingested |
Remember, Hoya is a tropical plant requiring warm temperatures, high humidity, and indirect sunlight, without which it will fail to grow.
Ensuring Hoya Kentiana and Wayetii’s lush growth will depend on the environment that you can create at home!
Hoya Kentiana vs. Wayetii: Differences
Hoya kentiana and wayetii are not the same plants but come from the same family, geographic region, and environment.
In fact, most growers do not even care as they appear the same, making differentiating between the two plants a Herculean task.
Here are a few tell-tale differences between the two Hoyas to help you make a clear selection.
1. Growth size
These two Hoyas share similar vining growth habits but display different sizes and spread habits.
Hoya wayetii, at maturity, may reach up to 3 feet tall and spread only about one and a half feet, whereas Hoya kentiana will hardly reach a foot tall but displays significant spread, up to 6 feet or more.
However, how tall or long your Hoya plant spreads will depend on the growth environment and care provided.
Note: Hoyas are best grown in hanging pots instead of trellis to encourage longer vines and ornamental appearance.
2. Flowers
Both Hoyas grow small flowers appearing in a group but slightly differing in color.
Hoya Wayetii grows dark to maroon-colored flowers, whereas Kentiana displays lightly-scented purple flowers with yellow eyes.
Moreover, Kentiana’s flower stems are darker and pink or red, whereas Wayetii’s are green.
3. Leaf Shape
The stark difference between the two is the leaf size.
Hoya Kentiana displays narrow, long leaves measuring 5-10 cm (2-4 inches) long.
In comparison, Hoya Wayetii leaves are narrow and slightly wider (ovate) in shape, measuring 7-12 cm (3-5 inches) long.
Both plants share prominent white beings with speckled markings on their leaves, so look closer at their appearance.
4. Leaf Texture
Hoya Kentiana shares glossy green leaves with dark edges and stains of red throughout the year.
On the other hand, Wayetii has a slightly similar color appearance with a stunning mix of green, cream, and soft pink.
The red stain on the edges will appear depending on the sunlight each plant gets.
From Editorial Team
Conclusion!
Hoyas make beautiful plants atop a desk or near windows in your home.
Ensure to provide close to a tropical environment by misting regularly in summer or using humidifying tray.
Remember to clip off dead, decayed leaves and stems a couple of times yearly to ensure healthy vining growth.
