Hoya Seeds: The Key to Growing Stunning Indoor Wax Plants

Hoyas, commonly known as Wax plants or porcelain flowers, are extremely popular and attractive houseplants. This plant can be grown via different methods, including seeds.

If you want to experience growing Hoya from seed, keep reading the article.

Overview of Hoya Seeds

Hoya seeds initially develop in a greenish-brown pod attached to the plant. Later, they become individual seeds that appear to be oblong and silky.

If you split the pods, you will find the seeds inside. The seeds are tiny and brown and attached to a fluffy white fur-like tail.

Follow along the table to get to know every detail about this tiny seed.

Is it Possible to Grow Hoya Plant from Seed?

Usually, People propagate Hoyas solely from their cuttings.

However, it is possible to grow Hoyas from seeds under proper conditions.

Though it is easy to start Hoyas from seeds, it is the most time-consuming of all propagation methods.

Besides being time-consuming, the seeds also do not store well. 

If you have freshly harvested Hoya seeds, you should store them in a cool and dry location. When stored properly, the seeds can be viable for up to one month before planting.

For fresh seeds, you can collect the hoya seeds from the plant once the mature seed pods burst, or you can also buy the seeds from online retailers.

Where to Buy Hoya Seeds?

Hoyas are popular houseplants. Hence it is not hard to find the seeds to grow them.

Here are a few of them that sell Hoya seeds. 

Harvesting Hoya Seeds

Hoya plants require pollination before flowering to produce seed pods.

The first bloom on a Hoya plant typically occurs after three years, although it might take up to seven in some varieties.

It is best to wait for natural pollination, as hand-pollinating Hoya is incredibly tricky due to their unusual structure.

After the seed pods have ripened, they might take months to split apart and release their seeds into the air.

One Hoya seed pod will contain about ten tiny, brown seeds attached to a fluffy, furry-looking white tail.

It would be best to cover the seeds in a breathable organza bag as all of the seeds have floss on them, which causes them to fly around when the pod pop opens.

Before planting, the seeds can remain healthy for up to a month. But, if you keep the seed in a refrigerator at a slightly lower temperature, it can remain viable for as long as two months.

Best Time to Grow Hoya Plant Seed

You can sow Hoya seeds at any time of the year. However, Hoyas like warm weather. 

As a result, the best time to propagate Hoya seeds is from the end of spring to the beginning of autumn.

It is best to wait until spring or summer to grow a healthy Hoya plant. An adequately grown Hoya vine can reach up to 10 feet long indoors.

For sowing the plant in spring, you can place the seeds in a paper towel, spray some water on it, put it in a zip lock bag, and tape it onto a window. 

You can later transplant those seedlings after they germinate. 

How to Grow Hoya Plant from Seeds?

To germinate Hoya, you must gather seeds, a seed starting mix, a seed tray, trowels, and a humidifier.

You can easily propagate the Hoyas from stem cuttings. However, it is also possible to germinate Hoya via its seeds.

To sow and germinate the Hoya seeds, follow these steps.

1. Preparing the Container and Seeds

The seed pods of Hoya can take several months to ripen.

• When the seed pods split and release their seeds, remove the organza bag from the plant.
• Collect the freshly harvested seeds in a paper towel. 
• Soak the seed for at least 12 hours to rehydrate the seed. However, if you are using freshly harvested seed, skip this step.
• Using hot water and mild detergent, clean the germination tray or the plastic container.
• After rinsing the tray, you can spray it with diluted vinegar solution.

2. Sowing the Seeds

• Use an all-purpose potting soil that is light and airy. Ensure that the soil has at least 30% perlite or coarse sand.
• Now, put the potting soil in a container or pot with multiple drainage holes.
• Place your Hoya seeds firmly in a one-inch deep hole in the soil.
• Cover the seeds with a very thin layer of dry potting mix.
• Lastly, wait for the seeds to germinate

3. Growing the Seeds

• The seeds will typically germinate in about 7 to 10 days. 
• Once they develop three to four leaves, remove the lids and allow the seeds to acclimatize.
• You can use a high phosphorus fertilizer such as NPK 5-10-3 to encourage growth.
• Cover the germination tray with plastic wrap to maintain proper humidity.
• Wait for your plants to mature for a few weeks or months before relocating them to a separate pot.

4. Care for Hoya Seeds During Germination

Remember these crucial instructions while taking care of your Hoya plant seeds during germination.

• During germination, maintain the temperature around 68-77°F (20-25°C).
• You place a heating pad underneath the germination tray to boost the germination process.
• Hoyas seeds germinate fully in medium to bright indirect light, so place them near a window or use artificial grow light.
• Mist the seed using a spray bottle to make the soil moist but not soggy. Also, use a humidifier.
• No need to fertilize the seed, as the seeds extract all the necessary nutrients from the soil.

Generally, Hoya seeds will start to grow roots in about four to five weeks.

Care Instructions for Hoya Plant Seeds After Germination

Remember the following instructions after Hoya seed germination to prevent any problems.

• Water the seedling thoroughly using a mister and avoid overwatering.
• Use a pot with drainage holes in it to avoid root rot.
• Place the seedlings in warm south or west-facing location, and avoid direct sunlight.
• Alternatively, you can use LED grow lights and place them 2-3 inches for around 14-18 hours daily.
• Maintain a stable temperature of 65-80°F and around 60°F at night. You can also use a heating pad.
• Make sure to maintain a humidity of around 55%. Alternatively, you can also use a humidifier.
• Ensure that the plant is exposed to ample light and ventilation.
• Keep an eye out for sap-sucking pests like Mealy Bugs and Aphids.
• You can handpick the pests or use pesticides on the infected Hoya leaves.

You must be patient, as the Hoya plant may take three to four years to show its first bloom.

Watch this video for visual guidance on propagating Hoya from seeds.