The Hoya linearis is unlike most other Hoyas in terms of appearance. This unique beauty is popular and can be hard to find, although growers have worked to meet the demand. The linearis is more demanding than other members of the Hoya genus, but it is still an easy-care houseplant. Learn how to care for Hoya linearis.

Linearis Specifics

Hoya linearis is native to high altitudes in the Himalayan region of India. This plant grows as an epiphyte on trees, and the long vines hang down. The unique leaves are round, long, and thin and have a slightly hairy or fuzzy texture. The medium green leaves grow in pairs on opposite sides of the reaching stems and hang downwards.

At first glance, it’s easy to confuse the Hoya linearis with the Hoya retusa. The leaves of the linearis are thicker and more round and have a more uniform appearance than the retusa.

Based on the name, it is also easy to confuse the Hoya linearis with the Ceropegia linearis, or string of needles. The Hoya and Ceropegia both have slender, needle-like foliage, but the Ceropegia has flatter leaves that point upward.

Hoya Linearis Light Needs

Place your linearis in a spot that receives bright indirect sunlight. Morning sunlight and afternoon shade are a good combination because the linearis is from high altitudes, and hot temperatures are not its thing. Good spots are close to an east-facing window or a few feet from a south-facing window. Rotate the pot a quarter turn each time you water the plant so each side receives light and grows evenly.

How Often to Water Hoya Linearis

The linearis likes extremes when it comes to moisture. Wait until the soil is dry before watering the plant. Shriveled leaves indicate the plant is too dry and desperately needs water. Stick your finger in the soil, and if the potting mix is completely dry, it’s time to water. Saturate the soil when watering so the entire root system is wet. Allow water to drain through the pot, and don’t allow excess water to collect in the cache pot or saucer. The linearis does not need water often, but it likes a deep drink when it’s thirsty.

Factors like sunlight and humidity contribute to how quickly the soil dries out. It often takes longer for dampness to evaporate in the winter, so the plant will need less water. Always test the soil dampness, but plan to water every week to week-and-a-half during the summer and water every other week during the winter. 

Soil Needs

The soil must have good drainage so that excess water can drip away. The linearis grows on trees in nature, so it cannot handle overly wet, soggy conditions. Most succulent or cactus mixes also work well for Hoyas.

Temperature Requirements

The linearis can deal with slightly cooler temperatures than most other Hoya varieties, but anything between 60° and 80° F is considered comfortable. A prime location outdoors during the summer will help your linearis thrive, but play it safe and get the plant inside before the temperature drops below 60° F.

Humidity Needs

Humidity at or above 50% is ideal for the Hoya linearis. A naturally humid area like a kitchen or bathroom is good, but any area with increased dampness will work well. Low humidity is a problem, so consider running a humidifier if you live in an arid climate or your home is dry during the winter.

Fertilizer Tips

Keep your Hoya linearis growing with regular doses of fertilizer. Use a balanced, water-soluble plant food to support overall growth. Apply fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season. Hold back on fertilizing plants during the winter when they are dormant.

Does Hoya Linearis Bloom?

The linearis does bloom. White star-shaped flowers bloom in clusters and give off a faint lemon fragrance. Expect flowers near summer’s end or by early fall. The blooms typically last for two weeks. Hoyas only bloom when they are mature, happy, and comfortable, but you can lend a hand to encourage your plant to bloom.

Pruning Tips

Trim your Hoya linearis whenever it gets too big. This vining stunner can reach over six feet long, which is great if you have the space for such a large plant. Trim the stems to a manageable length and save the cut ends to propagate.

Avoid trimming any peduncles when pruning. Peduncles are the stalk that supports the flower clusters. Hoyas will rebloom from the same peduncles year after year as long as you don’t accidentally remove them when pruning.

When to Repot Hoya Linearis 

All Hoyas like to be rootbound. Give your linearis time to fill in and get comfortable in the pot. Don’t be in a hurry to repot if you see the very tip of a root just barely peaking through a drainage hole. The Hoya linearis is more apt to bloom when it fits snuggly in its pot.

Hoyas can go several years before needing a pot upgrade. I’ve heard of plant owners keeping Hoyas in the same pot for over a decade. If your plant is thriving and growing during the spring and summer, let it be. If the time does come when you choose to repot, give your linearis a pot that is no more than one inch larger. Most plants can handle a new pot up to two inches larger, but not Hoyas. Make sure the new pot has drainage and give the plant fresh soil.

Propagation Tips

Propagate Hoya linearis via cuttings that can be rooted in soil or water. Cuttings must have exposed nodes. The nodes are where the foliage attaches to the stem. Take a cutting with several sets of leaves and remove the lower leaves, exposing the nodes. Place the cut end in soil or water.

Give soil-propagated cuttings the best chance possible by tenting the cutting in plastic to create a mini greenhouse. Give water-propagated cuttings fresh water each week. Place the cutting in bright indirect sunlight. Roots can take several weeks to form, so be patient. Water-propagated cuttings can be transplanted to soil when the roots are at least one inch long.

Is Hoya Linearis Pet Safe?

The Hoya linearis is not poisonous, making this a good houseplant in homes with pets. With that said, damaged linearis leaves produce a white sap that can cause skin irritation. Be careful when handling the plant, and wash up if you come into contact with the sap. Consider placing the linearis up high and trimming the cascading stems so pets cannot reach it.

Hoya Linearis Styling Tips

The best way to style the Hoya linearis is to let this beauty do what it does best. The linearis is a vining plant, and the long vines are meant to hang down. Give your linearis a macrame hanger or tall shelf in a sunny spot, and enjoy the curtain-like effect of the dangling foliage. Young plants with short stems look charming in a planter on a desk or console table.

Hoya Linearis Care Tips

All Hoyas are stunning, but the distinctive leaves and impressive length of the vines make this easy-care houseplant an attractive addition to a home. Light and water are important aspects of plant care, but they are crucial to the Hoya linearis. Once you have a good sunny spot and a watering routine down, your plant will thrive.