Climbing or trailing, with thick and often unique foliage, Hoyas, or Porcelain flowers, are tropical houseplants that charm with their delicate and fragrant flowering. Their waxy, star-shaped flowers resemble fine porcelain. They most often appear in autumn and emit a sweet, vanilla-like fragrance, especially in the evening. Among the most popular Porcelain flowers, Hoya carnosa captivates with its fleshy leaves and pink or white flowers, while Hoya kerrii, nicknamed “heart plant,” is sought after for its heart-shaped leaves. They thrive in a warm, bright environment, protected from direct sunlight. Propagation of porcelain flowers is very easy through propagation by cuttings. Whether you choose the stem cutting technique in water or in soil, both methods yield excellent results.
To learn more, also read our article "How to grow a Hoya?"
How to take a cutting of a porcelain flower in water ?
Ideal period: from March to September
The stem cutting technique in water allows you to monitor the appearance of roots in real time. It is an ideal method for beginners.
Necessary materials
- Disinfected pruning shear or scissors
- Glass or glass vase
- Rainwater or non-calcareous water
Successfully propagate Hoya in 5 steps
- Select a healthy Porcelain flower stem of 8 to 10 cm with at least two nodes. Remove the lower leaves, leaving only those at the top.
- Submerge the base of the stem in a glass of water, ensuring that one or two nodes are immersed.
- Place the cutting in a bright location without direct sunlight.
- Change the water every 3 to 5 days to prevent stagnation.
- When the roots are about 3 to 5 cm long, replant the cutting in a well-draining substrate suitable for Hoyas.
Taking a cutting of a porcelain flower in soil
Ideal period: from spring to autumn
Cutting in soil (or in a substrate) avoids the stress of repotting. It is often recommended for vigorous species such as Hoya australis or Hoya carnosa.
Necessary materials
- Pot with drainage holes
- Substrate for propagating a hoya (potting soil + perlite or sand)
- Cloche or transparent plastic bag (optional)
- Spray bottle
Steps to propagate a Hoya
- Take a Hoya stem of 10 to 12 cm, with at least two nodes. Remove the lower leaves.
- Let the base dry for 2 to 4 hours to form a callus.
- Plant the stem in a pot filled with moistened substrate, up to the first node.
- Optionally cover with a perforated plastic bag to maintain constant humidity.
- Place the cutting in bright light at room temperature (between 20 and 25 °C).
- Water sparingly with a spray bottle, only when the substrate dries on the surface.
- Rooting occurs in 3 to 6 weeks depending on the conditions.
The case of Hoya Kerrii: sold as a simple heart-shaped leaf, this Hoya cannot be propagated. Indeed, without a stem portion containing a node, it remains purely decorative and will never form a new plant.
Care for a porcelain flower cutting
Once your Hoya cutting is well-rooted, a few simple actions can promote its growth and help it become a robust and floriferous plant. Here’s how to successfully care for a Hoya after propagation.
Exposure
Place your young Hoya in a bright location, away from direct sunlight. Bright indirect light is ideal to stimulate its growth without burning the young leaves.
Watering
Watering the porcelain flower should remain moderate. Allow the substrate to dry on the surface between waterings. Excess moisture is the main cause of failure after propagation. In winter, significantly reduce watering.
Temperature
Hoyas prefer a stable temperature between 18 and 25 °C. Avoid drafts and thermal shocks, especially in the weeks following propagation.
Repotting
Wait until the roots fill the small pot, usually after 2 to 3 months, before proceeding with the repotting of the Hoya. Use a well-draining substrate and a slightly larger pot with good drainage.
Fertiliser
Six to eight weeks after rooting, you can start fertilising your plant with a houseplant fertiliser, at half strength. Apply it only in spring and summer, once a month at most.
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