12 Must-Have Hoya Plants for Canadian Homes

According to research, there are over 500 species of Hoya plants worldwide, each with its distinct growth habits. Some climb, some trail, and some surprise you with colorful variegation and star-shaped blooms.

Not all of them can survive in dry air, low light, and long winters, which are common in Canadian homes. Choosing the wrong Hoya means it will not grow or bloom, and you will only waste your time. This guide solves that problem.

We have shared 12 tried and tested Hoya plants types that boom in Canadian conditions. Discover easy Hoya care tips, propagation methods, and essential safety guidelines if you have pets.

A Quick Look at the 12 Types of Hoya Plants

These Hoya types all grow well indoors and have leaves that change as they mature.

12 Best Types of Hoya Plants

Here are the 12 types of Hoya, which can be easily grown indoors, each with its unique qualities. Let’s explore what makes each of them unique!

1. Hoya Compacta 'Hindu Rope'

It is an evergreen vine characterized by its curled, green leaves and climbing habit. It is a unique variant of Hoya carnosa. It is considered an easy-care plant, which makes it an excellent choice for both beginner and experienced plant owners.

More Features:

• Leaf size is 1.2 inches (3cm) wide and 2-4 inches (5-10cm) long
• It's a slow-growing, semi-succulent, and evergreen vine
• Like other Hoya species, it also produces seed pods
• Its flowers are pale pink with red centers and a sweet fragrance 

Best Placement: Place in a hanging basket and bright light, it will help the vines trail beautifully, and it will grow fuller.

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Buying Tip: Choose a plant with firm stems, healthy and tight curls, and a well-rooted base, as it will grow faster and experience less transplant shock.

2. Hoya Kerrii (Sweetheart Plant)

Hoya carnosa is a delightful and heart-warming plant, also known as the sweetheart plant. It's often given as a gift on Valentine's Day because of its heart-shaped leaves. It's non-toxic to both pets and humans, making it an ideal choice for indoor settings.

What Makes it Special:

• Leaf size is around 2-5 inches long (5-12 cm)
• A mature Hoya kerri plant can grow 6-13 feet longer or more with proper care
• Its flowers are white with reddish brown centers, with a pleasing fragrance
• Its leaves are thick, around 0.2 inches (0.5cm), and it's a succulent plant

Best Placement: Place it in indirect bright light in a small pot. This encourages healthy leaf growth and helps maintain its heart shape.

Learn how to care for Hoya Kerrii, the heart-shaped succulent known for its easy maintenance, slow growth, and unique look perfect for sunny indoor spots.

Buying Tip: Opt for a complete, rooted plant over a single-leaf cutting. Only full plants continue to grow while single leaves often stay decorative and don’t develop vines.

3. Hoya Mathilde

Produces white fragrant star-shaped flowers, and its trailing vines make it a perfect choice for indoor use. It's known for its small, round leaves and is suitable for a hanging basket.

More Features:

• The leaf size is 2cm in length, and the width is 1.5cm
• It can grow in various styles because of its compact vining habit
• Hoya can grow to 20-60 cm in width and 60-120 cm in height with proper care

Best Placement: Place it on a windowsill or shelf in a medium indirect light; this supports growth and keeps the leaves healthy.

Discover low-maintenance indoor plants that clean the air and thrive with minimal care perfect for freshening up any room naturally.

Buying Tip: Select a plant with fresh, green leaves and clear, silver spots. These signs show the plant is healthy and growing well.

4. Hoya Obovata

It's a fast-growing, semi-succulent variety of Hoya, characterized by its round leaves. It needs indirect light and well-draining soil. It produces pink and white flowers that smell like chocolate and cinnamon. 

Some more features:

• Leaves are 6-15 cm in length and 8-10 cm in width 
• A plant can grow (3.6 - 6 meters), 12-20 feet in length
• It's a fast-growing and succulent plant
• Its climbing habits make it a good choice for indoor gardening

Best Placement: Let it climb a trellis or hang it near a window. This setup will keep leaves strong, and the plant will grow faster.

Buying Tip: Choose a plant with long runners and small fresh leaves. New growth means the plant is healthy and actively growing.

5. Hoya Krimson Queen

This trailing Hoya features creamy-white edges and soft pink new growth. It produces long vines with proper care, which lightens up the shelves, hanging baskets, and trellises.

More Features:

• Its leaves are waxy, thick, and fleshy
• Leaf size is 7.6 cm (3in) in length and 5 cm (2 in) in width
• Vines grow indoors about 90-180 cm (3-6 feet)
• It grows faster in humid conditions with indirect light

Best Placement: Place it on a trellis or in a hanging pot near a bright window, but in indirect sunlight. This helps the plant grow easily and will keep the color bright.

Get clear answers to the most asked plant care common questions covering watering, lighting, soil, repotting, and more. Perfect for new and seasoned plant owners.

Buying Tip: Select a plant with soft pink tips and clean, white edges on its leaves; these signs indicate that it's growing well under good light and care.

Still wondering which Hoya variety to start with? We found this helpful Reddit thread where plant lovers share their top picks for beginners.

Best Hoya for a Hoya beginner
byu/ThatGirlWithAGarden inhoyas

 

 

6. Hoya Wayetii Tricolour

A colorful plant with glossy leaves and a trailing habit that shifts shades depending on light. Its compact form and tricolored foliage make it perfect for hanging displays or small trellises.

More Features:

• Leaf size is  2 cm (0.75-1.25 in wide, 5-9 cm (2-3.5 in) in length
• Leafs have slightly wavy edges with pointed tips
• Its leaf color can be pink, lime, or green, and it often has dark green lines on its edges
• Indoors, it grows 3-4 feet (90-120cm) under proper care

Best Placement: Place it near a bright window with indirect light or on a warm shelf. This setup will bring out its colors beautifully.

Buying Tip: Pick a plant with bold color contrast and reddish or pink new leaves.  This indicates the plant is growing well and getting proper light.

7. Hoya Macrophylla Variegata

It's a climbing or trailing Hoya with large creamy margins and veined leaves.  It grows slowly, but its thick, waxy foliage makes it a standout.

More Features:

• Leaf size is around 5–7 cm (2–3 in) wide and 15 cm (6 in) long
• Leaf shape is ovate with deep veins and waxy texture
• The color is deep green in the center, with creamy yellow or white margins, and new growth may have pink tones
• It grows to 1.2-1.8 meters (4-6 feet) indoors and  4.5 meters (15 feet) outdoors 

Best Placement: Place it near a bright window that will keep the leaf color vibrant and help the plant grow straighter.

Buying Tip: Choose a plant with clean, creamy white edges and big, firm leaves. Avoid picking curled sides or those with brown spots, as these may indicate poor care. 

8. Hoya Pubicalyx Silver Splash

It's a fast-growing Hoya with silver-flecked and elongated leaves. This variety is both dramatic and easy to care for. It’s ideal for those looking for a trailer with vigorous climbers striking foliage.

More Features:

• Leaves are elongated and pointed
• Leaf Size is up to 10 cm long and a few centimeters wide
• Shape is oblong
• The leaf color is dark green with silver splashes
• Vines can reach 10-15 feet (3-4.5 meters indoors with proper support and care

Best Placement: Place it in indirect bright light with a moss pole or trellis for climbing. Let it trail from a hanging pot. This will bring out more pink and silver tones in the leaves and boost the fast growth.

Buying Tip: Choose a plant with bold silver spots and firm, fast-growing vines. These signs indicate that it's receiving good light and is actively growing.

9. Hoya Krimson Princess

Hoya Krimson Princess is a stunning climbing vine characterized by its pink or creamy white centers and green edges. It's often confused with Krimson Queen, but the specific difference is that Princess has its variegation in the center, not the margins. 

More Features:

• Leafs are lance-shaped and are thicker and shorter than Krimson Queen
• Leaf size is about 2-4 cm wide and 5–7 cm long 
• They are slightly succulent and waxy
• Pink or white centers with green edges
• Vines grow 12-18 ft outdoors; 3-4 ft outdoors with support

Best Placement: Train on a trellis in indirect bright light or hang it near a window. This keeps the plant growth healthy.

Buying Tip: Pick a plant with clear white or pink centers. Avoid buying dull colors; this is a signal of poor care.

10. Hoya Parasitica Black Margin

A striking variety with dark-bordered leaves, this Hoya stands out for its intense contrast and bold texture. It is a vining plant that thrives in warm, bright spaces and adds a dramatic touch to any collection.

More Features:

• Leaf size is 10–15 cm (4–6 inches) in length and 15–20 cm (6–8 inches) wide, including vine spread
• Leaf shape is ovate with a pointed tip and slightly curved edges
• The leaf color is deep green with silver splashes and prominent black margins; new growth appears nearly black
• The leaf texture is smooth with clearly visible, structured venation
• Grows well with support, trailing or climbing several feet indoors

Best Placement: Place it on a shelf with bright indirect light or in a hanging basket. Light will help to bring out the deep silver patterns and bold black edges.

Buying Tip: Pick a plant with strong splashes and clear black margins on the leaves. These signs indicate that the plant's health is good and it's receiving proper light conditions. 

11. Hoya Australis Lisa

This stunning variegated cultivar of Hoya Australis is a fast-growing, trailing or climbing vine known for its striking foliage. The new leaves emerge with pink or red hues and mature into a blend of creamy yellow, light green, and deep green, creating a watercolor-like effect across the plant.

Some more traits:

• Leaf size is 10–15 cm in length and around 7 cm in width
• Leaves are smooth, rounded to elliptical, with light veining
• The variegation includes light green, creamy yellow, and darker green, with pink or red tones on new growth
• In its natural habitat, it can grow up to 10 meters (33 feet). But indoors, it's usually pruned and trained to grow 1–2 meters for manageability

Best Placement: Let it trail from a hanging pot near indirect light; this will allow it to grow easily.

Buying Tip: Look for a sturdy central vine or pink-tinted new leaves; these are key signs of active growth and adequate light exposure.

12. Hoya Davidcummingii

This Hoya is small with round, glossy leaves and cute blooms. It is famous for its star-shaped, pink, and red fragrant flowers. 

Some traits:

• Leaf size is 4-6 cm in length and 1.5-2cm in width 
• This plant has a sweet, butter caramel-like fragrance
• The leaf color is light green underneath, and the top is dark green
• Grows almost 1 meter long 

Best Placement: Keep it in a small pot on a shelf that gets bright, indirect light. Consistent light encourages more blooms and keeps the leaves glossy and healthy.

Buying Tip: Pick a plant with new growth tips and visible buds. This will increase your chances of getting flowers soon after you bring them home.

Simple Care Guide for Growing Hoya Plants Indoors

Hoyas don’t need much - just the right light, soil, and some basic attention to grow happily indoors.

Light:

Hoyas love bright light, but direct sunlight can be harmful to them. Keep them near a window from which they can receive filtered, soft light for an extended period.

If you’re confused about choosing a place for hoy, you can check out our plant light guide.

Water:

Don't follow a strict schedule to water the plants; water only when the top inch of soil feels dry. Let extra water drain thoroughly; never let the roots sit in soggy or compacted soil.

You can check out our complete indoor plant watering guide for more helpful tips.

Humidity:

These plants prefer moderate humidity but usually adapt well to normal home air levels. Mist leaves occasionally, or place a small water tray nearby to increase local humidity.

Soil & Pot:

Use a well-draining, airy soil, and select a pot with proper drainage holes. Avoid using heavy soil that holds water, as it can suffocate the roots and cause root rot.

Understand the importance of choosing the right pot size for trailing and climbing Hoyas to prevent root rot and support growth.

Fertilizer

Feed once a month in spring and summer using a light, balanced liquid fertilizer. Don’t fertilize in winter - Hoyas rest during the colder months and don’t need extra food.

Cleaning & Pruning

Wipe the leaves with a soft, damp cloth to remove dust, allowing the plant to breathe. Trim dead leaves or tangled vines to keep the plant healthy, complete, and growing strong.

How To Propagate Hoya Plants?

You can grow new Hoyas using three easy methods, all of which can be done indoors with basic tools and care. These methods include stem cuttings, simple layering, and leaf cuttings, depending on the type of plant and available space.

Comprehensive step-by-step guide to regrowing Hoya and other indoor plants using stem cuttings, layering, and proven propagation techniques.

What You’ll Need for the Propagation of Plants

• Clean scissors or pruning shears
• Water jar, moist soil, or moss
• 4–6 inch stem with two leaves
• Bright spot without direct sun
• Optional: rooting hormone or humidity cover

Stem Cuttings

Cut a stem that is 4-6 inches long, with one node and a pair of healthy leaves. Place the cutting in soil, water, or moss and wait until the roots start forming from the node.

Simple Layering

Bend a stem from your plant and bury its one node under moist soil. Don’t detach the plant and keep it pinned down using a small rock or a clip until the roots have grown and it can be separated. 

Leaf Cuttings

Hoya may root from a single leaf, but it can rarely develop into a whole plant without issues with its stem. Only try this method with varieties known for their ability to propagate through leaves, and expect slower or weaker growth overall.

Are Hoyas Safe for Pets?

Yes, Hoyas are safe for cats and dogs. According to the ASPCA, this plant is non-toxic for pets. More popular Hoya types, such as Hoya Australis, Hoya Kerri, and Hoya Pubicalyx, are also not listed in any toxic plant database. That's why they are safe for your home. 

Learn whether Hoya plants are safe for pets and explore practical tips to create a pet-friendly indoor environment while caring for your houseplants.

If They Are Safe, Then Why Be Careful?

Hoyas don't poison your pet, but if your pet chews it, then it can create a problem. If it's chewed many times, it can cause mild stomach issues and vomiting, or the pet may feel uncomfortable. Plants are not generally digestible for pets, and if your pet keeps nibbling at them, it will not only damage the plant but also form a bad habit. 

Tips To Keep Both Plants and Pets Safe

• Place your Hoyas on a shelf, hanging pots, and plant stands that are not accessible to pets
• Don't place them near furniture or windowsills from which pets can easily reach them
• To distract their attention from the plant, offer pet-safe things like chew toys and cat grass
• If the pet frequently shows an interest in plants, then consider changing the location of the plant
• Every time you buy a plant, always check its safety first

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most sought-after Hoya?

Hoya Kerri and Hoya Compacta, also known as the “Hindu Rope,” are highly sought after by collectors due to their unique shape.

What is the prettiest Hoya plant?

Australis Lisa and Hoya Krimson Princess are the most beautiful. Their variegation and pink tones are lovely.

Is Hoya Latifolia the same as Macrophylla?

Yes, they are both of the same species. The Macrophylla name is commonly used in shops.

Which Type of Hoya has a Strong Smell?

Hoya Lacunosa, Hoya Pubicalyx, and Hoya Davidcummingii have powerful smells. Their scent can be detected more easily at night, especially when the plant blooms.

What is the average lifespan of a Hoya plant?

If properly cared for, a hoya plant can survive more than 30 years. Some people grow their Hoya for generations; all it needs is water, light, and patience.

Conclusion

In this guide, we have explored those 12 Hoya plant varieties that grow well in indoor settings. Their leaf shapes, colors, and growth habits differ from one another, and they are relatively easy to care for. Hoyas are non-toxic plants, and some of them are also pet-safe.

These plants can be easily propagated with healthy cuttings and slight warmth and moisture. If you want to fill your place with a less demanding plant, Hoya is the best choice. This will give you a sense of peace with a small amount of light and time.