Hoyas are fast become increasingly popular houseplants of late because of their query but unique appearance, ease of care, and exciting growth habits.
Two of the most sought-after Hoya varieties are Hoya Rebecca and Hoya Sunrise. Both of them are known for their striking flowers and attractive foliage.
In this article we will focus on Hoya Rebecca vs Sunrise, and try to cover it from my own perspective.
While they share some similarities, key differences between the two make them better suited to different growing conditions and levels of experience.
This article will provide an overview of both Hoya Rebecca and Sunrise. We’ll also highlight their differences and offer guidance on choosing the right Hoya plant for your home.
Whether you’re an experienced plant parent or just getting started, read on to learn more about these beautiful and oddly fascinating houseplants.
Table of Contents
Hoya Rebecca: An Overview
Hoya Rebecca is a slow-growing plant belonging to the family Apocynaceae, native to Southeast Asia. This Hoya variety is known for its small, fragrant, pink flowers that bloom in clusters and its attractive, succulent-like leaves.
Physical Characteristics (Appearance, Growth habits, etc.)
The Hoya Rebecca plant has a habit of climbing and can produce long, trailing stems that can grow up to 2 feet long. This allows them to latch onto trees, walls, trellis, etc. and propels them upwards as they grow. Their leaves are thick, waxy, and glossy green in color.
They have a pointed oval shape that tapers to a sharp point at the tip of the leaf. The small, fragrant flowers of Hoya Rebecca have a mesmerizing star-shaped appearance, with five pointed petals that are a pink or reddish color. Their flowers bloom around spring/summer and have a sweet, honey-like fragrance.
Growth Requirements (Light, Temperature, Water, Soil, Fertilization)
Hoya Rebecca is a tropical plant that prefers about 4-6 hours of bright, indirect sunlight per day and a warm, humid environment. They can tolerate temperatures between 60-80°F (15-27°C) but prefer to be kept above 70°F (21°C). The plant should only be watered when the top inch or so of soil feels dry.
This prevents the roots from rotting out. They prefer a well-draining soil mix such as sand, gravel, or slightly acidic perlite. Hoya Rebecca should be fertilized every two to four weeks during their growing season with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer.
Always test the fertilizer with a half dose to ensure your plant can handle it before proceeding.
Propagation Methods
Hoya Rebecca can be propagated through either stem cuttings or by layering. A simple method of propagating them using stem cuttings can be done by following these steps:
- Take a cutting at least 3-4 inches long and gently remove the bottom sets of leaves.
- Dip the cut end into a good-quality rooting hormone and place the cutting in a well-draining potting mix.
- Apply water sparingly and nurture it until it shows signs of growth.
To propagate through layering, simply:
- Bend a stem toward the soil and secure it with a stake or pin. It will look like the plant is lying down, but this stem will start to root downward.
- Roots will form at the point of contact with the ground, and the new plant can be separated from the parent once it has rooted.
- Use the newly propagated cutting and replant as per usual.
Common Pests and Diseases
Hoya Rebecca is generally a pretty hardy plant, but it can be susceptible to a few of the following common but nasty pests and diseases:
Pests
Let’s start with the most common pests:
- Mealybugs: Mealybugs are small, white, cottony insects that feed on the plant’s sap and can cause stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves.
- Spider mites: Spider mites are pretty hard to spot. They are tiny insects that spin webs on the undersides of the leaves and also can cause yellowing and curling of the leaves.
To prevent these pests, keep the plant well-ventilated and avoid overwatering. If you notice any signs of infestation, you can remove the affected parts of the plant and treat the remaining plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Diseases
Now let’s have a look at some of the most common diseases to affect the Hoya Rebecca plant:
- Root Rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant. The symptoms of this disease include wilting, yellowing leaves, and a foul odor from the soil. Overwatering and poorly draining soil is usually the common cause.
- Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is another pesky fungal disease that causes dark spots to form on the plant’s leaves. The spots may be yellow or brown and may have a fuzzy appearance. Leaf spots usually stem from overwatering or from leaves being wet for too long.
- Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is also a fungal disease that causes a white, powdery substance to appear on the plant leaves. This disease is brought on by high humidity and poor air circulation.
- Bacterial Leaf Blight: Bacterial leaf blight is a disease that forms brown spots on the plant’s leaves. The spots may have a water-soaked appearance and can lead to their death if left untreated. This disease is usually caused by overwatering, high humidity, or wounds to the plant.
Tips for Care and Maintenance
To keep Hoya Rebecca healthy and thriving, providing it with the right growing conditions and proper care is important. Here are a few tips for caring for your Hoya Rebecca plant:
- Provide bright, indirect sunlight.
- Keep the plant in a warm, humid environment.
- Only water the plant when the top inch of the soil starts to feel dry.
- Aim to feed the plant every 2-4 weeks during its growing season.
- Prune it when required to help maintain and control its form.
- Monitor the plant for signs of pests and diseases and take action promptly if necessary.
Sunrise Hoya: An Overview
Sunrise Hoya is also a slow-growing plant that is native to the Philippines. It is an extremely popular variety of Hoya among houseplant enthusiasts. This plant is known for its unique, eye-catching foliage and its clusters of fragrant, star-shaped flowers.
Physical Characteristics (Appearance, Growth habits, etc.)
The Sunrise Hoya plant also enjoys climbing and produces a similar long, trailing stem but grows a touch longer than its counterpart (3 feet long). Its leaves are thick, waxy, and variegated. They have a beautiful light green center and a creamy yellow margin.
The small, fragrant flowers of Sunrise Hoya have a star-shaped appearance, with five pointed petals that are white to pale pink. They typically bloom in spring and summer and have a sweet, honey-like fragrance.
Growth Requirements (Light, Temperature, Water, Soil, Fertilization)
Like Rebecca, Sunrise Hoya is another tropical plant that prefers a good 4-6 hours of bright, indirect sunlight and a warm, humid environment. They can tolerate temperatures of around 60-80°F (15-27°C) but prefer to be kept above 70°F (21°C). Any lower than 60°F (15°C) will make them start to struggle.
They can be damaged or killed by exposure to frost or prolonged temperatures below 50°F (10°C). These plants should only be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, and they prefer a well-draining soil mix that is slightly acidic.
Amending soil with sand, gravel, or perlite can help with drainage. Sunrise Hoya should be fertilized every two to four weeks during their growing season with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. This will ensure that they regenerate and continue to climb.
Propagation Methods
Either stem cuttings or layering can propagate Sunrise Hoya. To propagate through stem cuttings:
- Clip off a cutting around 5-6 inches long and remove all the lower leaves.
- Dip the cut end into a rooting hormone (honey also works) and place it in a well-draining potting mix.
- Make sure that the growing container has adequate drainage holes.
To propagate through layering, simply bend one of the stems down toward the soil and lock it in place with either a stake or pin. After several days, you will notice some roots forming where the stem has made contact with the soil. At this point, you can separate this offshoot from the parent plant.
Common Pests and Diseases
Sunrise Hoya is a trustworthy, hardy plant. However, it is known to be susceptible to a couple of different pests and diseases. These include:
Pests
- Mealybugs: These small, white, almost cottony-looking insects feed on the plant’s sap and suck it dry of energy. This causes issues like stunted growth and presents yellowing of the leaves.
- Scale insects: Another smaller, round pest that attaches to the plant’s stems and leaves can cause yellowing and wilting of the leaves as it feeds.
- Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny insects that are tricky to see. They spin webs underneath the leaves as they build their little empires. They also make the leaves of these plants curl and turn yellow.
Diseases
Some common diseases that can affect Sunrise Hoya include:
- Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is a debilitating fungal disease that forms dark spots on the plant’s leaves. The spots may be either yellow or brown and have a fuzzy appearance.
- Stem and Root Rot: A fungal disease that affects the roots and stems of the plant. If left untreated, the plant will become soft and mushy. The main cause of this disease is overwatering and poor drainage.
Tips for Care and Maintenance
To keep Sunrise Hoya healthy and thriving, providing it with the right growing conditions and proper care is important. Here are some essential guidelines which should be followed to help them stay happy:
- Provide them with a trellis or support structure to climb on. They love to climb, especially as they mature.
- Keep them away from cold drafts or sudden temperature changes. They can be sensitive to sudden changes in temperature or exposure to cold air.
- Prune them as needed to control their size and shape. Try to keep them within a manageable size.
- Give the leaves a bit of regular cleaning to remove any built-up dust and/or debris. The thick, waxy leaves of Sunrise Hoya can collect dust and debris over time, which can reduce their ability to photosynthesize. Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth or spritz them with water to keep them clean and healthy.
- Be patient with your Sunrise Hoya. This plant is a slow grower and can take some time to establish and produce flowers.
Hoya Rebecca vs Sunrise: A Proper Comparison
Hoya Rebecca and Sunrise are both popular varieties of Hoya that make excellent houseplants. While they share some similarities, such as their climbing habit and preference for bright, indirect sunlight, some key differences between these plants should be addressed.
Here is a detailed comparison of Hoya Rebecca vs Sunrise:
Differences in Physical Characteristics
One of the main differences between Hoya Rebecca and Sunrise is their physical appearance. For example, Hoya Rebecca has thick, waxy leaves that are dark green, while Sunrise Hoya has variegated leaves with a light green center and a creamy yellow margin.
Hoya Rebecca also has smaller white to pale pink flowers, whereas Sunrise Hoya has larger, fragrant white flowers with a pink center.
Differences in Growth Requirements
Both Hoya Rebecca and Sunrise prefer at least 4-6 hours of a bright, indirect source of sunlight per day. They also love to stay warm and thrive in a humid environment. However, there are some differences in their specific growth requirements. Hoya Rebecca prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic and requires moderate watering.
In contrast, Sunrise Hoya prefers a well-draining potting mix that is slightly alkaline and requires more frequent watering. However, both species should only be watered when the top layer becomes dry. This practice will minimize the risk of overwatering.
Hoya Rebecca also prefers slightly cooler temperatures and can tolerate temperatures as low as 50°F (10°C), while Sunrise Hoya prefers slightly warmer temperatures and does not tolerate temperatures below 60°F (15°C) well. These small details can be a deciding factor when it comes to co-planting.
Differences in Propagation Methods
Hoya Rebecca and Sunrise can both be propagated through stem cuttings or layering, but there are some differences in their specific propagation methods.
Hoya Rebecca can be propagated through stem cuttings at least 4 inches long, while Sunrise Hoya can be propagated through stem cuttings at least 6 inches long. Hoya Rebecca can also be propagated through leaf cuttings, while Sunrise Hoya cannot.
Differences in Susceptibility to Pests and Diseases
Both Hoya Rebecca and Sunrise can be susceptible to similar pests and diseases, but their specific susceptibility has some slight differences. Hoya Rebecca is more prone to mealybugs and spider mites, while Sunrise Hoya is more prone to scale insects.
Both plants can be affected by similar fungal diseases, such as root rot and leaf spot, as they affect any plant via the same method. It’s more the varying climate, watering methods, or soil preparation that cultivates these diseases.
Differences in Lighting Requirements
As mentioned earlier, Hoya Rebecca and Sunrise prefer bright, indirect sunlight. However, there are some differences in their specific lighting requirements. Hoya Rebecca can tolerate slightly lower light levels and grow in bright, filtered light, while Sunrise Hoya requires brighter light exclusively to thrive.
Differences in Watering Needs and Soil Preferences
Hoya Rebecca and Sunrise have only slightly different preferences regarding watering and soil. Hoya Rebecca prefers a well-draining soil mix that is slightly acidic and requires moderate watering. In contrast, Sunrise Hoya prefers a well-draining potting mix that is slightly alkaline and requires more frequent watering.
The difference in need of the particular pH of the soil could mean that they need to be grown separately. Otherwise, the soil will need to be amended for each plant’s needs in smaller partitions.
Differences in Fertilizer Requirements
Both of these plants have some differences in their fertilizer requirements. They benefit from regular fertilization during the growing season. However, Hoya Rebecca prefers a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer, while Sunrise Hoya prefers a fertilizer that is a little higher in nitrogen content.
Pros and Cons of Each Plant
Here are some pros and cons of each plant to consider:
Hoya Rebecca
Pros
✅ Dark green, waxy leaves are visually striking.
✅ Can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures
✅ It can be propagated through leaf cuttings
✅ Flowers have a sweet fragrance.
Cons
❌ Smaller flowers than Sunrise Hoya
❌ More susceptible to mealybugs and spider mites
Sunrise Hoya
Pros
✅ Variegated leaves are visually striking
✅ Large, fragrant flowers are beautiful to smell
✅ Requires bright, direct sunlight to thrive
✅ It can be propagated through stem cuttings
Cons
❌ Does not tolerate temperatures below 60°F (15°C) well
❌ More susceptible to scale insects
❌ Requires more frequent watering than Hoya Rebecca
Both Hoya Rebecca and Sunrise Hoya are beautiful and popular houseplants that add greatly to any collection. By understanding the differences in their physical characteristics, growth requirements, propagation methods, susceptibility to pests and diseases, and other factors, you can decide which plant is right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I grow Hoya Rebecca and Sunrise together in the same pot?
Yes, Hoya Rebecca and Sunrise Hoya can be grown together, however, they have slightly different soil pH requirements. Therefore, the soil should be amended so that the pH is between the two. Apart from that, the majority of their other requirements are very similar. Therefore they suit the company of each other.
Can Hoya plants be grown outdoors?
Hoya plants can be grown outdoors in warm, humid climates but are typically grown as indoor houseplants in cooler regions. If you decide to grow Hoya plants outdoors, protect them from direct sunlight and cold temperatures.
Are Hoya Rebecca and Sunrise toxic to pets or humans?
Hoya Rebecca and Sunrise Hoya are generally considered non-toxic to pets and humans. However, they can cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested in large quantities, so keeping them out of reach of children and pets is best.
Conclusion:
In summary, Hoya Rebecca and Sunrise Hoya are beautiful and popular houseplants that thrive in the right conditions.
When choosing between the two, consider their differences in physical characteristics, growth requirements, and other factors. To ensure success with Hoyas as houseplants, provide them with bright, indirect sunlight, well-draining soil, and regular care and maintenance.
We hope that this guide has been helpful. You can read about similar topics here on our website. Check back again soon for more.
