Hoya Tequila Sunrise Ø7cm

Hoya 'Tequila Sunrise' , a hybrid created by Mike Bernardo and introduced by Susan Swartzfager in 2016, is a distinctive houseplant, loved for its large, glossy leaves with prominent veins and silvery flecks, which turn shades of red or orange in bright light. Its cream flowers with reddish tips, like the cocktail of the same name, add an exotic charm. Growth and development Hoya 'Tequila Sunrise' develops a compact, semi-climbing habit with slender but resilient stems that branch naturally to create a full, dense appearance. The relatively short internodes contribute to the plant's compact character, making it well-suited to small growing spaces. It can be trained on a small moss pole or trellis, or allowed to trail freely from a hanging container where the stems arch gracefully under the weight of their colourful leaves. Compared to many Hoya species that take years to become visually impressive, 'Tequila Sunrise' delivers immediate visual satisfaction through its vibrant colours, even as a young plant in a small pot. Natural branching occurs readily, and within 1-2 growing seasons, the plant can fill a 12-15 cm pot with a rich, colourful canopy of foliage at various stages of colour development. Like all Hoya plants, 'Tequila Sunrise' has a trailing habit, ideal for hanging pots, and is easy-care. Light: Bright indirect light is essential for maintaining vibrant leaf colours. An east or southeast-facing window with 2-3 hours of direct morning sun intensifies the reddish tones through beneficial light stress. Harsh afternoon sun can burn the leaves, while insufficient light produces duller colours and leggy growth. Temperature: Optimum range 18°C-26°C. Tolerates minimum 12°C. A slight cooling period (15-18°C) in autumn and winter can stimulate spring flowering. Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations and cold draughts. Watering: Allow the substrate to partially dry (50-70%) between waterings. Water thoroughly, then allow excess to drain completely. Reduce watering significantly in winter when growth slows. Consistent overwatering leads to root rot, the most common cause of plant loss. Humidity: Adapts to 40-60% but prefers 50-70% for optimal growth. Higher humidity promotes faster growth and larger leaves. A pebble tray or room humidifier helps maintain adequate levels, particularly during the heating season. Substrate: Airy, well-draining epiphyte mix: 40% pine bark, 30% perlite, 20% coco coir, 10% activated charcoal. Excellent drainage is essential for healthy root development. Fertilising: Apply a balanced liquid fertiliser diluted to half strength twice monthly during the active growing season (March-September). Do not fertilise during the winter rest period. Propagation: Stem cuttings with 2-3 nodes root readily in water or moist perlite during spring and summer. Roots typically appear within 3-6 weeks. Ensure each cutting includes at least one healthy leaf node. Specifications Pot diameter: 7 cm Total height (incl. pot): 5 cm Flowering stage: No flowers