Hoya cv. ‘Joy’ is a stunning and highly collectable hybrid cultivar, believed to be a cross between Hoya carnosa and Hoya obscura. It combines the best traits of both parents – the vigorous growth and reliable flowering of H. carnosa with the blushing foliage and exquisite fragrance of H. obscura.

The plant produces medium-sized, oval leaves with a slightly pointed tip. The foliage is a rich green under lower light but develops a beautiful pink to bronze blush under brighter conditions. The leaf surface is slightly glossy with delicate veining, adding to its ornamental appeal.

When mature, Hoya cv. ‘Joy’ produces umbels of 15–25 star-shaped flowers. The blooms are a soft pink with darker pink coronas, creating a luminous, almost glowing effect. The flowers are highly fragrant, especially in the evening, and last several days, making this cultivar a joy to grow and admire.

Hoya cv. ‘Joy’ – Care Guide

Light

Thrives in bright, indirect light. A few hours of gentle morning or late-afternoon sun will bring out the blush tones in the leaves and encourage flowering. Avoid harsh midday sunlight which can scorch the foliage.

Watering

Water when the top 2–3 cm of soil feels dry. As a semi-succulent, it stores water in its leaves and tolerates mild drought better than overwatering. Reduce watering during winter dormancy.

Temperature and Humidity

• Temperature: Prefers warmth, 18–28°C. Avoid cold draughts and keep above 15°C.

• Humidity: Enjoys moderate to high humidity (60–80%), though it adapts well to average indoor conditions. Mist occasionally to maintain healthy growth.

Soil and Potting

Use a chunky, free-draining epiphytic mix – orchid bark, perlite, coco husk, and a little peat-free compost. Hoyas prefer to be slightly root-bound, so repot only every 2–3 years.

Feeding

Feed monthly during spring and summer with a high-potassium fertiliser to encourage flowering. Stop feeding in autumn and winter.

Pruning and Maintenance

Prune to shape and encourage branching. Do not remove peduncles (flower spurs), as Hoyas rebloom from the same sites year after year.

Growth and Maturity

A moderate grower that trails or climbs readily. Mature plants can produce multiple umbels throughout the growing season under good light conditions.

Common Issues

• No flowers: Insufficient light or removal of spurs.

• Yellowing leaves: Overwatering or poor drainage.

• Shrivelled foliage: Underwatering or very low humidity.

• Pests: Occasionally mealybugs, thrips, or spider mites.

Background and Benefits

Hoya cv. ‘Joy’ is a beloved hybrid among collectors thanks to its manageable size, blushing foliage, and intensely fragrant pink blooms. It’s an excellent choice for both beginners and serious Hoya enthusiasts looking for a plant that’s as easy to grow as it is beautiful.

✅ Quick Care Summary

• Light: Bright, indirect; tolerates gentle sun

• Water: Allow topsoil to dry slightly; avoid waterlogging

• Temperature: 18–28°C; protect below 15°C

• Humidity: Moderate to high (60–80%)

• Soil: Chunky, airy, free-draining epiphytic mix

• Feed: Monthly in spring/summer; high-potassium for flowers

• Growth: Climbing or trailing vine; green leaves that blush pink in bright light; fragrant soft pink starry flowers