Hoya 'Alyona'

Origin and Description:
Hoya 'Alyona' is a striking beauty, with large, elongated, green leaves and dark and raised veining throughout. It looks very similar to Hoya 'Finlaysonii', though the veining pattern is a little different. While its origins are unknown, Hoya 'Alyona' was first introduced to the US by Russian sellers, making it a mysterious beauty. Hoya 'Alyona' produces clusters of creamy, star-shaped flowers that fade into a beautiful blush pink at the tips and creamy white centers. The flowers have a light floral scent and bloom readily, making Hoya 'Alyona' a lovely addition to your home.

Care Instructions:

• Light: Hoya 'Alyona' prefers lower light. Its leaves will lighten in color significantly under brighter light, but it will maintain its darker green foliage in low-medium light. For best results, provide plenty of shade or lower light to maintain healthy growth and encourage blooming.
• Watering: Water thoroughly when the plant is mostly dry. Be sure to allow the water to drain completely, as standing water can cause root rot. Overwatering is a common issue, so it is important to let the soil dry out between waterings.
• Humidity: Hoya 'Alyona' thrives in lower humidity levels, ideally above 40%. It will do well in most homes' ambient conditions making it a nice plant to display anywhere throughout your home.
• Temperature: This plant prefers higher temperatures above 70 degrees, though it will still grow in temps a bit below that.
• Soil: Use a lightweight, well-draining potting mix for Hoya 'Alyona'. A blend of orchid bark, perlite, and coco husk is ideal for providing aeration while preventing water from pooling at the roots. Repot the plant every 1-2 years to refresh the soil and encourage healthy growth.
• Fertilizer: During the growing season, feed Hoya 'Alyona' with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength once a month. This will help promote strong growth and blooming. Reduce fertilization during the fall and winter months when the plant's growth slows down.

Fun Fact:
The flowers of Hoya 'Alyona' bloom from persistent spurs, which continue to produce flowers over time. Unlike many flowering plants, Hoyas will keep producing blooms from the same spurs, so be sure not to cut them off. Over time, Hoya 'Alyona' will reward you with beautiful, multicolored blooms from the same spot!