Hoya Kerrii Splash is the subspecies of Hoya species where you can easily recognize it by its color and shape. Its leaves are succulent-like and thick; however, this plant is not succulent.
The leaves of Hoya Kerrii Splash are typically attached to the vines. However, the fleshy leaves store water to endure dry periods. Besides its beautiful leaves, it also features the lovely flower clusters that form the spherical ball. Every bloom has a star shape with a red center.
Hoya Kerrii Splash Care Tips
1. Soil
Hoya Kerrii Splash needs light and loose soil that is well ventilated. The earth is supposed to be neutral or slightly acidic. A substrate for orchids is a good fit for the ready-made soil mixtures for sale.
You can also make a substrate yourself. This includes sod land and leaf, coarse-grained river sand, and peat in equal proportions. You can also add pieces of sphagnum for more fluffiness and charcoal to prevent harmful bacteria.
2. Lighting
In the wild, Hoya Kerrii splash always grows in the shade of large trees. When determining a room for this plant, it is necessary to exclude exposure to direct sunlight at noon.
At the same time, the lack of light will adversely affect the appearance of the flower and the color of its foliage. Only good lighting will provide a bright silver speck. The window sill on the east or west sides is well suited for placing Hoya Kerrii splash. If it is north, phytolamps may be required.
3. Watering
Hoya Kerrii Splash prefers infrequent but thorough watering. Between the water procedures, the soil top layer is supposed to dry out by 3 to 4 cm.
This offers the necessary aeration of the plant’s root system. A warm shower can be arranged for Hoya Kerrii Splash in the summer, imitating a tropical downpour.
The water temperature should not exceed 40°C. Such procedures are possible provide the plant’s size allows it. Similarly, the mineral leaching from the substrate is supposed to be compensated by successive top dressing.
4. Temperature
Hoya Kerrii Splash can be kept indoors throughout the year. The ideal temperature is 18°C to 27°C. However, the temperature shouldn’t drop below 10˚С.
This is especially important in winter if the plant is on the windowsill. It is convenient when a different thermometer is fixed on the window frame from the inside.
You need to protect the Hoya Kerrii Splash from drafts at any time of the year. Even if the care is good during the flowering period, the buds can fade without opening due to breezes.
5. Air humidity
Hoya Kerrii Splash is an inhabitant of the tropics and subtropics, so it feels better with high humidity of 40 to 80%. But it also tolerates dryness with firmness to do without additional humidification of the air.
It is enough to periodically water the leaves of Hoya Kerrii Splash from a spray bottle, and the water is soft and warm.
It is better to turn down the procedure during flowering, mainly if the Hoya Kerrii Splash blooms very profusely. Water should not fall on the inflorescences.
Additionally, it would be best to wipe the leaves of the vine with a damp cloth, removing dust and dirt from its surface. In summer, in warm weather, not very overgrown, Hoya Kerrii Splash can be showered.
6. Fertilizer
It is recommended to feed Hoya Kerrii Splash in spring and summer, once every 1.5-2 weeks. This plant is more suitable for complex mineral compounds, diluted to a low concentration.
From mid-October, feeding stops until February. You can apply a small amount of fertilizer at the end of winter after spilling the soil.
7. Top dressing
Hoya Kerrii Splash is a slow-growing vine, densely covered with foliage. Growth and development require main elements like nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus. They are contained in mineral complexes of the entire composition of NPK in pre-calculated proportions.
Young Hoya Kerrii Splash requires a high dose of nitrogen to form leaves and is given a 2-1-2 or even 3-1-2 formulation. To stimulate flowering during the dormant period, the proportion of nitrogen is reduced fertilized with fertilizer at a concentration of 5-10-5.
8. Transplant
Hoya Kerrii Splash requires regular transplantation to maintain decorative properties. Young plants are transplanted every year and adults once every 3-4 years. This is done in the spring, before flowering, without disturbing the earthy soil.
The new container should be slightly larger than the previous one. Otherwise, Hoya Kerrii Splash will develop the root system to the detriment of budding until it fills the container.
When transplanting, an audit of the roots is carried out, removing the sick and damaged. Then try to keep the soil level 1-2 cm below the edge of the walls.
Propagation methods
a) Propagation by cuttings
This is the most effective propagation method. The cuttings should be 5 cm long and have several leaves and buds. The segments are dipped in water and covered with foil to protect them from the sun. After 14 days, the cuttings will give roots, and the foil can be removed.
b) Leaf division propagation
This propagation method requires specific skills and experience. Besides, the leaves are cut from a healthy adult plant. They are soaked in a nutritious strengthening and disinfecting solution. Then they are buried in the substrate and moistened. After some days you will have new plants.
Diseases and pests
Hoya Kerrii Splash leaves can be affected by various fungi. In this case, the leaves are wiped with a damp cloth and treated with Bordeaux liquid. Hoya Kerrii Splash should be washed in the shower as often as possible to prevent such diseases.
With excessive watering, the leaves may turn yellow, and the soil’s surface may become covered with mold. Also, the roots most often begin to rot. Dark spots on the leaves can be a consequence of a sunburn.
Hoya Kerrii Splash can be attacked by scale insects, multiplying quickly, especially in dry air. They eat the fleshy leaves and then lay the larvae on them and the plant turns pale, withers and dies.
Other pests are the mealybugs, which leave white mucus over the leaves. These whitish insects are noticeable on the flower and are completely removed by washing the flower with soapy water.
Conclusion
Hoya Kerrii Splash is unique because of its striking silver markings found on the leaves. It is easy to care for and needs little maintenance. A humidity of 40 to 80%, enough watering, and bright and indirect light are required to make this plant healthy and strong.