Hoya ‘Tequila Sunrise’

Background and history of Hoya ‘Tequila Sunrise’

Hoya ‘Tequila Sunrise’ is a cultivated hybrid attributed to Mike Bernardo, with reported parentage of Hoya nicholsoniae × Hoya ‘Golden Eye’. It has circulated from Epiphytica under the number EPC-1021.

Everyday care for Hoya ‘Tequila Sunrise’

Give ‘Tequila Sunrise’ bright filtered light. Shield it from hot direct sun. If you move it to a brighter spot, increase its exposure to the stronger light gradually. Its vines can hang from a pot or grow along a support. A room at about 16–24°C with moderate humidity is suitable; use a humidifier in very dry air and retain gentle airflow.

Grow it in an airy mix and a pot with drainage holes. Water when the pot feels lighter and the mix inside remains lightly moist, then drain thoroughly. When growth slows, wait until the mix is fairly dry before watering. It will take longer to reach this point.

Feed lightly with balanced orchid fertiliser while new growth develops, following the label’s dose and frequency. Pause feeding when growth stops. Repot once roots fill the container, choosing one only a few centimetres wider.

For propagation, take a two-node stem cutting with a clean blade and wear gloves because the sap can irritate skin. Root the lower, leafless node in equal volumes of peat-free multipurpose compost and perlite. Keep the upper leaves above the mix. Keep the mix moist and let excess water drain away. Place the cutting somewhere warm with indirect light. Move the rooted cutting into a small pot of airy mix.

How to solve common problems with Hoya ‘Tequila Sunrise’

• Tan or brown dry patches facing the brightest light: Orange-red colour without tissue damage can be normal. Hot sun or a sudden increase in light can scorch leaves. Move the plant into bright, filtered light. If you later move it to a brighter position, introduce the stronger light gradually. Existing dry patches will not recover; retain healthy foliage.
• Persistent wilting in damp or wet mix: Check how wet the mix is and inspect the roots. Drain any trapped water. Prolonged waterlogging can damage roots. If you find a small amount of root rot, use a clean, disinfected tool to cut the soft roots back to firm, healthy tissue. Throw away the rotten roots and old mix. Repot in fresh, airy mix, using a clean pot just large enough for the roots that remain. The pot must have drainage holes. If decay is widespread, save only healthy stem cuttings. Discard the plant if no healthy stems remain, and disinfect your tools afterwards.
• White cottony insects in sheltered gaps between leaf stalks and stems: Confirm mealybugs beneath the wax and isolate the plant. Remove visible insects with a damp swab or tweezers. Inspect sheltered leaf joints, stems, the pot and any support weekly, removing any mealybugs you find until none remain. If mealybugs persist, use a product approved for home use against mealybugs on indoor ornamental plants in your country. Follow the label for how much to use, where to apply it, when to repeat treatment and all safety precautions.

Hoya ‘Tequila Sunrise’ is non-toxic to people and pets

• This plant is non-toxic to people, cats and dogs.
• Chewing a large amount can still cause an upset stomach.
• If a large amount is eaten and symptoms continue, contact a veterinarian or medical professional.

How the name Hoya came about

Hoya honours the English gardener Thomas Hoy.

Robert Brown established the genus Hoya in 1810 in Prodromus Florae Novae Hollandiae, page 459.