Hoya australis is part of the Apocynaceae family and it's native range is N. Borneo, New Guinea to SW. Pacific. ‘Lisa’ is a cultivar with elliptic to ovate leaves, these are either glabrous or occasionally very slightly pubescent. Variegation looks like watercolour splashes on the leaves, with new growth appearing a deep pink. The flowers (corolla) are white, with white centres (coronas), there is a small pink stain beneath the central crown. Doug Chamberlain (one of my favourite Hoya collectors) recommends exposing this plant to no more than 12 hours of artificial light per day to encourage flowering.
There is discussion among enthusiasts whether this plant is Hoya australis ‘Bordvare Tricolor’ which is possibly an alternative trade name for ‘Lisa’.
Pot: ø 12cm.
Height: Approximately 18cm from base of pot.
Genus name is new Latin, named after Thomas Hoy ( c. 1750– c. 1821), English gardener. Specific epithet comes from the Latin ‘australis’, meaning southern.
These plants are not known to be toxic but their sap can be an irritant, keep out of reach just in case.
Light: Bright indirect light, meaning the plant sees the sun for 0-4 hours per day - this could be through trees or a translucent curtain, it’s important for the plant to see the sky in order to thrive.
Water: Given adequate light, keep the potting mix evenly moist, the potting mix is traditionally quite chunky, water will usually flow through quite easily. Pour water slowly over the top of the substrate and allow the water to pass through the drainage holes. If the potting mix isn't as well-draining, allow it to dry more between waterings.
Potting mix: A chunky well-draining mix composed of coco coir, perlite or vermiculite, orchid bark, worm castings and some horticultural charcoal.
Fertilising: Feed your plant every few waterings during the growing season or when you observe active growth. You can dilute fertiliser to half the recommended amount but never add more.
Temperature: 21-35˚C.
Humidity: Hoya would prefer higher humidity, between 60-80% but do well to adapt to average home humidity. You can increase humidity by placing the plant on a watered pebble tray or using a humidifier.
For further information about Hoya, check out our blog.
These plants are not known to be toxic but sap is an irritant, keep out of reach just in case.