Hoya carnosa is part of the Apocynaceae family and its native range is S. China to Laos, Japan (S. Kyushu) to Taiwan. This particular cultivar is wrinkled in appearance from dimples that occur in the upper surface of the leaf blade at opposite sides of midrib. It is thought that this cultivar has come from a mutation in the cultivar Hoya carnosa ‘Exotica’. This Hoya forms a simple umbel with over 30 flowers in, flowers are star-shaped.
Genus name is new Latin, named after Thomas Hoy ( c. 1750– c. 1821), English gardener. Specific epithet is from the Latin carnōsus meaning meaty or fleshy.
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. Hoya carnosa would appreciate 1-2 hours of direct light.
Water: Allow the majority of the mix to dry out as the mix is traditionally quite chunky, water will usually flow through quite easily. Be sure to thoroughly moisten the substrate. Pour water slowly over the top of the substrate and allow the water to pass through the drainage holes.
Potting mix: A chunky well draining mix composed of coco coir, perlite or vermiculite, orchid bark, sphagnum moss and worm castings; you could also add some horticultural charcoal to this epiphytic mix.
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: 15-29°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.
Hoya aren’t considered toxic, however, they may make your pet or child vomit if ingested, keep out of reach just to be safe.