Hoya cumingiana is part of the Apocynaceae family and its native range is Borneo, Java and the Philippines where it grows as a hemi-epiphytic subshrub in the wet tropical biome. Leaves are small, elliptic and light green. Flowers form at the tip of the vine, the reflexed corolla is yellow with a red corona, with each umbel holding between 7-10 blooms. The scent of the flowers has been described as citrus with coconut although another source said they smell like cinnamon. Flowers typically last up to a week with the peduncle falling off when flowering has finished. Hoya cumingiana is quite a tricky plant to trellis as it is a non-twining, scrambling plant. It is part of the Cumingiana complex which also includes H. densifolia and H. golamcoana.
Genus name is new Latin, named after Thomas Hoy ( c. 1750– c. 1821), English gardener. Specific epithet honours Hugh Cuming who found the plant on the Island of Mindoro in the Philippines in 1841.
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: Allow the majority of the mix to dry out as the mix is traditionally quite chunky, water will usually flow through quite easily.
Potting mix: Our potting mix would be ideal with some added oyster shells; in its natural environment this plant would grow in a more limestone/calcareous spot so it prefers a more alkaline soil.
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 and above.
Humidity: Average humidity is fine for this plant, but I would recommend 60% and above to get the most out of your plant.
Hoya aren’t considered toxic, however, they may make your pet or child vomit if ingested, keep out of reach just to be safe.