Hoya retusa is part of the Apocynaceae family and its’ native range is W. India and E. Himalaya where it grows as an epiphytic subshrub primarily in the wet tropical biome. Leaves are thin with a slightly wider tip that is retuse in shape. Single flowers form from the ends of short pedicels, they are white with a pink-red corona. Hoya retusa reminds me of pine needles, they also look a little bit like a Rhipsalis.
Genus name is new Latin, named after Thomas Hoy ( c. 1750– c. 1821), English gardener. Specific epithet is derived from Latin and refers to the ‘retused’ leaf-shape.
9cm potted plant in a coco husk plug with coco coir, coco chips, perlite and pine bark. We do not recommend removing the plant from the coco husk plug.
The picture shown is an example of what's in stock. You will receive a plant as close to the picture and description as possible.
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. East facing or North-west window would work well. I grow this plant under grow lights at home and I’ve noticed the leaves are darker with a slight red tinge when exposed to more light but I wouldn’t say they sunstress in the typical way other Hoya do.
Water: Allow the potting mix to dry out at least halfway through before watering. The thinner leaves of Hoya retusa mean they won’t be able to store water as well as other Hoya.
Potting mix: Our potting mix would be ideal with some added coco chips.
Fertilising: Feed every couple of waterings with a well balanced fertiliser; you can further dilute fertiliser than the recommended amount but never add more.
Temperature: Day time temperatures of 15-25˚C, cooler night time temperature of 10-15˚C is thought to encourage blooming.
Humidity: 60% and above with good air circulation.
Hoya aren’t considered toxic, however, they may make your pet or child vomit if ingested, keep out of reach just to be safe.
For more information about Hoya, check out our blog.