Hoya undulata is part of the Apocynaceae family and its native range is Kalimantan, Borneo where it grows as a climbing epiphyte or lithophyte in lowland heath forest. It was discovered in 2015 by S.Rahayu & Michele Rodda. The leaves of this species form domatia (specialised structures harbouring ants) in its natural habitat. Leaves are typically ovate, obovate or oblanceolate and a little convex, they are dark green with silver to purple spots. Inflorescences are pendulous and convex, usually between 2 & 5 flowers but up to 12 flowers have been observed in cultivation although they only last a few days. Recommendations for good growing include to only water when dry and to grow it on a heat mat.
Genus name is new Latin, named after Thomas Hoy ( c. 1750– c. 1821), English gardener. Specific epithet refers to the undulating leaf margins.
Pot: ø 9cm.
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. An east-facing window is usually a good spot. The leaves of Hoya undulata can adapt to high light levels, but they have been observed to develop a purple colour in intense sunlight.
Water: Allow almost all of the potting mix to dry out between waterings; as the mix is traditionally quite chunky, water will usually flow through quite easily, be sure to thoroughly moisten the substrate.
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. Alternatively, you can pot in a mix of coco chips and perlite.
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: 23-35˚C.
Humidity: Hoya undulata requires higher humidity, between 70-80% - they definitely grow better with higher humidity.
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.