Hoya macrophylla

Taxonomy

Hoya macrophylla, a species of flowering plant in the Hoya genus, is native to Borneo and is known for its relatively large foliage with characteristic veins. This succulent species develops attractive variegated leaves, with white variegation mostly on the margins, but also in the center or entire leaf. The Hoya macrophylla is a frequent bloomer in a tropical climate and produces simple yet pretty flowers with a mild pleasant fragrance, ranging from light yellow to light pink. The corona is usually off-white with a yellow center. Hoya plants are native to Southeast Asia and are classified botanically in the Asclepias (milkweed) family. With over 500 species and even more cultivars, there is a Hoya out there for everyone! They are known as waxplants due to their thick, waxy leaves which help them retain water in the heat. They are excellent climbers and thrive when given a trellis to grow on. These other-worldly plants produce star-shaped flowers that are often fragrant and come in brilliant shades of red, pink, yellow, and more. The name "Hoya" honors Thomas Hoy, who brought this superb house plant into prominence. Native to southern India, and highly prized, they are the subject of legend and can be found throughout eastern Asia to Australia.

How to care for Hoya macrophylla

Difficulty

With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Hoya macrophylla, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.

Water

Hoya macrophylla does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.

Soil

Hoya macrophylla loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Hoya macrophylla prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it is common for Hoya macrophylla plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

Humidity

The Hoya macrophylla does not demand additional humidity levels. Water is mostly absorbed by the roots of plants, rather than their leaves, and the best way to provide humidity to your plants is through watering the soil.

Fertilizer

Once the Hoya macrophylla has doubled in size or after a year has passed, it should be moved to a new pot. By replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the vital nutrients, your plant will receive all the sustenance it needs, negating the requirement for fertilizer. It's important to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Region of origin

Hoya macrophylla’s native range is Southeast Asia and Australia.


More info:
Wikipedia