Hoya polyneura aka Fishtail Hoya

Taxonomy

Hoya polyneura, also known as the fishtail Hoya, is a species of flowering plant in the Hoya genus. It can be found in the Himalayas and northwest Yunnan. This epiphytic plant has thin, narrow leaves that resemble a fishtail, hence its nickname. Its leaves have a fine venation and a pendant growth habit. The plant produces star-shaped flowers that come in a variety of colors, including red, pink, and yellow. The Hoya polyneura requires bright but indirect light and less water than most plants, but moisture is still important. It is a great addition to any home and is easy to care for. As an epiphytic plant, it wraps its roots around rocks or nearby trees for support. There are over 500 species and cultivars of Hoya plants, native to Southeast Asia. Their common name, waxplant, comes from their thick, waxy leaves that help them retain water in the heat. They are excellent climbers and can take off if given a trellis to grow on. Their otherworldly flowers are often fragrant and come in many brilliant shades.

Common names

Fishtail Hoya

How to care for Fishtail Hoya

Difficulty

Fishtail Hoya requires a bit more attention and knowledge to thrive, making it a suitable plant for those with some gardening experience.

Water

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

Soil

Fishtail Hoya 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

Fishtail Hoya requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Fishtail Hoya will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Dormancy

The Fishtail Hoya does not follow a standard dormancy pattern. If you observe a significant decrease in its growth rate, make sure that it is receiving an adequate amount of sunlight and water to flourish.

Toxicity

Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.

Humidity

The Fishtail Hoya does not necessitate supplementary humidity. Plants primarily absorb water through their roots, rather than their leaves. Hence, the most effective way to supply humidity to your plants is by watering the soil.

Fertilizer

The Fishtail Hoya should be transferred to a new pot once it has increased in size two-fold, or on an annual basis, whichever occurs earlier. Replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the necessary nutrients, is sufficient enough to support the growth of the plant, thus avoiding the need to use fertilizer. It's important to note that plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.

Region of origin

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


More info:
Wikipedia