Hoya serpens

Taxonomy

Hoya serpens, also known as the Wax-flower Plant, is a small trailing vine that is native to the Himalayas and surrounding areas. This tropical species has small, round, dark green leaves that are hairy and have grey spots intermittently dispersed. It thrives in bright dappled sunlight and has average watering needs, preferring to be watered every other day and loves every bit of humidity it can get. This compact Serpens plant grows well in well-draining soil mixtures and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. With over 500 species and even more cultivars, there's a Hoya out there for everyone! The exotic Hoya Serpens plant arises from the family of Apocynaceae, pronounced as a-pos-ih-NAY-see-ee. Its other-worldly, star-shaped flowers are often fragrant and come in brilliant shades of red, pink, yellow, and more. The flowers produced by Hoya Serpens are extremely fuzzy with a light green corolla and a white corona with a bit of pink towards the center of the flower, with finally a yellow center. The flowers last about a week, and unlike other Hoyas, produce very little nectar. Additionally, the flowers produce a sweet fragrance. It was first discovered and published by Joseph Dalton Hooker in 1883. This plant can make any dull corner look colorful and lively. It is an attractive plant with typical plant needs that can thrive in a variety of environments.

How to care for Hoya serpens

Difficulty

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

Water

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

Soil

Hoya serpens 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

Hoya serpens 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 Hoya serpens will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Dormancy

A typical dormancy pattern is not present in the Hoya serpens. If the growth slows down dramatically, confirm that the plant is getting enough sunlight and water for optimal growth.

Toxicity

Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.

Humidity

The Hoya serpens is not in need of supplementary humidity. Most water is taken in by plants through their roots, thus soil watering is the most efficient way to provide humidity to your plants.

Fertilizer

The Hoya serpens should be repotted either when it doubles in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing new potting soil with all the vital nutrients annually is enough to support the growth of the plant, and thus, there is no need for fertilizer. Remember that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Region of origin

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


More info:
Wikipedia