Hoya wayetii

Taxonomy

Hoya wayetii is a species of flowering plant in the genus Hoya that is native to the Philippines. The plant has a vining growth habit and is often mistaken for Hoya kentiana or Hoya shepherdii. Its long, slender foliage often has a red margin when exposed to sufficient sun. Hoya wayetii is a perennial, epiphytic plant with twisting, branched shoots that can also hang. The thread-like shoots, which are heavily leafed, become somewhat lignified with age. The opposite, succulent leaves are short-stalked and have a round and bare, dark green leaf stalk that is 0.5 to 1.5 cm long in cross-section. The narrow-lanceolate leaf blades are 5 to 14.5 cm long and 1.5 to 2.7 cm wide, with a top that is dark green with slightly darker edges and a bottom that is a little lighter. The base of the leaf blade is wedge-shaped, and the apex tapers to a point. The inflorescence of Hoya wayetii is umbel-shaped, consisting of 20 to 30 flowers that hang. The light green sepals are 1.7 mm long and 1.3 mm wide at the base, with a rounded apex and cilia on the edges. Hoya plants are native to Southeast Asia, and there are over 500 species and even more cultivars available. Their common name, waxplant, refers to their thick, waxy leaves, which help them retain water in the heat. They are excellent climbers and will take off if you give them a trellis to grow on. Their other-worldly, star-shaped flowers come in brilliant shades of red, pink, yellow, and more and are often fragrant.

How to care for Hoya wayetii

Difficulty

Hoya wayetii presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.

Water

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

Soil

Hoya wayetii 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 wayetii thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Hoya wayetii.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it's common for Hoya wayetii to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.

Humidity

No additional humidity is required for the Hoya wayetii. Plants take in most of their water through their roots, not their leaves, therefore, watering the soil is the most effective way to supply humidity to your plants.

Fertilizer

Repotting the Hoya wayetii is necessary either when it has doubled in size or once every year, whichever happens first. With fresh potting soil replenished annually, the plant will receive all the necessary nutrients, rendering the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that the source of a plant's energy is the sun, not fertilizer.

Region of origin

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


More info:
Wikipedia