Scientific Name
Hoya affinis Hemsl.
Synonym(s)
Eriostemma affine
Scientific Classification
Family: Apocynaceae
Subfamily: Asclepiadoideae
Tribe: Marsdenieae
Genus: Hoya
Etymology
The specific epithet "affinis (uh-FEE-niss)" means "neighboring, allied to, kindred."
Origin
This species is native to the Solomon Islands. It grows as an epiphyte in the tropical forests of the Nggela Islands.
Description
Hoya affinis, also known as Eriostemma affine, is a climbing plant with twining stems, elliptical green leaves, and large reddish to brilliant red flowers. The stems, leaves, and underside of the corolla are all covered with short, soft hair. Leaves are rounded at the base, pointed at the apex, and on a petiole up to 1.3 inches (3.3 cm) long. They are up to 4 inches (10 cm) long and 2 inches (5 cm) wide.
The flowers are star-shaped, up to 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) in diameter, and appear in dense rounded clusters from spring to late summer. The umbels typically have 3 to 12 flowers. The corolla has five spreading, red to orange-yellow lobes, while the smaller corona lobes are yellow and dark red near the base.
How to Grow and Care for Hoya affinis
Light: H. affinis grows well indoors in bright indirect light but will tolerate pretty low light levels, although it becomes weak and leggy, produce fewer leaves, and may not flower without bright light.
Soil: Whatever soil you plant your H. affinis in, it should be well-draining, provide excellent aeration, and not hold too much water.
Temperature: As a tropical plant, it thrives in warm, moist, humid climates. Keep it away from drafty windows and doorways during the colder months. H. affinis can withstand temperatures as low as 40 °F (4.4 °C). USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 11a to 11b, 40 to 50 °F (4.4 to 10 °C).
Watering: Water regularly in spring and summer. Soak the soil thoroughly until the water drains out of the drainage holes. Then let the soil dry out between watering. H. affinis is relatively dormant and needs only moderate watering in fall and winter.
Fertilizing: This plant is not a particularly heavy feeder. However, it appreciates some extra micronutrients and macronutrients. Therefore, feed with half-strength high-potassium fertilizer every two weeks or so during the growing season.
Repotting: As an epiphytic plant, H. affinis has quite shallow root systems and does not require a deep container, nor it needs to be repotted frequently. It prefers growing a bit tight in its container. Therefore, repot in spring if it outgrows its container.
Propagation: You can easily get new plants from your existing H. affinis by stem cuttings. Leaf cuttings can be more problematic. The best time to take cuttings is spring or summer when the plant is actively growing. The easiest method of propagation is by layering. Starting this plant from seeds is the simplest but the most time-consuming way of propagation. Sow the seeds in spring or summer in well-draining soil.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Hoya.
Toxicity of Hoya affinis
H. affinis is non-toxic to humans and pets.
Links
- Back to genus Hoya
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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