Scientific Name
Hoya buotii Kloppenb.
Scientific Classification
Family: Apocynaceae
Subfamily: Asclepiadoideae
Tribe: Marsdenieae
Genus: Hoya
Etymology
The specific epithet "buotii (pronounced boo-OH-tee-eye)" honors Inocencio Buot Jr, a professor of botany, ecology, and environmental science at the University of the Philippines Los Banos.
Origin
Hoya buotii is native to the Philippines. It grows as an epiphyte at Mount Banahaw in Quezon province.
Description
Hoya buotii is a climbing plant with twining stems, often woody at the base, and light green leaves with visible, somewhat darker veins and midrib. The leaves are elliptical, with the margins and the pointed tip curling downwards, and are attached to the stem by a petiole. They can measure up to 2.8 inches (7 cm) long and 1.6 inches (4 cm) wide.
The fragrant flowers can reach up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) in diameter and appear in dense clusters on short peduncles from spring to summer, lasting 7 to 10 days. The corolla lobes are densely hairy, pale yellow to dull yellow, sometimes with a warm violet tinge, while the corona lobes are white to cream-colored and red towards the center.
How to Grow and Care for Hoya buotii
Light: H. buotii grows well indoors in bright indirect light but will tolerate pretty low light levels, although it becomes weak and leggy, produces fewer leaves, and may not flower without bright light.
Soil: Whatever soil you plant your H. buotii in 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. buotii 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 waterings. H. buotii 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. buotii has quite shallow root systems and does not require a deep container, nor does it need 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. buotii 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 buotii
H. buotii 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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