Scientific Name
Hoya deykeae T.Green
Common Name(s)
Porcelain Flower, Wax Plant
Scientific Classification
Family: Apocynaceae
Subfamily: Asclepiadoideae
Tribe: Marsdenieae
Genus: Hoya
Etymology
The specific epithet "deykeae" (pronounced "dee-EW-kee-ee") honors Deyke van Donkelaar-Jannink, the wife of Ruurd van Donkelaar. They discovered this species together in March 1990.
Origin
Hoya deykeae is endemic to the Indonesian island of Sumatra. It grows as an epiphyte or scrambling shrub.
Description
Hoya deykeae is a lovely vine with long, wiry stems and unique, heart-shaped, light-green leaves with beautiful, darker-green venation. It looks like a result of a cross between Hoya kerrii and Hoya callistophylla.
The lightly perfumed flowers are star-shaped, creamy yellow with a peach-colored center, and appear in dense, rounded clusters from spring to late summer. The umbels typically have 15 to 30 flowers.
How to Grow and Care for Hoya deykeae
Light: H. deykeae grows well indoors in bright, indirect light but tolerates low light levels, though it becomes weak and leggy, produces fewer leaves, and may not flower without bright light.
Soil: Whatever soil you plant your H. deykeae in, it should be well-draining, provide excellent aeration, and not hold too much water.
Temperature: As a tropical plant, H. deykeae thrives in warm, humid climates. During the colder months, keep it away from drafty windows and doorways. It can withstand temperatures as low as 40°F (4.4°C). USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 11a to 11 b, 40°F to 50°F (4.4°C to 10°C).
Watering: Water regularly in spring and summer. Soak the soil thoroughly until water drains from the drainage holes. Then, let the soil dry out between waterings. H. deykeae 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. deykeae 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. deykeae 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 most time-consuming way to propagate it. Sow the seeds in spring or summer in well-draining soil.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Hoya.
Toxicity of Hoya deykeae
H. deykeae 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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