Hoya dolichosparte is a little temperamental plant that requires high humidity, bright light, and well-draining soil for optimal growth.
Scientific Name
Hoya dolichosparte Schltr.
Scientific Classification
Family: Apocynaceae
Subfamily: Asclepiadoideae
Tribe: Marsdenieae
Genus: Hoya
Etymology
The specific epithet "dolichosparte (dol-uh-koh-SPAR-tee) means "long rope" and probably refers to the stems of the species.
Origin
Hoya brevialata is native to Indonesia. It grows as an epiphyte on the island of Sulawesi.
Description
Hoya dolichosparte is a beautiful plant with long, slender stems that bear glossy, dark green leaves with exquisite venation. The stiff leaves are oval and can grow up to 6 inches (15 cm) long and 4 inches (10 cm) wide. When exposed to intense sunlight, the leaves turn to a lovely tan color in bright sunlight.
During summer, the plant produces fragrant star-shaped flowers with a pale greenish-yellow, sometimes pinkish corolla and a white corona with a crimson center. The flowers can reach up to 0.7 inches (1.8 cm) in diameter and appear up to 30 per umbel.
How to Grow and Care for Hoya dolichosparte
Light: Even if this plant can tolerate lower light levels, it may become weak and leggy if the light is too low, producing fewer leaves and flowers. Therefore, keeping it indoors in bright, indirect sunlight is best.
Soil: Well-draining soil that provides excellent aeration and does not hold too much water is most important for growing a healthy plant.
Temperature: Hoya dolichosparte thrives in hot and humid climates, so keep it away from drafty windows and doorways during the colder months. It grows best in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 11a to 11b, with average minimum winter temperatures ranging from 40 to 50 °F (4.4 to 10 °C).
Watering: As this plant is sensitive to overwatering, soak the soil thoroughly during the spring and summer, but allow it to dry out before watering again. Otherwise, you will increase the risk of root rot, and your plant will not be happy. It is relatively dormant during the fall and winter and needs only moderate watering.
Fertilizing: While Hoya dolichosparte is not a particularly heavy feeder, it can benefit from high-potassium fertilizer at half strength every two weeks during the growing season.
Repotting: As an epiphyte, this plant has shallow root systems and does need a deep container. It also does not require frequent repotting. It actually prefers to be slightly rootbound, so repot it in spring only if it outgrows its container.
Propagation: Although layering is the easiest, using stem cuttings is the most popular method of propagating Hoya dolichosparte. Using leaf cuttings can be more challenging, while starting it from seeds is the simplest but the most time-consuming method. For best results, take cuttings only when the plant is actively growing and sow the seeds in spring and summer.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Hoya.
Toxicity of Hoya dolichosparte
Hoya dolichosparte is considered non-toxic, so having it around kids and pets is safe.
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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