Scientific Name
Hoya finlaysonii Wight
Common Name(s)
Porcelain Flower, Wax Plant
Scientific Classification
Family: Apocynaceae
Subfamily: Asclepiadoideae
Tribe: Marsdenieae
Genus: Hoya
Description
Hoya finlaysonii is a rare plant with spectacular light green leaves with dark green veins making a beautiful pattern. Its growth habit makes it ideal for hanging baskets. The stems are up to 0.3 inches (0.8 cm) in diameter, branched from near the root cluster, woody at or near the base, and winged at tips. They are green but become dull yellow as they age. The elliptic leaves are thick, feel and have a texture similar to cardboard, and can have some random silver flecks.
In the summer, the plant produces small umbels of fragrant flowers with creamy white corolla lobes that are distinctly maroon in the upper half.
Origin
Hoya finlaysonii is native to Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 11a to 11b: from 40 °F (+4.4 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Hoyas don't ask for much beyond the well-draining soil and the warm, humid conditions many tropical flowers crave. They don't like wet feet or heavy soil, and as many grow as epiphytes in nature. Give them at least a half-day of sunshine, and bring them indoors when temperatures drop below 50 °F (10 °C).
Hoya finishes blooming, leave the flower stalk, as it may produce new flowers. Removing the stalk forces the plant to produce a new stalk, which delays blooming and wastes the plant's energy. They are light feeders, and a monthly drink of compost tea or dilute fish emulsion provides all the nutrition these tropicals need. Hoyas like the security of a snug pot, and plants that are a bit root-bound will flower more prolifically than those swimming around in a giant pot.
Propagate Hoyas by cuttings of top growth or by leaf cuttings. The average cutting or leaf start will produce a blooming plant in 2 years or less. The easiest method of propagation is by layering.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Hoya.
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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