Scientific Name
Hoya halconensis Kloppenb.
Scientific Classification
Family: Apocynaceae
Subfamily: Asclepiadoideae
Tribe: Marsdenieae
Genus: Hoya
Origin
This species is native to the Philippines. It grows as an epiphyte in the forests of Mount Halcon, the highest mountain on the island of Mindoro.
Description
Hoya halconensis is a fast-growing plant with long, wiry stems and light green leaves with visible, somewhat darker veins and midrib. The leaves are elliptical with a pointed tip and attached to the stem by a petiole.
The stunning flowers are fragrant and among the most beautiful in the genus. They are star-shaped, up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) in diameter, appear in dense clusters on short peduncles from spring to summer, and last 7 to 10 days. The corolla lobes are pale yellow and densely hairy. Corona lobes are white to cream-colored and red towards the center.
H. halconensis looks very similar to Hoya buotii.
Etymology
The specific epithet "halconensis (hal-koh-NEN-sis)" means "of or from Halcon" and refers to Mount Halcon, where the species is endemic.
How to Grow and Care for Hoya halconensis
Light: H. halconensis 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. halconensis 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. halconensis 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. halconensis 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. halconensis 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. halconensis 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 halconensis
H. halconensis 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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