Hoya ilagiorum is an epiphytic plant with beautiful foliage and fragrant flowers with a unique color.
Scientific Name
Hoya ilagiorum Kloppenb., Siar & Cajano
Scientific Classification
Family: Apocynaceae
Subfamily: Asclepiadoideae
Tribe: Marsdenieae
Genus: Hoya
Etymology
The specific epithet "ilagiorum (il-AJ-ih-OR-um)" honors the Ilag family, which is known as educators and intellectuals.
Origin
Hoya ilagiorum is native to the Philippines. It grows as an epiphyte on the island of Luzon.
Description
Hoya ilagiorum is a beautiful plant with slender stems that bear long, thick, waxy leaves with pronounced veining and pointed tips. The leaves can grow up to 8 inches (20 cm) long and 3 inches (7.5 cm) wide.
This plant produces fragrant flowers in dense clusters on stalks that rebloom frequently throughout the year. The flowers can last up to 5 days and measure about 0.5 inches (1.2 cm) in diameter. They have a reflexed, shiny, light bronze-red corolla and a lighter corona.
How to Grow and Care for Hoya ilagiorum
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 ilagiorum 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 ilagiorum 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 prefers to be slightly rootbound, so repot it in spring only if it outgrows its container.
Propagation: Although layering is the easiest way to propagate Hoya ilagiorum, using stem cuttings is the most popular method. 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 ilagiorum
Hoya ilagiorum 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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