Hoya imperialis 'Palawan' is an epiphytic plant with growth and flowers as type form, but its flowers are paler, ranging from cream or yellow with some pink blush to sometimes reddish in color.
Scientific Name
Hoya imperialis 'Palawan'
Common Name(s)
Emperor Hoya, Honey Plant, Imperial Hoya, Imperial Wax Flower
Scientific Classification
Family: Apocynaceae
Subfamily: Asclepiadoideae
Tribe: Marsdenieae
Genus: Hoya
Origin
Hoya imperialis 'Palawan' is a form of Hoya imperialis apparently endemic to Palawan island in the Philippines.
Description
Hoya imperialis 'Palawan' is a robust climbing plant with slender, woody stems that bear large leathery leaves with a prominent midrib and poorly defined veins. The leaves are elliptical and can grow up to 10.8 inches (27 cm) long and 3.4 inches (8.5 cm) wide. The upper surface of the leaves is deep green, while the lower surface is light green.
In the summer, Hoya imperialis 'Palawan' produces compact clusters of up to 12 beautiful waxy flowers. The flowers can reach up to 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter and may have a weak or absent scent. They can last up to 15 days. The inner surface of the fleshy corolla can be cream or yellow with some pink blush or sometimes reddish, while the corona is cream to pale yellow.
How to Grow and Care for Hoya imperialis 'Palawan'
Light: It is best to keep this plant indoors in bright, indirect sunlight. Even though it can tolerate lower light levels, it may become weak and leggy if the light is too low, producing fewer leaves and flowers.
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 imperialis 'Palawan' 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 imperialis 'Palawan' 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 imperialis 'Palawan', 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 imperialis 'Palawan'
Hoya imperialis 'Palawan' 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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