Hoya megalaster produces impressive flowers and grows quickly when provided with ample heat and humidity.
Scientific Name
Hoya megalaster Warb. ex K.Schum. & Lauterb.
Scientific Classification
Family: Apocynaceae
Subfamily: Asclepiadoideae
Tribe: Marsdenieae
Genus: Hoya
Etymology
The specific epithet "megalaster (pronounced meg-AL-as-ter)" means "large star" and refers to the size and shape of the flowers of this species.
Origin
Hoya megalaster is native to Papua New Guinea. It grows as an epiphyte in the primary forest.
Description
Hoya megalaster is a climbing plant with slender stems that bear shiny dark green leaves with lighter green venation. The leaves are elliptical and have dimples between the veins, measuring up to 6.8 inches (17 cm) long and 4 inches (10 cm) wide. New growth emerges with a reddish hue.
This plant can bloom at any time of the year. Its striking, star-shaped flowers are dark purplish-pink and can reach up to 1.8 inches (4.5 cm) in diameter. Each umbel can have up to 12 flowers that last for about 7 days and emit a light, rose-like fragrance.
How to Grow and Care for Hoya megalaster
Light: Keeping this plant indoors in bright, indirect sunlight is best. Although 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 megalaster 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 megalaster is not a particularly heavy feeder, it can benefit from high-potassium fertilizer diluted to 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 method, using stem cuttings is the most popular propagation method for Hoya megalaster. Using leaf cuttings can be more challenging, while starting the plant from seeds is the simplest but 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 megalaster
Hoya megalaster is considered non-toxic, so it is safe around kids 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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