Scientific Name
Hoya obscura Elmer ex C.M.Burton
Common Name(s)
Red Wax Plant, Porcelain Flower
Scientific Classification
Family: Apocynaceae
Subfamily: Asclepiadoideae
Tribe: Marsdenieae
Genus: Hoya
Description
Hoya obscura is a fast-growing succulent vine with veined leaves that range from deep green when grown in the shade to a deep reddish color when grown in sunlight. The leaves are up to 4 inches (10 cm) long. Stems are green and become dull yellow as they ages. They are branched, woody at or near the base, winged at the tip, up to 0.3 inches (0.8 cm) in diameter. Flowers are fragrant, salmon pink, and appear in clusters.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 10b to 11b: from 35 °F (+1.7 °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 that 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.
Origin
This species is endemic to the southern part of the island of Luzon (Philippines).
Links
- Back to genus Hoya
- Succulentopedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
