Hoya plants

80 Breath-Taking Hoya Varieties

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There has been an increasing interest in the cultivation of hoya plant varieties and for a good reason. Their flowers are sublime:starry, with a crystal-like crown positioned on top the flower – they make everyone spellbound.

Are you infatuated with hoya plants too? Do you want to start cultivating them or expand your collection of hoya varieties? You are in the right place!

Continue reading to learn about 80 different types of hoyas, along with tips on how to take proper care of them.

Hoya genus  

The genus Hoya belongs to the milkweed family, Asclepiadaceae. It was named for Thomas Hoy, an eminent cultivator who worked for the Duke of Northumberland. Hoya is the Latinization of his surname.

It comprises more than 250 species of vinelike climbers, twiners, root climbers, vines, bushes,  shrubs and epiphytes collectively known as wax flowers.

The majority of the hoya species are from tropics and subtropics, predominantly South America and Southern Africa.

Not all hoya plant types are succulent

Since they originated from dry areas, the majority of hoya species have thick, somewhat succulent leaves able to retain water until the next water supply.

However, while most varieties can be thought of as succulent, there are some types of hoya plants that have very thin, glossy and fragile leaves. The diversity is incredible.

Foliage and flowers

All types of hoya have star-shaped waxy or hairy flowers borne in clusters and all but a few have a lovely fragrance that is most noticeable in the evening.

It takes some time for hoya types to bloom and for flowers to fully develop, which is a phase when they have coronas (stars in the center). Their blooming period is short, so make good use of it.

Foliage varies from being very thin, waxy, hairless and glossy to very thick and succulent. Some hoya types have very prominent veins, while others don’t have veins at all. 

The leaves of some varieties exhibit white markings and are variegated in the center, cream-colored, that is. Their shape also varies, some varieties have very long and thin leaves (lanceolate) while others are ovate or nearly round.

What follows is a list of commonly cultivated types of hoya plants.  

Hoya plant foliage

Hoya species list

Hoya carnosa

This twining root climber is native to India, Southern China and Burma.

The flowers of Hoya carnosa are baby pink with burgundy centers, clustered together and resemble an upside-down umbrella. The leaves are dark green, glossy and oval.

Since it is a vine, it is grown best in a hanging container or trained on a trellis, or as a wreath shape. It performs best in zones 10-11.

Provide bright light next to a south or west window and a nice, warm spot. Water it thoroughly and allow the soil to dry out before applying water next time.

Hoya carnosa “Compacta“ has a more striking shape that resembles a rope.

Hoya carnosa compacta flowers

Hoya kerrii

Differently called “Sweetheart“ or “Valentine“, this plant is available in several forms.

Leaves of Hoya kerrii are very thick, succulent and heart-shaped, hence the very appropriate name.

Some varieties have no visible veins while others have very distinct, some are velvet to the touch, so this is a variable species for sure.

Flowers vary in size and color as well, but clusters generally form up to 25 fuzzy, reflexed flowers and have tints of lime green, but the color changes to pink, pinkish brown, which is caused by the brown honeydew that oozes from the crown.

Provide enough space, treat it on a tomato cage or a wood trellis.

Since it has a very fibrous root system, it can easily outgrow its container. Nevertheless, it is an adaptable climber to grow and very rewarding.

Hoya kerrii flowers and leaves

Hoya australis

Well adapted to a wide array of conditions, it is one of the most commonly cultivated Hoya plant varieties.

That’s because there is a lot of varieties to choose from: hairless, shiny, fuzzy, thick and small-leaved, deep or light green – whatever your heart desires.

The flowers of Hoya Australis, however, are always white with a more or less visible carmine-pink stain under the corona, intensely scented.

It is an easy variety to grow, but it won’t tolerate frost, much watering and high humidity.

Some varieties of it are Hoya australis subsp. oramicola and H. australis subsp. rupicola.

Hoya australis flowers

Hoya obovata

Hoya obovata is a climber, leafless at first, but it develops fleshy, thick, round leaves with no veins eventually, medium green with flecks of pink and white. It is said to originate from Bhutan.

Provide good light and the plant will thank you with clusters of up to 30 fuzzy white to light pink flowers and carmine centers all year round.

Honeydew produced by Hoya obovata is clear, so it won’t stain the petals as much.

Provide high humidity and good light to enhance the blooming process, propagate it from stem cuttings in a heavy clay pot.

To help it climb on, use a redwood or cedar trellis, or even wire tomato cages.

Hoya Obovata flowers

Hoya pubicalyx

A variegated, outstanding hoya species native to the Philippines, it is a real eye-catcher in every collection.

Full of surprises – young plants can exhibit tinges of purple on their lush and glossy foliage, while others can have splashes of pink, silver or maroon. 

Besides, once buds open, you will be stunned by a variety of colors of Hoya pubicalyx – from dark brown, almost black, to baby pink, bright rose or even deep pink.

How can one ever grow tired of this plant? That’s because of variegation which is a common occurrence in the Hoya genus. Other hoya species with variegated forms are Hoya compacta, Hoya bella and Hoya australis.

Grow one and you will be amazed by their irregular expression of color.

Hoya pubicalyx flowers

Hoya compacta

Hoya compacta is a twining plant with green, large, curled leaves and flowers in large umbels, white or pink in color and waxy.

This variety strickingly resembles a rope. Get a fast-draining potting mixture and ensure that the plant receives bright indirect light.

It is perfect for ledges and hanging pots where it will attract many glances, or you can embellish your balcony or patio with it – works equally dazzling.

Hoya compacta flowers

Hoya wayetii

The leaves of this one are deep green, long, narrow, with a hard surface. Flowers have a deep honey fragrance and are dark red.

Ideally, plant it in a small hanging pot, clay or plastic pot on a shelf. It is easily controllable and just the right size.

Hoya wayetii

Hoya cumingiana

This is a bushy variety of hoya, not a vine. As they are growing, the branches are bowing over, thus becoming pendant. If you don’t want them to bow, provide some kind of support.

The leaves form close to the stem, while the flowers hand down. Flowers of Hoya Cumingiana are waxy and very showy due to their contrasting colors.

To ensure optimum growth, add crushed coral, limestone as a supply of calcium to the potting mixture.

Hoya cumingiana flowers

Hoya lacunosa

An old favorite, compact climber grown for its attractive foliage and flowers that appear often.

Hoya Lacunosa is perfect for a hanging basket. The leaves are small, deep green in color and lacunose.

The flowers form clusters of around 15 white flowers with yellow crowns, which won’t be fully formed at first. Watch it transform.

Hoya lacunosa

Hoya serpens

This is a rather rare and exotic species from the Indian state of Sikkim. It performs best in zones 10-11.

Hoya serpens bears green flowers about 12 mm wide, covered with tiny hairs to give a soft downy effect.

Provide it with dappled sunlight, well-drained soil and room temperature is ideal for it.

Hoya serpens flowers

Hoya multiflora

Differently called shooting-star hoya, this variety is an evergreen semi-epiphytic shrub or climber that blooms in warm months, ideally in zones 9-11.  It is definitely not a succulent plant.

It is an elegant plant with thin and dark green foliage and fragrant star-shaped white flowers with greenish-yellow tips that resemble shooting stars.

Keep it evenly moist in a humid environment, less so when it is cool. Plant it in an open, fast-draining bark mix and provide bright filtered light. It needs more water than other varieties.

Propagate it from tip cuttings in a moist potting medium.

Hoya multiflora flowers

Hoya obscura

Hoya obscura is an epiphyte that has glossy, uniquely shaped leaves with prominent veins that may vary in size but keep their shape.

At first, the leaves are thicker, but as they mature, they grow larger, thinner and lighter green in color. Provided with more sunlight, they will develop deep bronze-red color. The same will happen if the plant is fed with fertilizers enriched with phosphorous.

The flowers are flat and have fuzzy pinkish fluffy balls that have a lovely fragrance.

Provide good humidity and water frequently.

Hoya obscura flowers

Hoya pottsii

This variety is a succulent climber that performs well in zones 10-11. Flowers are small, cream and mauve in the center, clustered along the stems and faintly fragrant. Foliage is ovate and waxy.

Provide regular moisture and humidity, fast-draining bark potting mix and bright filtered light. Hoya pottsii can take a little bit of full sun, too.

Hoya pottsii foliage

Hoya purpureofusca

An evergreen epiphytic vine that’s native to Indonesia and performs best in zones 10-11.

Flowers are magenta, pink, or reddish-brown, sometimes with white margins, fuzzy and hairy, while petals are smaller and white and centres very deep red.

They resemble the flowers of H. cinnamiofolia, but are colored differently, hence referred to as “Brown Purple flowered Hoya“.

Leaves are ovate, about five inches long, and waxy. The plant exudes honey.

Hoya purpureofusca flowers

Hoya kentiana

This narrow leaf wax vine is a perfect small hanging-basket candidate. It has skinny leaves and can produce clusters of dark pink to burgundy flowers. Such a beautiful contrast, isn’t it?

To stimulate flower development of Hoya Kentiana , provide enough bright light, water thoroughly, but it is advisable to err on the dry side than to keep it constantly wet.

Propagate it by taking stem cuttings and rooting them in moist potting medium.

Hoya kentiana flowers

Hoya acuta

This Hoya species is a medium-sized plant with highly fragrant, peppermint and lemon flowers that are always waxy and with the petals reflexed.

It is easy to grow, especially from cuttings, blooms readily and often, and it is well adapted to different conditions. Not many hoya plants form flowers at an early stage and this is one variety that does.

Leaves are lance-shaped, medium glossy green above, paler on the underside, with long internodes.

Hoya acuta flowers

Hoya plicata

A medium compact grower, this plant bears deep green lacunose leaves that have slightly sunken areas in between the veins.

As regards flowers, they are stiff, softly colored. Although it flowers at an early age, this particular variety is not such a profuse bloomer, so don’t be disappointed if they are sparse.

It is a perfect basket or hanging plant.

Hoya inconspicua

This type of hoya is a tiny climber from the Solomon Islands where, in its native habitat, it attracts insects that collect the sweet nectar from the flowers.

Not only is it an elegant vine with lance-shaped leaves and rose to red flowers that contrast gracefully to the foliage, but it is extremely easy to grow.

Add some limestone to the soil mix, which should be loose and definitely well-drained. Besides, it responds well to a variety of conditions ranging from little to full light and can cope in dry to  wet conditions.

Since it is not a fussy grower, you will have no difficulty growing it in your growing area.

Hoya inconspicua flowers

Hoya limoniaca

Another graceful plant variety with starry pale yellow flowers that are slightly scented and foliage that is neat, clean, dark, glossy green and a nice vein pattern, sharply pointed at the tip of the leaves.

It was first discovered on the Isle of Pines, New Caledonia.

Hoya limoniaca

Hoya pauciflora

This bushy grower comes from West India and Sri Lanka and, since it prefers shady places, provide it with subdued light and high humidity.

Foliage is narrow, rigid and deep green, cupped in the center with no veins and blunt at the tips. The flowers are fuzzy, sparkling white, with a deep raspberry red crown in the center and the shape altogether resembles a bell.

You can grow this on in a greenhouse or on rock support. However, do not expect profuse blooms, since the name of the plant means few flowers.

But since some of the flowers can reflect light so well because the hair cells are hollow, they are sparkling crystal white, so they are worth it.

Hoya pauciflora

Hoya Linearis

Also known as “hanging hoya”, Hoya linearis needs lots of light to thrive. It enjoys higher humidity and regular watering.

As for those astonishing flowers, they usually appear every 2 years, and last about 2 weeks. They resemble some gentle and delicate white stars.

Hoya linearis flowers

Hoya cinnamomifolia

Being a plant citizen of the Island of Java, Hoya cinnamomifolia is an exquisite variety, climbing shrub with large, olive green leaves with silver veins. New growth can display tinges of bronze, which makes it even more unique.

Green, bronze and silver… But that’s not all. Clusters consist of up to 30 flowers in umbels with a large waxy crown in the center that’s deep cranberry or brownish-red.

It requires a similar care pattern as Hoya australis – high humidity, well-draining potting mixture. Stick to water and dry method.

Hoya cinnamomifolia flower

Hoya megalaster

This plant is a rampant grower from New Guinea with large and distinctive flowers and deep green foliage. It is known to seek additional light, so keep it under control, prune back.

It looks the most dazzling if trained on a wire trellis, wrapped around it. However, mature plants can die although they have not exhibited any signs of poor care.

Hoya megalaster flowers

Hoya fraterna

What makes this hoya variety special is that it has the longest leaves in the genus, thick, with no visible veins. Have this in mind when choosing its growing spot.

Its flowers are fuzzy, between silky and velvety, which is also typical of Hoya kerri, Hoya obovata, Hoya meliflua and Hoya diversifolia. These plant species are strong and vigorous growers with bold and fleshy leaves with a compact crown in the center and outer lobes that are rounded.. The foliage of Hoya obovata and Hoya fraterna are also similar.

Be careful where you position the plant since it exudes thick nectar or honeydew.

It is native to the Java forests and if you have a spacious room, definitely give it a try.

Hoya fraterna flowers

Hoya polyneura

Native to India, this plant is an epiphyte with long branches that bend down because of the weight of the plant.

The branches carry light to medium green leaves with obvious venation, resemblant of fish tails, so it is also called “Fish tailed Hoya“.

The flowers can only be admired if the plant is positioned high. They are white to cream-colored with red-purple stars in the center. Such a magnificent contrast!

Provide good airflow, uniform conditions, high humidity and water frequently.

Hoya polyneura flowers

Hoya meliflua

The leaves of this hoya variety are deep, glossy green, thick, with no veins. It is easy to cultivate, has strong growth and blooms often.

Flowers are fuzzy, deep pink in color and exude honey-like substance that stains the flower petals with time.

It resembles Hoya fraterna, but it blooms better than the latter.

Hoya meliflua flowers

Hoya diversifolia

Hoya diversifolia was named by Blume in 1826 and it comes from Indonesia, Java, Cambodia, Myanmar, Malaysia and Thailand.

Leaves are very fleshy, hairless while inflorescence consists of up to 20 upright flowers held in pale pink clusters with dark pink crowns in the center.

Hoya diversifolia outside

Hoya Krimson Queen

One of the most outstanding features of this breath-taking plant is its variegated, green and pinkish white leaves. It is also known by many other names- variegated, Tricolor or even Strawberries and Cream.

Like majority of members of this enchanting family, it requires higher humidity and moderate temperature. Hoya Krimson Queen needs well-aerated and well-draining soil.

Hoya Krimson Queen flowers

Hoya bilobata

This is a small-leaved and small-flowered but fast-growing variety of hoya native to the Philippines. It was considered the smallest Hoya flower at the time.

Its leaves are usually oval or round, slightly hairy and dull green. The clusters of flowers are tiny fuzzy balls with yellow crowns, red markings and pink petals that roll back.

As it continues to grow, the plant will hang down the container and cover it completely. Make sure that the pot has good drainage, you can add moss on top and water it daily.

Hoya nicholsoniae

This variable type of hoya is native to Australia, where it is usually epiphytic, and since it is found in the seashore and forests, it is adaptable to a wide range of environmental conditions.

Leaves are waxy, hairless, with visible veins, usually flat. Some clones can develop red or purplish markings if exposed to high sunlight and fed with phosphate fertilizers, which is why this plant is so widely sought after.

Flowers appear in clusters of up to 30, cream to yellow, with pink overtones and glossy white crown.

You can propagate it from cuttings easily and grow several different clones.

Hoya finlaysonii

Imagine listening to a singer accompanied by orchestra, Now imagine a singer and the voice alone. Which one do you think can make a stronger impact?

In the context of plants, Hoya finlaysonii is a lone singer. It has no orchestra of flowers, yet it attracts people with its singing foliage alone.

The leaf blades are thick, with a beautifully contrasting light green color with prominent deep emerald green veins and leaf edges.

The flower clusters are in the background, compact balls of waxy, creamy white flowers.

A certain period of time is necessary for the plant to develop the leaves, so arm yourself with patience for this one.

Hoya finlaysonii flowers

Hoya affinis

This is a climbing shrub, freely branched. The leaves are pubescent, dark green, while flowers are waxy, purple or red with a yellow crown that is stained with tinges of brown in the very center.

African violet mix should work perfectly for this species, water regularly and provide adequate sunlight.

Hoya albiflora

A trailing plant with opposite, fleshy, thin, green and hairless leaves. The flowers form umbels and they are white, waxy and star-like.

It makes a beautiful, compact basket plant since it is free flowering and it will fall over the center of the pot.

The home of this species is New Guinea, the coastal rocky places, but very rare in nature.

Hoya archboldiana

This hoya plant is not your typical hoya. The flowers differ from other hoya varieties – large campanulate flowers, bold umbels.

It is a trailing shrub with large, dark green leaves. The inflorescence consists of umbilical flowers, 5 cm in diameter, rose-red inside and light green outside. This is a peculiarity not exhibited by other hoyas.

Hoya archboldiana flower

Hoya ciliata

Hoya ciliata is a rambling shrub with green, fleshy leaves and waxy dark purple-blackish flowers with a yellow crown in the center. This makes it one of the very few varieties that have such a dark color.

This variety has dark flowers. But another variety that has been described already has a brownish-red crown. Do you remember which one? Hoya cinnamifolia, that’s right!

Hoya ciliata plant

Hoya darwinii

This hoya variety is a climbing plant with leaves that are around 8 cm long, dark bluish-green, inhabited by ants in the wild.

Certainly not a typical hoya, the flowers are pink with a white central crown that exhibits dark rose or red tints in the center.

This type of hoya vividly portrays that the world is made up of contradictions and contrasts: the flower petals bend down, while the central crown is cupped.

Hoya darwinii

Hoya excavata

Another trailing plant, Hoya excavata has dark green, opposite leaves. It is described as a high climbing shrub of exceptional beauty, it is a big, bold grower with large, thick, fleshy, glossy leaves.

The flowers are waxy and pink, sometimes showing hues of cream or white with bright red starry corona which again has a yellow tint in the center.  They smell like vanilla.

Hoya excavata flowers

Hoya guppyi

This plant has climbing stems and leaves covered with hairs. The flowers are 2.5 cm in diameter, purple to maroon that contrast beautifully to yellowish centers. Such an amazing plant variety to have in your collection.

Hoya macgillivrayi

Native to Australia, this plant has up to 10 cm long and 5 cm wide dark green leaves that have the shape of the heart. Younger plants are copper.

Flowers are pendent and waxy, around 8 cm in diameter, lighter purple in the center, darker purple on the edges. This gives the plant boldness and rebelliousness, vampiness.

Moreover, they are crisp and waxy. Leaves are heart-shaped with a long arrow blade and acute tips.

Hoya macgillivrayi needs to be pruned or grown with training since it otherwise runs rampant.

Keep it warm, don’t let it dry out completely, and the temperatures at least 60 degrees F.

Hoya macgillivrayi flower

Hoya madulidii

The leaves of this particular variety are hairy, opposite, lanceolate, while the flowers are star-like, waxy, brownish with yellow crowns and some redness in the center.

It comes from the Phillippines.

Hoya madulidii flower

Hoya pachyclada

This variety is a shrub. The leaves are thick, large and olive green. Flowers are in umbels, white with white crowns.

It comes from Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam.

Hoya pachyclada flowers

Hoya tsangii

This one has trailing stems, fleshy green and slightly hairy leaves, red flowers in umbels. It comes from the Philippines.

It doesn’t need much watering but it does need a bright spot and temperature levels around 20 degrees C.

Hoya pseudolitoralis

The foliage of this variety streams down over the container with leaves that are flat, broad, not uniformly green. Yellowish and pink hues can be exhibited by new leaves.

It is native to New Guinea and the flowers are fuzzy, with white corolla and soft pink center, pleasant to the eye.

Hoya lanceolata subsp. bella

This is a shrubby species with erect main branches, slightly succulent leaves with a glossy green surface about 4 cm long. The flowers of Hoya bella appear in summer and have porcelain, fleshy, waxy appearance and a pleasant scent.

It is one of the most popular species for expert and novice gardeners, perfect for indoor cultivation. It prefers bright light, good humidity, and the addition of peat in the potting soil.

Hoya lanceolata subsp. bella flowers

Hoya arnottiana

Hoya arnottiana is an Indian species from warm topics of the Himalayan mountains. It is a strong, vigorous climber and always reaching for additional sunlight.

It has bold, wide round to elliptic green whose surface is rather smooth, glabrous (hairless) with visible veins.

The flowers are creamy, dull yellow or white and the crown is very prominent. Pleasantly fragrant, it blooms readily and often.

Hoya arnottiana flowers

Hoya camphorifolia

This variety is graceful, pale green foliaged native to the Philippines. The veins are visible and new stems have variations of purple, which is really beautiful and unusual.

Given the right conditions, it blooms often. The cute, small flowers wake up with the dusk and go to sleep in the evening. The flowers are pink with red centers.

They need plenty of water, and your soil mixture should be loose and well draining.

It is ideal for a pot or basket, window sill and light gardens.

Hoya camphorifolia flowers

Hoya erythrina

Hoya erythrina is outstandingly unusual and fairly rare in the wild. It is a slow grower, but given enough time, it will establish and then put on rapid growth.

Stems are leafless at first. Leaves are first green and bronze, but, as they mature, they turn wavy, lime green with deep green venation, sometimes even pink or silver markings, while the underside is maroon or pink. This makes the foliage unique and it is perfect even with no flowers at all.

Flowers are buttery yellow, fuzzy and a light pagoda-shaped center. It needs plenty of light and good humidity.

Hoya erythrina flowers

Hoya fungi

The foliage of Hoya fungi has gentle appearance – large leaves, slightly hairy, with deep green venation. Young foliage is bronze green and, as it matures, it turns to deep emerald green.

This is a hardy variety like Hoya carnosa that can cope with less heat than most Hoyas.

It is a medium strong grower with larger leaves than Hoya carnosa, and a bit more fuzz.

Hoya nummularioides

Sadly, this plant sends out blooms only once a year – but with a profusion of bloom, at least.

Clusters consist of up to 15 small white flowers with soft pink centers and a spicy fragrance.

Seven different clones are available, at least, so your plant might differ from what has been said.

The leaves are cupped downward, dull, olive green and slightly hairy, while the flowers are glabrous.

Plant it in a small pot, provide a lot of light.

Hoya nummularioides flowers

Hoya pentaphlebia

Another bold variety with waxy, glossy leaves that are darker green above, lighter green and dull on the underside and veins readily visible.

Flower clusters are hairless, made up of up to 35 yellow starry flowers – it is a joy to see the plant blooming. It blooms from early spring through October, during the day and night.

It is a medium to large plant so provide enough space for it.

Hoya pentaphlebia flowers

Hoya campanulata

Hoya companulata is a climbing plant with opposite, fleshy leaves and white waxy flowers that are cupped and act as a shelter for the white corona. This plant reminds me of a shell, the pearl being the white, waxy corona.

Hoya campanulata flowers

Hoya diptera

This is a climbing plant with thick stems, covered with dark green leaves and flowers that are white with pink centers or coronas, waxy and star-shaped.

Hoya diptera plant

Hoya dimorpha

This variety of Asclepiadaceae has thin, climbing stems with large lanceolate leaves that are dark blue-green.

The clusters consist of up to 40 golden yellow flowers with white crowns, really compact. The umbilical clusters resemble large yellow balls from the distance.

Hoya dimorpha plant

Hoya caudata

It originates from Thailand, Malaysia, a rampant climbing vine that’s easily recognizable and here is why.

The soft pink flowers have long hairs along the edges, which is a rarity. The coronas are reddish and some of them stick out from the center.

The addition of limestone to the mix is advisable.

Hoya caudata flowers

Hoya imperialis

This is a climbing plant with fleshy, elongate, green leaves. There are 8 flowers grouped together in umbels, 7 cm in diameter,  pink to brownish- red with white or pale cream center.

The petals are cupped and acutely pointed at the tips as if protecting the little fragile corona in the center.

It is a bold, large-flowered hoya. Several clones are available in commerce. It is native to Borneo.

Hoya imperialis flowers

Hoya mindorensis

This type of hoya is native to the Philippines. The stems of Hoya mindorensis are trailing and the leaves are green, fleshy.

The flowers are variable in color, usually waxy and fuzzy white with a red sharp central crown. The edges of the flowers exhibit tinges of yellow, so it resembles an embellished beehive. The flower is hairless but when the corolla turns under, it exposes stiff hairs.

Keep the soil loose, water thoroughly and fertilize regularly, a lot of light.

Hoya mindorensis

Hoya angustifolia

This is a small dangling hoya, ideal for a tiny basket. It is mostly pest-free, very neat and clean.

It has small fuzzy flowers and foliage is narrow and long, hairless.

Do not overpot this one, feed it lightly during the growing cycle. It can be kept indoors and outdoors.

Hoya angustifolia plant

Hoya benguetensis

Characteristic of this Philippine variety of hoya is intense venation of leaves, ovate or elliptic, hairless and waxy.

A vigorous grower, Hoya benguetensis has reddish flowers ideal for small pots or baskets. Red and green – look devilish and vampy.

Fertilize it lightly, increase the light to stimulate flowering and keep it regularly moist.

Hoya benguetensis

Hoya burtoniae

What makes this variety distinctive is its velvety foliage, dull green and cupped lower surface.

Flower clusters are flat, fuzzy rose-red with a reddish crown. The fragrance is honey-like, sweet, basic, rich and pleasant.

Make vertical cuts through the root mass to loosen it up for better water penetration when you are transplanting it.

There are three clones of it that are deeper.

Hoya burtoniae flowers and foliage

Hoya crassicaulis

This is not an uncommon variety – large, hairless, glossy green leaves somewhat thick, elliptic, pinnately veined with crisp edges.

Flowers are yellow with a tint of bronze at petal tips, while the corona is flat and white. They have a spicy shart fragrance.

Hoya crassicaulis flowers

Hoya davidcummingii

This plant was named for its founder David Cumming in the Philippines. It is a distinctive type of hoya.

The foliage is made up of small lanceolate elliptic and hairless leaves, while the new ones have purplish tones.

Flowers are salmon pink with a contrasting richly yellow crown in the center. The corolla rolls back so the center crown looks as if set in a cup.

Hoya davidcummingii flowers

Hoya greenii

Named for Ted Green, this species is prominently veined on the leaves, which are long, narrow, dull, very deep green and hairless.

The flowers appear in clusters of up to 50 blooms, white to pale pink with a little red at the center of the white corona.

It roots quickly and loves high humidity and a warm environment, fairly pest-free and propagates easily from cuttings.

Hoya Siamica

This member of the adorable family has long light green leaves and is found in Thailand. As for the flowers, their diameter is around 1.5 cm in diameter. They are fuzzy, and have a slight scent. The only “flaw” they have is that they last too short, only about about a week. Hoya siamica produces flowers during the summer.

Hoya Retusa

This one has slightly different leaves than majority of the varieties. It’s slim and flat, and resembles some long sticks. When it comes to flowers, they are white and chubby, with a maroon star in the center. To make this one produce flowers, you should keep it in lower temperatures.

Hoya retusa flower

Hoya imbricata

This is an epiphytic variety that earned its name because new leaves cover the edge of the last leaf, thus overlapping.

It is known to attract ants that do not damage the plant but, quite the contrary, protect the plant and provide it with nutrients.

Flowers of Hoya imbricata are fuzzy and have yellowish corolla and a high center crown. There are several clones of this species that show variations in leaf color and markings, as well as flower size.

Hoya imbricata flowers

Hoya incrassata

The foliage of Hoya incrassata varies considerably – thick leathery, long, wide with pinnate veins. The flowers are waxy, with bronze corolla and rich yellow crown, acute at ends.

The fragrance is sharp and spicy. It is relatively easy to grow and flowers readily if given good light. It needs plenty of water and fertilizers for vigorous growth.

Hoya incrassata flowers

Hoya kenejiana

No special treatment is necessary for this species. It is a medum strong climbing grower that has yellow flowers fringed on the edges and appear around 25 in clusters.

Flowers are buttery yellow, waxy and develop pink undertones in colder months.

The foliage is elliptic, hairless.

Hoya kenejiana

Hoya leytensis

Best displayed in a pot or a hanging basket, this plant species has pendant flowers that are fuzzy small balls, dark to dull yellowish, very small.

The leaves are diamond-shaped, leathery, dull green, without hairs, with obscure venation.

Should you want to study the flowers more carefully, you will need a magnifying glass or microscope.

Hoya leytensis foliage

Hoya litoralis

First found in New Guinea, this is an epiphyte, climbing high into trees in its natural habitat.

It has hairless foliage, thick and leathery. The flower clusters hang down from long peduncles, rose-colored with a rich sweet honey fragrance.

This is a clean, waxy-leaved variety suited to small pots and baskets.  Add lime to the potting mix.

Hoya litoralis

Hoya loyceandrewsiana

Named for Loyce Andrews, this variety is an extremely large-leafed species. They are 6 inches long and 6 inches wide, thick, leathery, glossy and deep green, held upright with 2 pairs of primary veins.

The plant blooms with a large cluster of up to 70 flowers that are long-lasting, creamy white, hairless, and have a sweet scent.

Plant it in a large pot, give it lots of light and it will give you lots of blooms in return.

Hoya macgregorii

One can easily guess who named this plant based on the name of the plant itself – botanist R.C. McGregor in the Philippines in 1905.

Its leaves are elliptic or round, hairless, wax-like and dark green. The good news is that clusters can have even up to 100 flowers per umbel – certainly more than other hoya plant varieties.

All in all, this is an invigorating vine with a sharp scent and grows to be a long one, so give it enough space.

Hoya macgregorii flowers

Hoya neoebudica

The foliage has soft, hairless, light green, lanceolate, while the flowers are also hairless on the outside, hairy on the inside, with a soft mauve color.

Plant it in a small pot or hanging basket, indoor or outdoor, though it thrives best in high humidity. Be wary of over-fertilizing since it burns the leaves.

Hoya neoebudica flowers

Hoya odettiae

This is a small variety with thick and narrow leaves, a perfect small pot specimen. It is easy to cultivate, relatively pest-free and suited to limited areas.

Though small, flowers are exquisite, buttons of fuzzy lemony-yellow flowers that turn to deeper golden as the plant matures. They appear in clusters and have a sweet fragrance.

Hoya paziae

Hoya paziae is not a vine, but it is rather a bushy variety. It flowers predominantly in the fall, the flowers are sparse, yet extraordinarily beautiful. Conversely, the leaves are thin and have a lacy appearance.

It is a perfect basket hanging plant that performs well in cooler weather conditions and will benefit from the addition of sphagnum moss and perlite to neutralize the soil.

Hoya paziae flowers

Hoya picta

This variety is a variegated type of hoya that makes an ideal indoor plant, grown for its colorful foliage, which is a combination of green, light yellowish-green, cream and pink sequenced differently on every leaf.

The clusters of rich pink fuzzy flowers add to the beauty of the plant. The corona is white with a purple-red center.

It is easy to propagate from cuttings, but it needs to be examined regularly for mealy bugs.

This one is a shy bloomer at first, but given plenty of light, water and fertilizer, it will reward you.

Hoya picta flowers

Hoya shepherdii

This is a dark green and glossy-leaved species with large flowers and upright corona. It is easy to grow and relatively pest free, so it makes an ideal hanging basket plant.

The flowers of Hoya Shepherdii are delicate fuzzy waxy balls with a reddish center in the white corona. The corolla itself is very protective of the corona, with sharp-pointed tips of the petals which are cupped as if to close and shelter the corona.

It performs best in subdued light, indoors.

Hoya shepherdii

Hoya ignorata

This plant was at first neglected or, rather, ignored, and published consequently in 2011.

The leaves are large, thin, light green with some brown markings, while around 10 flowers form a cluster. The flowers are rather small, and the corollas are not typical. Rather, they are creamy and round, while the corona is not clearly starry and is the same size as the corolla itself.

The corona in the center is yellow, with a white reflection.

Hoya ignorata flower

Hoya macrophylla

Native to Indonesia, Java, Borneo, this variety bears leaves that are long, lamina ovate, fleshy, pale green and hairless.

The inflorescence is numerous, violet or reddish-white and also hairless. The corona on Hoya Macrophylla is white, while the center is white or pink.

Hoya macrophylla

Hoya papaschonii

This is an epiphytic shrub with thin, green, hairless leaves pinnately veined. Flowers are produced only once, they are white or cream and enveloping the corona which is waxy and white.

It was named after Mr. Papaschon who identified it in 2012, so it is a relatively new variety.

Hoya vitellina

This is another hoya variety native to Indonesia. It has thick and fleshy leaves, hairless, acute or rounded.

The clusters bear many flowers, yolk-colored, shiny and hairless.

Hoya vitellina flowers
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