64 Of The Best Hoya Species – A Complete Guide
If you are a plant lover looking to add something new to your collection, you might want to consider Hoya plants. Hoya varieties are commonly known as wax plants, and they produce stunning flowers with unique colors and fragrances that can add an exotic touch to your home or garden.
Did you know that there are over 500 Hoya varieties? And many of these options can be purchased from local nurseries as houseplants! This article is a quick guide on 64 of our favorite Hoyas. We’ve included info on their origin and native environment, physical features, and – most importantly – their blooms! Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced plant enthusiast, this guide will help you find the perfect Hoya for your collection. So, sit back, grab your favorite beverage, and let’s dive into the fascinating world of Hoya species!
64 Hoya Varieties
The order below is primarily alphabetical and not organized by popularity or availability. Some of these Hoyas are not yet common in greenhouses or nurseries but will likely become more common in the coming years.
Hoya acuta
The Hoya acuta is now commonly known as verticilata. It is a vining epiphyte with waxy green leaves native to Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
Multiple creamy white flowers make up the acuta’s inflorescence. These tiny flowers have small hair-like features, giving the plant a fuzzy look.
Acuta’s prefer bright indirect light and want a well-draining soil mix. If you see the leaves of the Hoya acuta start to wrinkle or shrivel, it’s likely a sign that you’re not watering it enough.
Hoya archboldiana
If you’re looking for a challenge, consider growing the Hoya archboldiana. This Hoya variety was first discovered in 1933 in Papua New Guinea and named after the American explorer Richard Archibold.
While it has large, oval-shaped leaves that come to a point, they’re mainly grown for their beautiful – and somewhat strange-looking – flowers. The large flowers can vary in color from white to red and have a distinct bell shape.
When grown indoors, flowering will likely be a challenge. Consider growing these in a grow tent to control the humidity and light.
Hoya aurigueana
Hoya aurigueana, is a species of flowering plant in the dogbane family Apocynaceae. It is endemic to the Quezon province of Luzon, Philippines. Species of porcelain flower. It was first described by Kloppenburg, Siar & Cajano in 2012.
It is known for its white, star-shaped flowers with pink or red centers. It’s a very beautiful plant, but at this point, there is very little information on its care or requirements.
Hoya australis
Hoya australis is a climbing vine that stays green all year long and can grow to be pretty tall – about 13 to 33 feet.
The leaves are thick and fleshy and can be either oval or elliptical in shape. If the plant is growing in a sunny spot, the leaves will be yellowish green, but if it’s in a shady spot, they’ll be dark green.
The vine can produce flowers and grow in clusters on little stems that are 0.5 to 2.5 cm long. Each flower is about 1.5 to 2.5 cm in diameter and has five thick, waxy petals that are triangular in shape.
The petals are white with red marks, and the flowers of Hoya australis have a really sweet smell. You can find this vine growing on the edges of rainforests and in rocky areas in eastern and northern Australia – from Western Australia all the way up to northern New South Wales. It’s a really popular plant to grow in gardens because its flowers smell so good!
Hoya bella
Hoya Bella, also called the beautiful Hoya, is a tropical epiphytic plant native to Southeast Asia and Australia. It is a member of the milkweed family and is also known as the miniature wax plant.
The bella has small, star-shaped flowers that grow in clusters and are usually pinkish-purple or white in color.
This Hoya prefers bright, indirect light and should be kept out of direct sunlight for long periods. For soil, it shouldn’t be overwatered, but you should aim for a moderately moist medium. We recommend a well-draining soil mix.
Hoya Bella is a relatively low-maintenance plant that is perfect for beginners or those with limited space.
Hoya benstoneana
Hoya benstoneana is a type of wax plant that is native to the Philippines (and nowhere else). It mostly grows in the wet tropical biome.
This flowering plant belongs to the Asclepiad species and the Apocynaceae family, and it was first described in 2012 by Kloppenburg, Siar, Guevarra & Carandang. The plant is part of the Hoya genus, and it was named after Dr. Benjamin C. Stone, who was a Principal Investigator of the Flora of the Philippines Project. The plant’s flowers are star-shaped, with small pink centers.
Hoya bicolensis
Calling all plant collectors! The Hoya bicolensis is a rare species of porcelainflower that can only be found in the Philippines.
Belonging to the Asclepiad family, the Hoya bicolensis was first described in 2012 by Kloppenburg, Siar, and Cajano. It’s a member of the dogbane family Apocynaceae and belongs to the Hoya genus.
The bicolensis gets its name from the Bicol region of the southernmost tip of Luzon Island, which is where it was first discovered/observed. Its thick, leathery, and succulent leaves are lanceolate, which means they are elongated and tapered at both ends.
Hoya bicolensis has small star-shaped, composed of five pointed petals that blend together to shape a shallow cup. The color of these blooms is a gentle shade of pink or white but with a center of deep pink or maroon for an alluring contrast. This species is known to bloom at different times throughout the year, but its best blooming times are in the second half of spring and all summer long.
Hoya bilobata
Hoya Bilobata is a small evergreen perennial native to the Philippines, and it can either trail or grow to more than 24 inches. Despite being a bit finicky, this plant is one to love for a long time under the right conditions.
One of the unique features of Hoya Bilobata is its ability to produce beautiful tiny red flowers that emit a lovely, sweet aroma at night. The plant is known for creating 1-2″ clusters of tiny brick red flowers with pink centers. This dainty Hoya has small olive-green foliage, making it a charming addition to any indoor garden.
Hoya parasitica’ Black Margin’
The Hoya Black Margin is a stunning houseplant with unique features that make it a perfect addition to any room. Its glossy green leaves with delicate ebony edges create a modern painting-like appearance.
This trailing plant is a low-maintenance yet stunning choice for indoor gardening enthusiasts. It can be propagated through stem cuttings, and once established, it can grow and trail extensively, making it a great addition to any hanging basket or trellis.
This plant is native to the Philippines and produces waxy ball clusters of whitish-yellow flowers with reddish-purple centers.
Hoya Brevialata
The Hoya brevialata is native to Southeast Asia and grown in some parts of Florida and Texas.
The brevialata is known for its whitish-pink flowers that have a caramel-like scent. The blooms are pretty small, measuring less than an inch in size.
This Hoya is also a smaller variety, meaning it’s great if you’re short on space (we’re looking at you, fellow city dwellers!) Its lush foliage and unique scent make it a good option for an indoor garden.
Hoya Burtoniae
The Hoya burtonoiae has some of the smallest flowers of the Hoyas. It is most commonly grown for its beautiful leaves, which are thick and oblong. While often associated with its close cousin, the sp. aff burtoniae, they are different plants. While very similar, the leaves of the burtoniae are more velvety than the affinity burtoniae, and the Hoya flowers of the burtoniae are more spread than the affinity burtoniae. This easy grower produces small clusters of pink flowers.
Hoya callistophylla
Hoya callistophylla is increasingly popular as a houseplant, though it was once rare to see. The plant’s distinctive thick, lime-green leaves with dark green venation are highly prized, and its oval shape adds to its charm. Although a slow grower that rarely blooms indoors, it can produce white or pale yellow flowers with dark red edges and a pleasant fragrance when it does bloom, which may take several years. In most situations, this plant is grown solely for its foliage.
H callistophylla is native to Southeast Asia, New Zealand, and parts of Australia, where it grows epiphytically on trees.
Hoya carnosa
Hoya carnosa is one of the most common Hoyas, with many varieties that have been cultivated under the carnosa umbrella. The traditional Hoya carnosa has green leathery leaves that can have flecks of cream, white or silver on the leaves.
Here are some of the most common varieties of Hoya carnosa, as well as pictures:
- Hoya carnosa ‘Argentea Princess’
- Hoya carnosa ‘Chelsea’
- Hoya carnosa ‘compacta’ (Indian Rope)
- Hoya carnosa ‘Exotica’
- Hoya carnosa ‘Grey Ghost’
- ‘Krimson Princess’
- Hoya carnosa ‘Krimson Queen’ (Hoya Krmson Queen)
- Hoya carnosa ‘Tri-Color’
- Hoya carnosa ‘Wilbur Graves’
- Hoya carnosa variegata
Hoya caudata
Hoya caudata is a vining epiphytic plant in the dogbane family Apocynaceae. Native to Malaysia, Thailand, and Borneo, this plant is known for its attractive waxy foliage and sweetly scented flowers. Its name, caudata, means “having a tail” and potentially refers to the shape of its leaves.
The leaves of Hoya caudata are waxy and firm, and they become slightly brittle with age. They have a green, mottled appearance with many silver flecks and spots.
The plant’s inflorescence comprises multiple flowers that hang or are more upright, grouped in an umbel. The flowers are peachy-white with purple centers, star-shaped, and heavily scented. They are borne in clusters that look like they are made of wax, with a fuzzy appearance due to the tiny hairs covering their surface.
The plant blooms from spring to late summer, producing small star-shaped flowers that mature gradually over 2 to 3 weeks. The scent of the flowers is strongest in the early evening, which is an interesting quirk of some Hoyas.
Hoya caudata is ideally suited for pots or a hanging basket, making it a popular houseplant choice for its attractive foliage and sweetly scented flowers.
Hoya cinnamomifolia
Hoya Cinnamomifolia is a popular plant in the Hoya family and is available in two variations: H. Cinnamomifolia var. Cinnamomifolia with bright green flowers, and H. Cinnamomifolia var. Purpureofusca, which produces dark purple flowers. The star-shaped flowers are waxy, scented, and appear in clusters, usually in late spring or early summer. Each cluster can have up to 20-30 flowers, making them quite attractive.
This Hoya plant has large leaves that can grow up to 4.3 – 5.9 inches (11-15 centimeters) long and 1.9 – 2.4 inches (5-6 centimeters) wide. It is a tropical vine that is native to the Isle of Java and is believed to be an excellent air cleaner. It is commonly known as a purple wax plant.
Hoya coronaria
The Hoya Coronaria is an evergreen climber native to the mangrove swamps and lowland forests of Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and other Southeast Asian countries.
According to some sources, the Hoya Coronaria is also known for its medicinal uses.
This plant has greenish-blue, fuzzy leaves, and green buds that eventually turn into large, white, plastic-like flowers.
The flowers of the Hoya Coronaria are long-lasting and emit a fragrant scent. They start as lime-green before eventually turning into a star shape with an attractive shade of white. Each flower is larger than other Hoyas, spreading to about 1 to 1.4 inches (2 to 3.5 centimeters).
Hoya cumingiana
Hoya Cumingiana is a succulent plant from the Philippines, Java, and Borneo. Its small, green, and waxy leaves grow close together, giving it a bushy appearance. Hoya Cumingiana has remarkable shrub-like foliage, unlike other Hoya species. This plant grows straight and does not tangle
The cumingiana is a non-twining scrambler that blooms in clusters of yellow star-shaped flowers that emit a spicy aroma – almost like cinnamon!.
This plant is easy to care for as long as it is not overwatered. With some attention, it will start blooming at less than two years of age. Some growers recommend you use a trellis for Hoya Cumingiana to help match its native habitat (it’s an epiphyte).
Hoya curtis-porcelana
Hoya cutis-porcelana is a unique plant that is only found in Samar and Biliran Islands in the Visayas, Philippines. The plant was first described in 2013, making it a very recent addition to the Hoya family. The name “cutis-porcelana” means “skin of porcelain,” which is fitting given the plant’s delicate appearance.
Hoya cutis-porcelana has foliage that may resemble H. camphorifolia and H. bicolensis, but its flowers are unlike any other Hoya species to date. The large, cream-colored flowers have reddish-pink centers and a wax-like appearance. They look like they belong on the top of a wedding cake! Although these flowers only last for about 3 days, they make up for it with their unique and beautiful appearance.
The plant’s foliage may seem plain at first glance, but its light green veining and waxy surface add to its charm. Overall, Hoya cutis-porcelana is a wonderful addition to any plant collection, especially for those who appreciate unique and stunning floral displays.
Hoya curtisii
Curtisii is a trailing Hoya that is perfect for those who live in small spaces. It is one of the smaller growing Hoyas, but what it lacks in size is more than makes up for in beauty. The plant has delicate leaves that are shaped like a spade, with stunning silvery variegation.
Native to the Philippines, Thailand, and Malaysia, Hoya Curtisii is also known as the Fung Wax Flower, Tiny-Leaf Porcelain Flower, and Hoya Aloha. This easygoing plant, while a slower grower, is perfect for those who are new to raising hoyas.
While it is best to avoid providing your Hoya Curtisii with too much direct sunlight, a little bit can help it to bloom. The plant blooms beautiful, sweet-smelling flowers that resemble clusters of white and pink stars. These flowers are a lovely addition to any home and will add a touch of elegance to your collection.
Hoya diversifolia
Hoya Diversifolia is a plant native to Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Thailand. It is a perfect choice for beginners and advanced growers alike due to its easy maintenance and beautiful appearance. This plant produces large and succulent leaves that form close together, resulting in a full and lush appearance. The leaves come in various patterns, with some being dimpled, some veiny, and others smooth, all on the same plant.
The plant frequently blooms during warm weather when mature, displaying clusters of pale yellow petals with a pink pearly tinge. The corona is dark pink with a pin-point pale yellow center, adding a lovely contrast to the flowers. Although the fragrant flowers are mild, they are pleasant and add to the plant’s charm.
Hoya Diversifolia does not take too long to bloom for the first time, making it a great choice for impatient gardeners. Once mature, it can bloom semi-frequently and adds a beautiful touch to any indoor or outdoor space. Overall, this plant is a great choice for those who want a low-maintenance plant with a beautiful appearance and delightful fragrance.
Hoya elliptica
Hoya Elliptica is a stunning plant native to Southeast Asia, known for its unique patterned leaves resembling a turtle shell. While called a low-maintenance plant by nurseries, many growers seem to struggle with this climbing Hoya. Like many other Hoyas, it grows thick waxy leaves and produces clusters of pink and white flowers with a sweet fragrance. However, this plant is slightly more sensitive than some of its thicker, waxier-leafed cousins, so it is essential to keep the humidity high and avoid temperatures under 50F.
It may require extra attention and may take a while to establish, but the effort is worth it. The plant can also be challenging to find, and even when obtained, it may arrive in poor condition if delivered through the mail. It doesn’t handle change incredibly well.
The leaves of Hoya Elliptica are the plant’s most distinctive feature, with shiny, dark green leaves having raised lighter veins, resembling a turtle shell. It is a must-have for any plant collection due to its unique appearance and sweet fragrance. Overall, Hoya Elliptica is a fascinating and rewarding plant for those who are willing to put in the extra care and attention required.
Hoya eskimo (‘Silver Splash’)
Hoya’ Silver Splash,’ previously known as Hoya ‘Eskimo,’ is a stunning trailing plant with petite, teardrop-shaped leaves covered in silver flecking. This plant is sometimes called “Heart-Leafed lacunosa” due to its small, silver-flecked, pointed leaves. It is perfect for small baskets and blooms on and off year-round, adding an attractive touch to any indoor space.
The plant produces highly fragrant, white flowers that grow in clusters and have a sweet scent similar to Hoya lacunosa. The flowers contrast well with the plant’s silver-flecked leaves, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts.
Hoya’ Silver Splash’ is a low-maintenance plant, making it an ideal choice for beginners. Like most Hoyas, it thrives in bright, indirect light and requires well-draining soil. The plant does well in average room humidity levels and can quickly handle dry conditions.
Hoya Finlaysonii
Hoya Finlaysonii is a beautiful and hard-to-find species of Hoya originating from Penang, Malaysia. Named after one of the collectors who discovered it, this plant is known for its spectacular circular, semi-succulent leaves that are light green with dark green veins, creating a striking pattern.
The leaves are particularly thick and hard, and the plant thrives in a wet, warm, and humid environment. While its short-lived pink flowers have a slight cinnamon smell, Hoya Finlaysonii can be grown solely for its stunning leaves.
It’s a rather easy-to-care-for Hoya that is medium to fast growing and will brighten up any room. This vine plant can climb fixtures or trail out of a hanging basket. It’s very versatile aesthetically.
Hoya Fitchii
Hoya fitchii, named after Charles Marsden Fitch, is a stunning plant native to the Philippines. Its unique succulent-looking blooms can range from yellows and oranges to pearlescent pinks. The light green veined, leathery green leaves have an attractive webbing effect, making it a beautiful addition to any indoor garden. Careful pruning is required since this slow-growing plant produces flowers off old spurs. Hoya fitchii is a popular, easy-to-care-for indoor plant we recommend for beginners.
Hoya gaoligongensis
Hoya gaoligongensis is an epiphytic plant that was very recently discovered (2020) in the Longling Xiaoheishan Nature Reserve in Yunnan Province, China. At this point, there isn’t a great deal of information about raising this variety as a houseplant. The leaves are thick and are either oblong or spatulate. This Hoya’s star-shaped flowers are yellow with small white and yellow centers. It is considered very similar in size and shape to Hoya globulosa.
Hoya golobulosa
Speaking of globulosa, the Hoya globulosa comes from the Himalayas (a chillier environment than most Hoyas) and was first described in 1882. If overwatered in the winter, its leaves quickly turn yellow – and they don’t recover. In the winter, you want to keep this plant cool and very dry. In the summer, you want to increase the watering and expose the Hoya to warmer and more humid conditions. This will likely help the plant bloom.
With its long, pointed leaves and intricate green venation, this Hoya is an ornamental gem. Don’t miss the fuzzy, white flowers that form in spherical clusters – they’re truly a sight to behold!
Hoya imbricata
Like many on our list, the Hoya imbricats is a species from the Philippines and the Indonesian island of Sulawesi. This plant is unlike any other with its stunning and sizeable dome-shaped leaves, measuring up to 25 centimeters in diameter.
These leaves are a mottled green and purple color. A fun fact is that they offer shelter to ant colonies.
In addition to its captivating foliage, Hoya imbricata produces clusters of bright yellow, star-shaped flowers when mature.
But be warned, this plant can be a bit finicky compared to other Hoya species and thrives best in warm climates.
Hoya imperialis
When you see the word “imperiallis” used to describe a plant, it’s a good sign that it’s a larger variety within the genus. This Hoya plant, with its enormous flower umbels, is truly spectacula – what’s more, it has a fantastic spicy fragrance!
The large, red flower umbels are offset by lush, glossy green leaves that can grow up to 4 inches long. This Hoya prefers to be grown in a pot with a trellis to climb on for optimal growth. Keep in mind that it’s a slower grower and needs time to mature before it flowers.
Hoya indaysarae
First collected in 2017, the indaysarae is a more recent addition to the Hoya genus. It was found growing on a Diospyros blancoi tree on Dinagat Island.
Hoya indaysarae has smooth leaves with a round base and a sharp or pointed peak. The petioles are smooth, and the plant produces 5-13 individual flowers, which are creamy yellow, with pinkish tips wrapped back at the apex of the flower.
Hoya kentiana
Hoya kentiana is a night-blooming species with slender, dark green leaves that almost appear “bent” along their length. The flowers are like fluffy balls with a darker crowns, and they emit a sweet, sugary scent to attract pollinators such as bats and moths. Hoya kentiana flowers are similar to those of Hoya wayetii, but the leaves are far longer and more pointed, making it easy to tell the two species apart.
Hoya kerrii
Hoya kerrii, commonly known as sweetheart vine, hoya hearts, lucky heart plant, and Valentine’s Hoya is a unique vining succulent that is particularly trendy during the Valentine’s Day season. These plants are characterized by their thick, heart-shaped leaves that earned them their common nicknames. These Hoyas are originally from southeast Asia.
Under the right conditions, mature Hoya kerrii bloom during the summer, producing round mounds of sweet-smelling mini star-shaped flowers. In addition to their heart-shaped leaves, hoya kerrii leaves can also have a creamy white border with a green center, as seen in the Hoya kerrii ‘Variegata’ variety. Other common varieties include ‘Splash’ and ‘Reverse Variegata,’ which are known for their leaf coloration differences.
Hoya krohniana
Once misidentified as Heart-Leafed lacunosa, this plant is now considered different and named the Hoya krohniana. The leaves of this plant are slightly heart-shaped, and the flowers are small and yellow with a slight fuzziness to their appearance.
Hoya krohniana is a trailing plant with rigid vines that closely resemble H. lacunosa. However, its flowers are a bit less fragrant than the actual lacunosa. Despite this difference, Hoya krohniana is still a great addition to any plant lover’s collection, and it’s also an easy Hoya to care for.
Hoya Krohniana Silver
Hoya Krohniana Silver is a variety of Hoya Krohniana with a stunning silver sheen on its leaves, and it bears a striking resemblance to Hoya Curtisii. Native to the Philippines, the Hoya Krohniana is recognized for its succulent-like, heart-shaped leaves in green and silver shades. The leaves’ shape and thickness can vary a bit, with some leaves being thicker and slightly oval-shaped, while others are wider, like that of the Hoya curtisii. These leaves are typically very small, measuring under an inch, and growing on trailing vines.
Once fully mature, the plant produces small white flowers with a sweet fragrance.
Hoya lacunosa
Hoya Lacunosa is a small perennial vine with trailing tendrils. From parts of Indonesia, this plant has oval-shaped, green leaves – but they are known for having a bit of variety. The leaves can either be plain or variegated, crinkled or even textured in other ways. The plant’s long-lasting blooms are fuzzy white and, like many Hoya, shaped like stars.
While many Hoyas have a cinnamon scent, the Hoya lacunosa’s flower umbels are particularly noteworthy for this smell.
Hoya latifolia
Hoya Lanceolata, also known as the honey plant, is a shrubby, epiphytic, climbing, or trailing plant from the milkweed family. This beautiful plant has long, waxy lanceolate-shaped leaves that grow up to one inch long. It also happens to be one of my personal favorites!
Native to the Himalayas, Nepal, Assam, Myanmar, Bangladesh, and northern Burma, Hoya Lanceolata typically grows to about 2-3 feet tall. It has red-centered, star-shaped, and sweetly scented flowers that bloom in tightly rounded clusters from the upper leaves.
Hoya lauterbachii
Hoya Lauterbachii is one of the largest members of the Hoya family. This plant is part of the Eriostemma group of Hoyas, which require extremely bright and warm conditions to grow well. Due to these requirements, it may not be the best option for indoor growth.
These plants can grow several meters in length, and when they begin to hang down from a tree, they may bloom given enough time. Hoya Lauterbachii produces oversized, pastel-colored, bell-shaped blooms and has fuzzy leaves.
Most Hoya Lauterbachii plants come from southeast Asia. While this plant may not be suitable for every indoor gardener, it is a beautiful and impressive addition to any collection for those who are able to provide the necessary growing conditions.
Hoya linearis
Hoya linearis is an unusual Hoya species that produces a cluster of small white flowers (star-shaped like many Hoyas). The lemon-scented flowers of Hoya linearis can last up to two weeks, which is a relatively long time for a Hoya.
This Hoya comes from the Himalayan region of Northern India and has long, fuzzy green stems with needle-like leaves that are soft and slightly hairy.
Hoya macgillivrayi
Hoya macgillivrayi is known for its massive and stunning deep maroon or burgundy flowers (some growers lovingly call it the “Big Mac”). The umbels have up to 10 flowers each and are connected by an axis.
This fast-growing succulent vine has oval, pointed leaves and a twining growth habit. It is native to northeastern Australia and was first discovered in Queensland by Frederick Manson Bailey in the McIlwraith and Tozer Range. The plant was named after William David Kerr Macgillivray, who collected the type specimen.
Hoya macrophylla
The Hoya macrophylla is a fairly rare Hoya that’s native to Australia and parts of Eastern Asia. It has dark-green leaves that are both fleshy and waxy. But as the leaves mature, they start to have white, yellow, or pink strips.
During the spring and summer, the Hoya macrophylla produces clusters of creamy or white star-shaped flowers – slightly bound roots can help encourage blooming. These flowers have a sweet scent, which is released at night to attract their natural pollinators. Some growers say that the macrophylla smells a bit like a hydrangea, adding to the plant’s unique appeal.
Hoya megalaster
The Hoya megalaster, has lustrous leaves and striking dark red, waxy blooms. While not the speediest grower, this species is a breeze to root and cultivate. In fact, Hoya megalaster blooms more frequently and readily than several other Hoya species with big flowers. It was first found in Papua New Guinea in the late 1800s.
Hoya meliflua
The Hoya meliflua has gorgeous, tightly clumped flowers that are either pink, white, or reddish orang. If that’s not enough to interest you, its blooms have a chocolate (CHOCOLATE!) scent that will fill your home with a sweet aroma. T
his plant is a prolific bloomer, producing flowers in the spring, summer, and fall on mature plants. The Hoya meliflua has succulent-like leaves that are glossy and dark green in color. While it doesn’t climb much, it looks spectacular when hung in a basket.
This Hoya is a strong grower and can even withstand freezing temperatures for short periods of time. Originally from The Philippines, the Hoya meliflua is sometimes referred to by some growers as “The little fraterna.”
Hoya Memoria (Gracilis)
The Hoya Gracilis, also known as the Hoya Memoria, is relatively new to the market – and might be difficult to find at your local nursery. The leaves of this plant are ovate to lance-shaped and have a vibrant green color with white specks.
It can produce pinkish-red flowers with a delightful caramel scent. The Hoya Gracilis is native to Indonesia and may be less finicky than other Hoya varieties.
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance plant with a distinctive look, the Hoya Gracilis is definitely worth considering!
Hoya Meredithii
The Hoya meredithii is known for its large size, with leaves that can reach up to 25×12 cm (10×5″).
The leaves are on the thin side – but sturdy – with dark green veins running through them. The Hoya meredithii is an easy plant to grow and will root quickly. It thrives in sunny locations and needs ample nutrition to produce those large, colorful leaves.
Even beginners can grow this plant with ease. This plant is native to Borneo and has attractive pale green leaves with darker veins. The flowers are distinct, adding to the plant’s overall bright and vibrant appearance.
You may also find this plant under the name Hoya vitellinoides, as it is believed to be the same species.
Hoya Merrillii
The Hoya merrillii is native to the Philippines and is named after its collector, E.D. Merrill. It was originally discovered growing on trees at low altitudes on Mindoro Island, but has since been found to be more widespread than initially thought.
The waxy yellow flowers of the Hoya merrillii are incredibly fragrant and can last up to 4 or 5 days. You can expect to bloom in the warmer months of the year.
This Hoya relies on other plants for support to climb, so it’s perfect for growing in hanging pots with support poles.
The leaves of the merrillii are green with prominent veins, but they can turn a stunning shade of red in high-light conditions. In my opinion, this is one of the standout features of the merrillii.
Hoya Mindorensis
The Hoya mindorensis, also known as the Showy Red Wax Plant, produces spectacular vivid red flowers with small white hairs and a mild scent.
You can enjoy these flowers any time of the year on mature plants. The leaves of the Hoya mindorensis are plain green and have no visible veins. While a slower grower, this plant can grow decently with good lighting and high humidity indoors and can tolerate some cold temperatures.
This plant is originally from the Philippines, so bring a piece of tropical beauty into your home with the Showy Red Wax Plant!
Hoya multiflora
If you’re looking for an easy-to-grow Hoya that can basically bloom all year long, we recommend the Hoya multiflora. Often called the Shooting Star Hoya, this plant is native to southeast China and nearby tropical Asia and has an upright or even spreading growth habit.
Unlike most other Hoya varieties, Hoya multiflora blooms several times a year, producing large clusters of star-shaped yellow flowers. Beware of dripping nectar with this plant (which can be a mess to clean up). While largely grown for its flowers, this Hoya also has thick levels and heavy stems.
Hoya Neocaledonica
The Hoya Neocaledonica is known for Its butter-yellow flowers with pink centers. These flowers can last up to three weeks – which is incredibly long-lasting in the Hoya world! The leaves, which are connected by long trailing strands, are thin and round, and they have a slight venation to them.
The plant was first collected by the famous German botanist Rudolf Schlechter and published in 1902. It is native to New Caledonia.
Hoya obovata
Hoya obovata is a fast-growing plant with large, deep green oval leaves with a unique silver splash pattern. While it is less commonly found than its cousin, Hoya carnosa, it is known for being a faster grower. As it matures, it sends out long vines and produces clusters of sweet-smelling pink flowers (also star-shaped!).
This unique variety of Hoya is native to the humid forests of Indonesia, specifically the Moluccas and Sulawesi regions, where it grows as an epiphyte on trees.
Hoya obscura
The Hoya obscura has thick elliptic leaves that turn a fiery red when exposed to sunlight. For flowers, this Hoya has clusters of pink or cream blooms that have a strong and – some would call – spicy scent. Each cluster has up to 30 flowers that will bloom throughout the year.
Endemic to the southern part of the Philippines’ Luzon island, this Hoya species is easy to care for but exceedingly hard to come by.
Hoya odorata
Hoya odorata has a versatile growth habit, with stems that can grow upright or cascade in a hanging pot, depending on your preference.
The leaves start off thin and copper-colored when young, and the stems tend to grow upright before flexing as they get longer.
Hoya odorata’s flowers are small, white, and have a crisp, clean, waxy appearance with an incredibly sweet and nearly citrus-like fragrance. This Hoya is native to the Philippines.
Hoya pachyclada
Hoya pachyclada is an epiphytic vine that is native to Thailand. Its succulent green leaves are oval-shaped with a soft point.
The flowers of the Hoya pachyclada can be a range of colors depending on the cultivar, with most plants producing creamy white to pale green flowers with white coronas. However, some cultivars have red, pink, and yellow coronas.
In addition to their blooms, Hoya pachyclada plants are known for their strong scents. The intensity of the fragrance varies depending on the cultivar- some have a light lemon scent while others have a spicy cinnamon aroma. Some cultivars even have a combination of floral and citrus notes, creating a unique and pleasant fragrance.
Hoya pandurata
The Hoya Pandurata is a beautiful vine that closely resembles the Hoya Lobii, but is easily distinguishable by its long and smooth textured yellow leaves. This plant typically grows between eight to twelve inches (20 – 30 centimeters) and produces stunning yellow porcelain flowers with some having a hint of orange during the spring and summer months.
Endemic to China, the Hoya pandurata is a member of the Asclepiadaceae family and is known to prefer cooler temperatures. Unfortunately, this species is reportedly endangered in its native habitat. The Hoya pandurata grows similarly to the H. lobbii, with the main difference being its clear yellow flowers.
Hoya Pauciflora
The Hoya Pauciflora is a stunning plant with narrow, dark green leaves with small silver flecks.
This beauty thrives in hanging baskets or twining around a support. The Hoya Pauciflora produces glorious white flowers (that are very sweet smelling) with a small burgundy-red corona.
Originally from South-west India and Sri Lanka, it’s a true gem in any plant collection.
Hoya persicina
Hoya persicina is native to the Philippines and has thin, concave leaves that are a deep green color with some light veining. While some Hoyas are grown specifically for their blooms, this one’s unique foilage looks good on its own.
They are known for their star-shaped creamy yellow petals and pearly white corona.
Kloppenburg first described this Hoya Apocynaceae in 2012.
Hoya polyneura
The Hoya Polyneura is an epiphytic plant from the Himalayas. It has delicate light-green leaves a striking dark-green veins. One of this plant’s common names is “fish-tail” plant due to the shape and veins of the leaves.
In terms of the blooms, this Hoya is known for cream or yellow flowers with red or maroom centers. Some growers seem to struggle raising the polyneura and say it can be a bit finicky.
But if you’re looking for a challenge, try giving this unusual Hoya a chance.
Hoya pubicalyx
Hoya pubicalyx is a beautiful species of flowering plant that’s native to the Philippines. This Hoya is sometimes mistaken for Hoya carnosa, but it has its own unique charm.
It has succulent, lanceolate-like leaves and a vining habit. It’s often found in nurseries in variegated forms with silvery flecks on the leaves.
This is a regularly blooming Hoya, and its fragrant reddish-purple star-shaped flowers smell like mocha at nighttime!
Hoya retusa
The Hoya retusa is a somewhat rare plant from India and the eastern Himalayas that stands out for its narrow blade-like leaves. It’s commonly called the ‘grass-leafed’ Hoya because of this flat, slim foliage.
The plant’s epithet retusa means it has a blunt or rounded leaf apex (leaf tip). This Hoya has a trailing habit, and it’s easy to care for – especially compared to some of the Hoyas on this list.
The Hoya retusa has delicate flowers with a faint lemon-like fragrance. The corolla lobes are white, while the corona is wine-red, creating a beautiful contrast of colors.
Hoya serpens
The Hoya Serpens is an interesting plant from the Himalayas. It has small, trailing vines and dark green, round leaves. It has some faint visual similarities to the string of turtles plant.
In this summer and generally warmer months, the plant can bloom clusters of fragrant star-shaped flowers – you can expect the scent to last about a week.
The serpens flowers are light green and almost appear to be made of felt. Some growers say that this Hoya can take some time to adjust to a living space. Even with proper care, you could wait over a year before seeing blooms – so this might be a long term project!
Hoya shepherdii
The Hoya shepherdii, sometimes called the String Bean Hoya, is known for its elongated, dark green leaves that resemble runner beans.
This plant is perfect in a hanging basket, with its pendulous vines and waxing circular leaves cascading over the edges.
It also produces sweet-smelling clusters of white blooms. Hailing from the eastern Himalayas, the Hoya shepherdii has some similarities to the Hoya Kentiana and Hoya Wayetii varieties.
Hoya siamica
The Hoya siamica is a vining plant from Thailand. Its elongated light green leaves, adorned with intricate veining, add an exotic touch to any space.
They are known for their bright white blooms that are very fragrant…some might say pungent or overpowering.
Hoya sigillatis
Hoya sigillatis comes from the Acanthostemma section of Hoyas and is a rarer variety in the genus.
This Hoya is native to Borneo and was first described in 2004. Its thick, fleshy leaves measure up to 6 x 1.5 cm and are elliptic to oblong in shape, featuring a sharp apex and no visible venation. The leaves are a dull green color with striking silvery to white markings. And when it blooms, Hoya sigillatis has flowers that vary between apricot and pinkish cream.
Hoya skinneriana
The Hoya skinneriana has large, green elliptical leaves. Affectionately known as “Dee’s Big One,” this plant produces stunning waxy mauve flowers with white and red centers. The smell of this Hoya is generically floral and a bit overpowering.
Hoya skinneriana is natively from Southeast Asia. It may be difficult for growers to find.
Hoya spartioides
The Hoya spartioides, were first discovered in Borneo in the 1800s. Unlike many of the Hoyas on this list, this unusual plant is shrub-like and doesn’t have any visible leaves.
The spartiodides has an orangish yellow or creamy-colored corolla with a yellow center. These flowers are beautiful but will only last a day.
Hoya subcalva
Hoya subcalva is a resilient plant that thrives even in neglect. Its elegant vines produce glossy paddle-shaped leaves, which start off pale and darken to a deep green as they grow.
This fast-growing Hoya also features clusters of waxy flowers – pink in color – that emit a fruity aroma reminiscent of grape juice. Native to Southeast Asia, this stout species is definitely one to keep on your plant wishlist.
Hoya undulata
Hoya undulata is a native to the Kalimantan region of Borneo and was first described in 2015.
The undulate has rigid, lance-shaped leaves. The leaves come in a range of colors, from olive green to deep burgundy, and feature shimmery pink variegation – it’s really a beautiful plant. The flowers of this species are double-star shaped and have a faint pink color.
Hoya wayetii
Hoya wayetii is a vining species that is native to the Philippines. Often mistaken for Hoya kentiana or Hoya shepherdii, the wayetii has long, slender foliage. It also develops a red margin when it gets enough sunlight.
While it may not bloom every year, it will produce mauve-colored flowers if given enough time and care. They haven’t a pleasantly sweet smell like many Hoya types.
Basic Hoya Plant Care
Now that we’ve gone over so many Hoyas, I thought reviewing just a bit of basic Hoya plant care made sense. The suggestions below are general to Hoya and will likely vary a bit depending on the variety or cultivar.
Hoya Sunlight Needs
Hoyas traditionally prefer indirect light throughout the day, but some enjoy direct sunlight for a few hours (typically in the morning).
How Often Should You Water A Hoya?
Again, generally speaking, Hoya plants prefer drier soil, meaning you should let your growing medium dry between waterings. When grown indoors, you should plan to water your Hoya once every two weeks during the summer and once every month in the winter. You may have to adjust this a bit due to the natural humidity of your home.
Soil Requirements For Hoyas
Hoyas like to be dry most of the time, so your soil should have good drainage and circulation. A cactus potting soil from a local nursery is recommended, but you can also add some perlite and even orchid mix to improve the quality. Expect to repot your Hoya once every 2-3 years or so.
Humidity
Typically, Hoya growers say that your home (or grow tent) should be at least 50% for most (high humidity levels) Hoyas. That’s quite a bit higher than the average home, so you will likely need a humidifier, especially if you’re trying to get your Hoya to bloom.
Conclusion
If you’ve been with us this long, you’re clearly a huge fan of the Hoya. With so many varieties – each with its different colors, scents, and shapes – it’s one of the most interesting plant varieties available. Special thanks to Vermont Hoyas, which has a great deal of info on growing Hoyas at home. You should check them out if you get the chance.
Have you grown a Hoya in your home? We’d love to see it. Send us a message with a picture to [email protected], and we may include it in an article!!
