Hoya puber (Syn. Hoya picta)

Hoya puber is part of the Apocynaceae family and its native range of this species is Sumatera to W. Jawa, Borneo (Sabah, Kalimantan). It is an epiphytic subshrub, growing primarily in the wet tropical biome. Leaves are small and ovate, they grow opposite and have very short petioles. Leaves are glossy and hairless. Both flowers and leaves are some of the smallest in the genus. 

Inflorescences are pendulous, convex in diameter with each peduncle holding 10-20 flowers. The corolla is orange-yellow with revolute lobes. The corona is erect and yellow, the outer apex of the corona lobes is bilobed.  

Genus name is new Latin, named after Thomas Hoy ( c. 1750– c. 1821), English gardener. Specific epithet was given by Blume, probably after its pubescent corolla.

Hanging pot: ø 14cm.

Foliage: Approximately 35cm.

Light: Bright indirect light, meaning the plant sees the sun for 0-4 hours per day - this could be through trees or a translucent curtain, it’s important for the plant to see the sky in order to thrive. 

Water: Allow the majority of the mix to dry out as the mix is traditionally quite chunky, water will usually flow through quite easily. Be sure to thoroughly moisten the substrate. Pour water slowly over the top of the substrate and allow the water to pass through the drainage holes. 

Potting mix: A chunky well draining mix composed of coco coir, perlite or vermiculite, orchid bark, sphagnum moss and worm castings; you could also add some horticultural charcoal to this epiphytic mix. 

Fertilising: Feed your plant every few waterings during the growing season or when you observe active growth. You can dilute fertiliser to half the recommended amount but never add more.

Temperature: 16-29°C.

Humidity: Hoya would prefer higher humidity, between 60-80% but do well to adapt to average home humidity. You can increase humidity by placing the plant on a watered pebble tray or using a humidifier.

Hoya aren’t considered toxic, however, they may make your pet or child vomit if ingested.