Hoya sigillatis

Hoya sigillatis is in the Acanthostemma section of the Apocynaceae family, its native range is Borneo (Sabah). It is a climbing epiphyte or lithophyte and grows primarily in the wet tropical biome(s). Leaves are elliptic in shape with heavy silver-pink blotching on the upper leaf surface. If you expose this plant to brighter light it will become more pink and the flecks more prominent. 

Each umbel produces between 20-25 recurved flowers, the corolla is a light orange and the corona is more yellow. The flowers are said to last about a week and have been described as having a faint caramel/butterscotch scent.

Genus name is new Latin, named after Thomas Hoy ( c. 1750– c. 1821), English gardener. Specific epithet comes from the Latin, meaning many marked, this is reference to the many flecks on the leaves.

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. An east-facing window is usually a good spot.

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. 

 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. Alternatively, you can pot in a mix of coco chips and perlite.

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: 15-35˚C. 

Humidity: Hoya prefer higher humidity, between 60-80% - they definitely grow better with higher humidity.

For further information about Hoya, check out our blog.

Hoya aren’t considered toxic, however, they may make your pet or child vomit if ingested, keep out of reach just to be safe.