Hoya Carnosa Tricolor

Class

Angiospermae

Division

Dicotyledoneae

Family

Apocynaceae

Order

Gentianales

Genus

Hoya

Species

fleshy

Description

Epiphytic evergreen botanical species with a hanging or creeping habit. It has fleshy, leathery, glossy green leaves of a solid colour or with lighter edging depending on the variety, which give it a high ornamental value as well as the distinctive umbrella-top inflorescences bearing fragrant star-shaped flowers with a waxy, velvety appearance. In relation to climatic requirements, it is mainly cultivated in Europe as an indoor plant for hanging baskets or pots. It requires a bright location, sheltered from cold draughts and temperature fluctuations.

Varietal description

Plant with leathery foliage and a waxy appearance on the lamina. The tricolour cultivar is particularly decorative, a plant that is very slow growing even in warm environments. However, it tolerates low temperatures but must not have a lot of water on the soil. Its flowers actually look like wax, hence its name.

curiosity and special features

The Genus name, Hoya, was given by the botanist Robert Brown in honour of his friend Thomas Hoy, botanist and curator of the Duke of Northumberland's gardens in 18th century England, while the specific epithet refers to the typically fleshy Leaf. The common name 'Flower of Wax' derives from the umbrella-top Inflorescence formed by star-shaped flowers that appear to be made of wax.

Origin and Diffusion

Botanical species native to a range extending from southern China to Laos, from Japan (southern Kyushu) to Taiwan where it grows mainly in the substropical biome as an epiphytic or lithophytic climbing plant. Introduced into Europe in the 19th century, it aroused great interest due to the particularity of its inflorescences to such an extent that it became one of the most cultivated and commercially widespread species of the genus Hoya.

Leaf

Leafs, evergreen and opposite, have an oblong, leathery, fleshy lamina.

Leaf color

The variety is distinguished by its multicoloured, glossy leaves that give it high ornamental value.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 0.6 to 0.9 m, depending on the developed habit.

Lifespan

Perennial evergreen plant.

Suggested planting locations

The developed vegetative habitus as well as the cultivation requirements make Hoya carnosa suitable for hanging baskets, indoor tubs.

Stem/stem

It has herbaceous stems; the variety has no thorns.

Flower

It flowers from late spring to summer, with a flowering period of between 120 and 150 days. It is not particularly attractive to pollinating insects.

Growth

Compact-growing variety, ideal for baskets or hanging baskets and for pots.

Plant habit

Growht habit gives elegance and lightness.

pH

It requires a slightly acidic pH medium, with optimum values between 6.5 and 6.8.

sun exposure

indoor in the cold season, light source indoors. In indoor spaces, it requires very good light to express good growth.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 20 and 28 °C. The vital temperature is between 10 and 38 °C. Hoya carnosa prefers a warm but at the same time humid climate and is sheltered from cold draughts.

Use

Widely appreciated for the size it achieves as well as for the uniqueness of its foliage and inflorescences in:
Indoor ornamental Interior Landscape Design

Hardiness

Variety of medium-high rusticity.

Soil/medium

Use a new, high-quality substrate specifically for green plants that ensures proper drainage of excess water.

Maintenance

Under the right Growth conditions, cultivation is fairly easy.

cultivation tips

Some specific tips to achieve better vegetative development and full flowering:
Avoid over-watering Keep the substrate dry at low temperatures Prefers warm and humid climate Requires little but regular fertilisation

Reproduction/Propagation

Propagation is by cutting, apical or node.

Irrigation

Water by supplying low salinity water directly to the substrate and allow it to dry out slightly between watering. During the winter, particularly at minimum cultivation temperatures, reduce watering.

Avoid over-watering with stagnation leading to root rot, especially at low ambient temperatures. Do not keep water in the saucer.

Fertilization

It is a plant that fears over-fertilisation, especially in conjunction with water stress. During the vegetative Growth period (spring-summer) add a specific, balanced liquid fertiliser to the medium, to be diluted in the irrigation water without exceeding the dosage and frequency. During the winter reduce fertilising, on average once a month.

Edibility for humans

Non-edible

advise 1

Do not keep water in the under pot; you can expose it to direct sunlight inside a glass window or window for good growth.