Hoya hasseltii

Hoya hasseltii is a species from the tropics where it grows as an epiphyte on plants and trees. Its hanging leaf stems can be as long as 75 cm. They bear striking silver-flecked leaves with an underlying colour ranging from green to purple. Hoya hasseltii produces numerous vanilla-coloured flowers on the end of a robust flower stalk, resembling an umbrella or protective shield.

Many growers know Hoya hasseltii as an extremely sturdy, virtually indestructible plant. Normal room temperature is fine, but it will respond better if the daytime temperature is slightly higher. It needs to be in position with ample sunlight such as close to a window. A good way of encouraging the plant to flower is to reduce the temperature in the evening. Hoya hasseltii is best grown in a hanging pot so that its long stems have plenty room to grow. A mixture of coconut fibre and peat makes for the best potting mixture. These items and other requisites can be ordered in the “Plant accessories” section. Water the plant when the surface of the potting mixture appears to be drying out. Add fertiliser to the water once every two weeks to make the plant grow more quickly. Pruning is in order, but preferably with sterilised shears or secateurs in order to prevent the spread of disease.