Hoya finlaysonii

Hoya finlaysonii is native to the humid lowland forests of Thailand and Malaysia. It is admired primarily for its bold, highly veined leaves, which give it a commanding presence even when not in flower. Like many members of the Hoya genus, this species is epiphytic, climbing or trailing across tree trunks in its natural habitat.

Distinctive Features

• Striking Foliage: Large, oval leaves marked with prominent dark venation against a pale green background – a key identifier among Hoyas.
• Clustered Blooms: Produces creamy to pale yellow flowers with reddish centres, often lightly scented and held in umbels.
• Trailing Habit: Exhibits a climbing or cascading growth style, ideal for hanging baskets or trellises.

Care Tips

• Light: Prefers bright, filtered light. Avoid direct sun, which may scorch the foliage.
• Water: Water regularly during the warmer months, allowing the top few centimetres to dry between watering. Reduce frequency in winter.
• Humidity: Thrives in moderate to high humidity. Regular misting or a humidifier is beneficial indoors.
• Media: Use a very well-draining epiphytic mix, such as orchid bark with perlite and coarse peat.
• Temperature: Grows best between 18–28 °C. Protect from cold drafts and temperatures below 10 °C.
• Fertiliser: Feed monthly during active growth with a balanced or low-nitrogen liquid fertiliser.
• Repotting: Repot every 2–3 years or when roots begin to fill the container, ideally in spring.

Additional Notes

• This species is part of the Acanthostemma section, characterised by smaller, star-shaped blooms with thick corolla lobes.
• Leaf shape and venation can vary between clones, and darker foliage develops under higher light levels.