Hoya obovata 'Splash' – Round-Leaved Wax Plant with Silver Flecks

Hoya obovata 'Splash' – Round-Leaved Wax Plant with Silver Flecks

Hoya obovata 'Splash' is a tropical epiphytic vine native to Southeast Asia, particularly thriving in the forests of Indonesia and India. Renowned for its thick, circular green leaves adorned with silvery splashes, this cultivar adds subtle drama to any plant collection. As a member of the Apocynaceae family, it’s valued for its climbing habit and occasional porcelain-like blooms.

Distinctive Features

• Foliage Texture: The thick, succulent leaves are ovate and covered with random silver speckling, giving a painted appearance.
• Growth Habit: As a vining epiphyte, it sends out long tendrils that cling or trail, making it ideal for trellises or hanging displays.
• Flowering: Under optimal conditions, it produces clusters of waxy, pale pink blooms with a sweet fragrance, although flowering is sporadic indoors.

Care Tips

• Light: Prefers bright, indirect light; tolerates some morning sun but avoid harsh midday rays.
• Water: Allow the top half of the soil to dry out between waterings; overwatering can lead to root rot.
• Humidity: Thrives in moderate to high humidity; misting or a humidifier may benefit the plant during drier months.
• Media: Use a chunky, well-draining mix such as orchid bark blended with perlite and coco coir.
• Temperature: Ideal range is 18–27°C; protect from drafts and temperatures below 13°C.
• Fertiliser: Apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly during the growing season (spring to autumn).
• Repotting: Repot every 2–3 years or when rootbound; hoyas prefer being slightly snug in their pots.

Additional Notes

• Hoya obovata 'Splash' is easy to propagate via stem cuttings rooted in water or sphagnum moss.
• Non-toxic to pets, making it a safer choice for households with animals.

This attractive and low-maintenance cultivar is an excellent candidate for trailing displays or mounted arrangements. With its thick, speckled leaves and forgiving nature, Hoya obovata 'Splash' offers both aesthetic charm and resilience for novice and experienced plant enthusiasts alike.