Hoya patella

Hoya patella is native to the montane forests of Papua New Guinea and is renowned among collectors for its distinct foliage and strikingly shaped flowers. Unlike many more common hoyas, it tends to produce blooms in a tight umbel with unique morphology resembling a shallow dish or “patella,” lending the species its name.

Distinctive Features

• Foliage: The leaves are broadly oval, with a leathery texture and prominent venation that creates a deeply sculptured appearance.
• Flowers: The blooms are pale yellowish to greenish, small but structurally captivating, and appear in flat, dish-like clusters.
• Growth Form: This is a compact, slow-growing epiphyte with vining tendencies, suitable for basket culture or mounted displays.

Care Tips

• Light: Prefers bright, filtered light; avoid intense direct sunlight, which may scorch the foliage.
• Water: Water moderately in the warmer months, allowing the substrate to partially dry; reduce in winter but avoid complete dryness.
• Humidity: Enjoys high humidity (60% or higher); misting or use of a humidity tray is beneficial in drier climates.
• Media: Best grown in a loose, well-draining epiphytic mix – consider orchid bark blended with perlite and coco coir.
• Temperature: Thrives between 16–28°C; protect from cold drafts and temperatures below 10°C.
• Fertiliser: Feed monthly during spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertiliser at half strength.
• Repotting: Every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound; take care not to overpot.

Additional Notes

• This species may take time to establish and flower, but patience is rewarded with highly unusual inflorescences.
• Ideal for experienced growers seeking a lesser-known and visually sculptural Hoya.