Hoya 'Ruthie'

Hoya ‘Ruthie’ is a well-regarded hybrid believed to include Hoya carnosa in its background, with the second parent sometimes reported as Hoya obscura. It develops trailing vines with glossy, mid-green foliage and, when established, produces umbels of fragrant star-shaped flowers in pale pink tones with a deeper pink to red corona. The combination of attractive foliage and reliable blooming has made it a sought-after cultivar among collectors.

Distinctive Features

• Leaf Texture: Thick, succulent-like leaves with a glossy surface and a slightly undulating margin.
• Flowers: Soft pink to pale mauve blooms, typically presented in rounded umbels; each flower is waxy with a sweet fragrance most noticeable at night.
• Growth Habit: Vigorous and vining, suitable for trellises, hanging baskets, or cascading from elevated planters.

Care Tips

• Light: Prefers bright, filtered light but can adapt to part-shade; avoid harsh midday sun which may scorch the leaves.
• Water: Allow soil to dry partially between waterings; reduce watering frequency in winter.
• Humidity: Enjoys moderate to high humidity; growth improves with occasional misting or a nearby humidity tray.
• Media: Use a chunky, well-draining epiphytic mix—ideal ingredients include orchid bark, perlite, and a touch of coco coir or peat.
• Temperature: Thrives between 16–28°C; protect from cold drafts and temperatures below 10°C.
• Fertiliser: Apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly during active growth; switch to a bloom-boosting formula when flower buds are present.
• Repotting: Repot every 2–3 years or when root-bound; this species prefers slightly tight quarters to encourage blooming.

Additional Notes

• Blooms are more prolific when the plant is slightly pot-bound and receives ample light.
• Flowering may pause during cooler months; resume feeding when new growth appears in spring.