Types and flowers
On this page I will be talking about three types of hoya because there are so many I could not cover it here. There are five hundred plus officially described species, hundreds more cultivated varieties selected for particular leaf shapes, colors, flowers, or growth habits. There are also many hybrids where they are crossed between or more species. Not to mention the unclassified or undiscovered variety.
1. Hoya carnosa
Hoya carnosa is one of the most common and popular types of Hoyas. It has been collected in homes since the 1970s. It has thick, waxy green leaves and grows as a trailing or climbing vine. It’s a great Hoya for beginners because it is fairly easy to care for. When mature, Hoya carnosa can produce clusters of small, star-shaped flowers that are often pink and white and can have a sweet fragrance.
2. Hoya pubicalyx
Hoya pubicalyx is a fast-growing, easygoing Hoya with long, narrow leaves covered in beautiful silver speckles. Its vines can become quite long, making it a great choice for a hanging basket or for growing along a trellis. The leaves can become darker and more colorful when the plant receives plenty of bright light. There are also several different varieties of Hoya pubicalyx, so their leaves and coloring can vary. Hoya pubicalyx produces clusters of small, star-shaped flowers, but its beautiful speckled foliage is one of the things that makes this Hoya stand out.
3. Hoya Thomsonii
Hoya thomsonii is a beautiful Hoya known for its soft, fuzzy leaves. Its green leaves often have a silvery appearance and attractive veining. It has a trailing, vining growth habit that makes it a great choice for hanging baskets or growing along a support. Hoya thomsonii produces clusters of small, star-shaped flowers that are usually pale pink to white with a darker center. The flowers can also have a sweet fragrance when they bloom. For care, Hoya thomsonii prefers bright, indirect light and a well-draining soil mix. Allow the soil to dry somewhat between waterings, and provide warmth and humidity while avoiding overly wet soil.
Also for fun here is a short list of large leaf hoyas!
- Hoya Latifolia
- Hoya Kerri
- Hoya Imperialis
- Hoya Elephant
Flowers
Hoya flowers are one of the most fascinating features of these plants. Their flowers can vary greatly between species, with differences in scent, size, shape, color, and overall appearance. Hoyas produce their flowers in clusters called umbels, with many individual flowers growing together from one point.
1. Scent
Hoya flowers are well known for their fragrances, but the strength and type of scent can vary from one Hoya to another.
Strong scents: Some Hoyas have very powerful fragrances that can fill an entire room, especially when several flowers are blooming at once. Their scent may become stronger during the evening or at night.
Sweet scents: Many Hoyas have sweet-smelling flowers that can have fragrances compared to honey, vanilla, citrus, or other sweet floral scents. Some varieties have a lighter fragrance that is easier to notice when you are close to the flowers.
Not every Hoya is strongly scented. Some have a very mild fragrance, while others may have little to no noticeable scent.
2. Different Types of Hoya Flowers
Hoya flowers come in many different sizes, shapes, and appearances, making each species unique.
Size:
Individual flowers can range from very small to noticeably larger flowers. The size of the entire flower cluster can also vary, with some Hoyas producing small clusters and others producing large, full umbels.
Shape:
Most Hoya flowers have a star-like shape with five petals. The petals may appear flat, rounded, pointed, curled, or reflexed depending on the species.
Appearance:
Hoya flowers often have a waxy or porcelain-like appearance, which is why Hoyas are sometimes called “wax plants.” Many flowers have two layers: the outer petals, called the corolla, and a raised inner structure called the corona.
Colors:
Hoya flowers can appear in many colors, including white, cream, pink, red, yellow, orange, and green. Some flowers have contrasting centers or markings that make the corona stand out from the petals. Because Hoyas are so diverse, their flowers can look dramatically different from one species to another.
Here are some beautiful examples of some Hoya plants I have bloomed.
