Hoya obovata 'Splash'

🌿 The Hoya obovata 'Splash', commonly called Dollar Splash Hoya, belongs to the Apocynaceae family and hails from the tropical forests of Indonesia and Thailand. In its natural environment, this epiphytic succulent grows on tree branches, storing water in its thick, waxy leaves. It's a beginner-friendly plant that rewards minimal effort with maximum visual impact. Fun fact: the silver splashes on each leaf are unique, like fingerprints—no two plants ever look exactly the same.
FOLIAGE AND GROWTH HABIT
This Hoya grows with a vining habit that can trail gracefully or climb when given support. The leaves are nearly circular, earning the "dollar" nickname, and measure about 3-4 inches across. Each leaf displays a deep green base decorated with irregular silver-grey splashes and speckles. The foliage has a thick, succulent texture with a waxy coating that gives it a glossy, almost artificial appearance in bright light.
FLOWER DETAILS
The flowers appear in rounded clusters called umbels, each containing 20-30 individual blooms. They're pale pink to white with deep burgundy centers that look almost fuzzy up close. The fragrance is sweet and honey-like, strongest in the evening and early morning hours. These blooms have an otherworldly, porcelain-like quality that stops people in their tracks. Flowering typically happens once or twice a year during warmer months, usually in late spring through summer. To encourage blooming, provide bright indirect light, avoid moving the plant once buds form, and let it become slightly rootbound—stress actually triggers flowering in Hoyas.
CARE INSTRUCTIONS
🌞 Light: Bright indirect light works best, though it tolerates lower light (growth slows considerably). Needs 6-8 hours of filtered light daily. An east or west-facing window is ideal.
💧 Water: Water thoroughly when the top 2 inches of soil are completely dry. In spring and summer, this means every 10-14 days. In fall and winter, stretch it to every 3-4 weeks. Bottom watering works brilliantly—let the pot sit in water for 15 minutes, then drain completely.
🌡️ Humidity: Thrives in 40-60% humidity but tolerates typical home conditions of 30-40% without complaint.
🪴 Soil: Needs a chunky, well-draining mix. Combine regular potting soil with perlite and orchid bark in equal parts, or use a commercial succulent blend.
🏺 Potting: Prefers to be slightly rootbound in a pot with drainage holes. Terracotta works well because it breathes. Repot only every 2-3 years when roots are visibly crowding, usually going up just one pot size.
🌱 Growth rate: Slow to moderate. Expect 3-6 inches of new growth over 6 months, 8-12 inches in a year. Mature vines can reach 6-10 feet long over several years, though most people keep them pruned shorter.
👩‍🌾 Fertilizing: Feed monthly during spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Skip fertilizing completely in fall and winter when growth pauses.
🐾 Pet friendly: Yes, this Hoya is non-toxic to cats and dogs, making it safe for homes with curious pets.
WHERE TO PUT IT
This plant works beautifully on a shelf where the vines can cascade down, or trained up a small trellis near an east-facing window. It suits living rooms, bedrooms, and home offices equally well. The bathroom can work if there's sufficient natural light. Avoid placing it in dark corners, cold drafty areas near exterior doors, or directly in front of heating vents that blow hot dry air.