Hoya flagellata 'Gold'

🌿 Hoya flagellata 'Gold' (Hoya flagellata, family Apocynaceae) is a vining tropical plant native to Thailand and other parts of Southeast Asia, where it grows as an epiphyte in humid forests. This intermediate-level houseplant is loved for its golden-yellow foliage that develops with proper light exposure. The genus Hoya contains over 500 species, many prized by collectors for their waxy flowers and low-maintenance nature. Fun fact: the leaves of this cultivar can shift from green to buttery gold depending on how much light it receives, making it a dynamic addition to any collection.
FOLIAGE AND GROWTH HABIT
This plant has a vining growth habit and will climb or trail depending on how you support it. The leaves are small to medium-sized, oval-shaped, and slightly succulent with a smooth, waxy texture. New growth emerges green and transitions to golden-yellow or chartreuse when given bright light. The foliage has a subtle sheen that catches the light beautifully.
FLOWER DETAILS
The flowers are small, star-shaped, and cream to pale yellow in colour with a delicate fragrance that's most noticeable in the evening. They grow in umbels (clusters) and have a waxy appearance typical of hoyas. The blooms are charming rather than showy, and they add a sweet scent to the room. Flowering happens once or twice a year, usually in late spring through summer, when the plant is mature and receiving adequate light. To encourage blooms, provide bright indirect light, avoid moving the plant once buds form, and let the soil dry slightly between waterings.
CARE INSTRUCTIONS

🌞 Light: Bright indirect light is ideal. It can tolerate some direct morning sun, which helps bring out the golden colour. Needs around 6-8 hours of bright light daily to maintain vibrant foliage.
💧 Water: Water when the top 2-3 cm of soil is dry. In spring and summer, water every 7-10 days; reduce to every 2-3 weeks in fall and winter. Bottom watering works well to avoid getting water on the leaves and stems.
🌡️ Humidity: Prefers 50-70% humidity but adapts to average home levels (40-50%). Higher humidity encourages faster growth and healthier leaves.
🪴 Soil: Use a well-draining mix with perlite, orchid bark, and peat or coco coir. The soil should dry out relatively quickly to prevent root rot.
🏺 Potting: Plant in a pot with drainage holes; terracotta or plastic both work. Choose a snug pot, as hoyas prefer being slightly root-bound. Repot every 2-3 years or when roots fill the pot.
🌱 Growth rate: Moderate grower. Expect 15-30 cm of new growth over 6 months under good conditions, and up to 1-2 metres in length at maturity over several years. Vines can be trained on a trellis or allowed to cascade.
👩‍🌾 Fertilizing: Feed monthly during spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Reduce to every 6-8 weeks in fall and stop in winter.
🐾 Pet friendly: No. Hoyas contain compounds that can cause mild stomach upset if ingested by cats or dogs. Keep out of reach of curious pets.

WHERE TO PUT IT
This hoya does well in bright rooms like a living room near an east or west-facing window, a sunroom, or a bathroom with good natural light. It's perfect for hanging baskets or placed on a high shelf where the vines can trail down. You can also train it up a small trellis or moss pole. Avoid placing it in low-light corners, drafty areas near doors or vents, or spots with intense afternoon sun that could scorch the leaves.
RARITY ASSESSMENT
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