Hoya inflata 'Yellow'

🌿 Hoya inflata, commonly known as the Yellow Hoya or Inflated Hoya, is a rare vining species in the Apocynaceae family. Native to the tropical forests of Southeast Asia, particularly found in Thailand and Vietnam, this epiphytic climber grows naturally on tree trunks where it thrives in dappled light and high humidity. It's considered an intermediate-level houseplant, requiring more attention to humidity and watering than typical Hoyas. Fun fact: the species name "inflata" refers to the slightly inflated or puffy appearance of its seed pods, which look like miniature balloons when they develop after flowering.
FOLIAGE AND GROWTH HABIT
This vining Hoya produces slender, flexible stems that climb or trail depending on support. The leaves are small to medium-sized, typically lance-shaped to slightly oval, with a smooth, semi-succulent texture. What makes this variety special is the yellowish-green colouration that develops on new growth and persists on mature leaves, creating a soft, buttery appearance. The foliage has a subtle waxy coating typical of Hoyas, and leaves emerge in opposite pairs along the stems.
FLOWER DETAILS
Hoya inflata produces delicate umbels of star-shaped flowers that appear along the vines, usually in clusters of 10 to 20 blooms. The flowers are creamy white to pale yellow with a darker centre corona, measuring about 1 to 1.5 centimetres across. They emit a light, sweet fragrance that intensifies in the evening, attracting nighttime pollinators in their natural habitat. The blooms have a waxy, almost porcelain-like quality that makes them look artificial up close. This Hoya tends to flower in late spring through summer when conditions are right. To encourage blooming, maintain consistent care, avoid moving the plant once buds form, provide bright indirect light, and allow a slight dry period between waterings during the cooler months.
CARE INSTRUCTIONS
🌞 Light: Bright indirect light for 6 to 8 hours daily. Can tolerate some morning sun, but avoid harsh afternoon rays which may scorch the yellowish foliage
💧 Water: Allow the top half of soil to dry between waterings. Water thoroughly in spring and summer (every 7 to 10 days), reduce to every 14 to 21 days in winter. Bottom watering works well to prevent stem rot
🌡️ Humidity: Prefers 50 to 70 percent humidity. Will tolerate average home humidity but grows more vigorously and flowers more readily with increased moisture
🪴 Soil: Well-draining, chunky mix with orchid bark, perlite, and peat or coco coir. Needs excellent aeration around roots
🏺 Potting: Use a pot with drainage holes, preferably terracotta or unglazed ceramic to allow soil to breathe. Choose a size only slightly larger than the root ball. Repot every 2 to 3 years in spring
🌱 Growth rate: Moderate to slow. Expect 15 to 30 centimetres of new growth over 6 months under ideal conditions, 30 to 60 centimetres per year. Mature vines can reach 1.5 to 2 metres in length
👩‍🌾 Fertilizing: Feed monthly during spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Switch to a bloom-booster formula when flower buds appear. No fertilizer in autumn and winter
🐾 Pet friendly: No. Hoya inflata contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested by cats or dogs. The milky sap may also cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals
WHERE TO PUT IT
Place your Hoya inflata in a bright bathroom where it can benefit from shower steam, or in an east-facing window in a bedroom or living room where it receives gentle morning light. It works beautifully in a hanging basket or trained up a small trellis on a shelf. Works well in home offices with a humidifier nearby. Avoid placing it in dark corners, directly beside heating vents, or in rooms with cold drafts near windows during Canadian winters. Keep away from areas with constant air conditioning or forced air that will dry out the foliage.