Hoya Patella Pink

🌿 Hoya patella, commonly known as Hoya Patella Pink, is a charming vining species from the Apocynaceae family. Native to the tropical regions of Southeast Asia, this hoya thrives in warm, humid forests where it climbs along tree trunks and rocky outcrops. In its natural habitat, it receives dappled sunlight filtered through the canopy above. This plant is considered intermediate in care difficulty, making it suitable for gardeners who have some experience with hoyas or tropical houseplants. One fun fact about Hoya patella is that its flowers produce a sweet, honey-like fragrance that intensifies during the evening hours, attracting nocturnal pollinators in the wild.
FOLIAGE AND GROWTH HABIT
Hoya patella has a vining growth habit that naturally trails or climbs when given support. The leaves are small to medium-sized, typically oval to lanceolate in shape, with a slightly cupped or concave appearance. The foliage displays a deep green colour with subtle pink or bronze undertones, especially when exposed to brighter light conditions. The leaves have a semi-succulent texture, feeling thick and slightly waxy to the touch, which helps the plant retain moisture during dry periods.
FLOWER DETAILS
The flowers of Hoya patella are truly captivating, appearing in rounded umbels of 10 to 20 individual blooms. Each flower is star-shaped with five petals that range from soft pink to coral-pink, often with a deeper rose-coloured centre. The blooms emit a sweet, intoxicating fragrance that becomes more pronounced in the evening and overnight. The aesthetic appeal is enhanced by the waxy, almost porcelain-like texture of the petals, giving them a delicate appearance. This hoya blooms multiple times throughout the year when mature, particularly during the warmer months from late spring through early autumn. To encourage flowering, provide bright indirect light, avoid moving the plant once flower buds form, and allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings during the growing season.
CARE INSTRUCTIONS
🌞 Light: Bright indirect light is ideal, though it can tolerate some morning sun. Aim for 6 to 8 hours of filtered light daily. Avoid harsh afternoon sun which can scorch the leaves.
💧 Water: During spring and summer, water when the top 2 to 3 centimetres of soil feel dry, typically every 7 to 10 days. In autumn and winter, reduce watering to every 2 to 3 weeks. Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, allowing excess to escape. Bottom watering works well to encourage root growth.
🌡️ Humidity: Prefers humidity levels between 50% to 70%. Average home humidity is usually acceptable, but the plant thrives with occasional misting or placement near a humidifier.
🪴 Soil: A well-draining chunky mix is essential. Combine orchid bark, perlite, and potting soil in equal parts, or use a specialized aroid mix with added coconut husk chips.
🏺 Potting: Choose a pot with drainage holes, preferably terracotta or plastic, sized just slightly larger than the root ball. Hoyas prefer being slightly rootbound. Repot every 2 to 3 years in spring when roots visibly outgrow the container.
🌱 Growth rate: Moderate growth rate. Expect 15 to 30 centimetres of new growth over 6 months under ideal conditions, and 30 to 60 centimetres in a full year. Mature vines can reach 1 to 2 metres in length indoors.
👩‍🌾 Fertilizing: Feed every 4 to 6 weeks during spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. A formulation higher in phosphorus can promote blooming. Stop fertilizing in autumn and winter.
🐾 Pet friendly: No, Hoya patella is toxic to cats and dogs. The sap contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal upset, drooling, and vomiting if ingested. Keep out of reach of curious pets.
WHERE TO PUT IT
Hoya patella thrives in bright, airy spaces like east or west-facing windows where it receives gentle morning or late afternoon sun. It does well in living rooms, home offices, bedrooms, or sunrooms where humidity can be maintained. Consider placing it on a high shelf or in a hanging basket to showcase its trailing vines. You can also train it to climb a small trellis or moss pole for a different aesthetic. Avoid placing it in dimly lit rooms, near heating vents, or in drafty areas like entryways. Bathrooms with windows can work beautifully if they receive adequate light.