Hoya Paulshirleyi (UT009)

🌿 Hoya paulshirleyi is a rare climbing species from the Philippines, belonging to the Apocynaceae family. This intermediate-level plant rewards patient growers with one of the most stunning floral displays in the Hoya genus. In its natural habitat, it grows as an epiphyte in humid mountain forests, clinging to trees with aerial roots. Here's something fascinating: the flowers can last up to three weeks on the vine, filling your space with their sweet, honey-like fragrance that intensifies at night.
FOLIAGE AND GROWTH HABIT
This vining Hoya produces thick, succulent leaves that are deep green with subtle silver flecking. The foliage has a waxy, almost leathery texture that helps the plant retain moisture. Leaves are oval-shaped and slightly cupped, growing along flexible stems that can reach several feet in length when given proper support.
FLOWER DETAILS
The flowers are absolutely breathtaking, appearing in rounded clusters of 20-30 blooms. Each individual flower is star-shaped with pink to coral-red petals and a contrasting white corona centre. The fragrance is intensely sweet, reminiscent of honey and jasmine, especially noticeable during evening hours. Blooming typically occurs once or twice yearly when the plant is mature and happy. To encourage flowering, provide bright indirect light, allow the plant to become slightly root-bound, and avoid cutting off old flower stems (peduncles) as they often rebloom from the same spot.
CARE INSTRUCTIONS
🌞 Light: Bright indirect light for 6-8 hours daily; tolerates some morning sun but avoid harsh afternoon rays
💧 Water: Water thoroughly when top 2 inches of soil are dry; reduce frequency in winter. Bottom watering works well to prevent crown rot
🌡️ Humidity: 50-70% ideal; tolerates average home humidity but flowers better with increased moisture
🪴 Soil: Well-draining chunky mix with orchid bark, perlite, and peat; must allow air circulation around roots
🏺 Potting: Terracotta or plastic pot with drainage holes; prefers being slightly root-bound. Repot every 2-3 years or when roots emerge from drainage holes
🌱 Growth rate: Slow to moderate; expect 6-12 inches of growth per year once established. Can reach 3-6 feet in length at maturity
👩‍🌾 Fertilizing: Monthly during spring and summer with diluted balanced fertilizer (half-strength); stop feeding in fall and winter
🐾 Pet friendly: No. Hoya paulshirleyi contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested by cats or dogs, though they are generally considered low toxicity
WHERE TO PUT IT
Hoya paulshirleyi thrives near east or west-facing windows where it receives filtered morning or afternoon light. It looks stunning trained on a small trellis in a living room, displayed in a hanging basket in a bright bathroom, or climbing up a moss pole in a home office. Avoid placing it in dark corners, directly beside heating vents, or in high-traffic areas where the delicate vines might get damaged. Bedrooms work wonderfully since you'll enjoy the evening fragrance during bloom periods.
RARITY ASSESSMENT
rare