Hoya Tengchongensis varigated 6461

🌿 Hoya tengchongensis is a captivating vining species from the Apocynaceae family, native to the mountainous regions of Tengchong in Yunnan Province, China. This intermediate-level houseplant features striking foliage and delicate blooms that reward patient growers. In its natural habitat, it climbs through forest understories where dappled light filters through the canopy. Fun fact: this Hoya was only formally described in recent years, making it a relatively new addition to botanical collections worldwide.
FOLIAGE AND GROWTH HABIT
This climbing vine produces narrow, elongated leaves that taper to a point, giving them a lanceolate appearance. The foliage displays a rich green colour with subtle veining that catches the light beautifully. Leaves have a smooth, slightly succulent texture that stores moisture efficiently. New growth emerges lighter before maturing to the deeper green shade characteristic of healthy plants.
FLOWER DETAILS
The flowers form in rounded clusters called umbels, with each individual bloom displaying creamy white to pale yellow petals and a contrasting darker corona at the centre. They emit a light, sweet fragrance that becomes more noticeable during evening hours. The waxy, star-shaped flowers have an elegant, almost porcelain-like quality that makes them worth the wait. Blooming typically occurs once or twice annually on mature plants with established peduncles. To encourage flowering, provide consistent care with adequate light, avoid moving the plant during bud formation, and maintain the same watering routine year-round without drastic changes.
CARE INSTRUCTIONS
🌞 Light: Bright indirect light works best, though it tolerates some morning sun. Aim for 6-8 hours of filtered light daily near an east or west-facing window.
💧 Water: Allow the top half of soil to dry between waterings. Water thoroughly in spring and summer, reduce frequency in fall and winter. Bottom watering or slow drenching works well to avoid waterlogged roots.
🌡️ Humidity: Prefers 50-70% humidity but adapts to average home conditions of 40-50%.
🪴 Soil: Well-draining chunky mix with perlite, orchid bark, and coco coir. Avoid heavy, moisture-retentive potting soil.
🏺 Potting: Use terracotta or plastic pots with drainage holes, 10-15 cm diameter for younger plants. Repot every 2-3 years or when roots circle the pot.
🌱 Growth rate: Moderate growth, extending 15-30 cm in the first year. Mature vines can reach 1-2 metres over several years.
👩‍🌾 Fertilizing: Feed monthly during spring and summer with diluted balanced liquid fertilizer. Reduce to every 6-8 weeks in fall, skip winter.
🐾 Pet friendly: No. Hoya plants contain compounds that can cause mild stomach upset if ingested by cats or dogs, though they're generally considered low toxicity.
WHERE TO PUT IT
This Hoya thrives in bright living rooms, sunrooms, or home offices where it can climb a small trellis or cascade from a hanging planter. Bedrooms with east-facing windows also work well. Avoid placing it in dark corners, bathrooms with low light, or directly beside heating vents and air conditioning units that create temperature fluctuations.