Hoya Thompsonii splash 6462

🌿 Hoya thomsonii is a tropical flowering plant from the Apocynaceae family, native to the humid forests of Thailand and surrounding regions in Southeast Asia. This intermediate-level Hoya features thick, waxy leaves and produces stunning fragrant blooms that reward patient growers. In its natural habitat, it climbs trees using aerial roots, thriving in dappled light beneath the forest canopy. Fun fact: the flowers produce nectar droplets that glisten like tiny jewels, attracting pollinators and delighting anyone lucky enough to witness them up close.
FOLIAGE AND GROWTH HABIT
This climbing Hoya develops thick, succulent-like leaves that are deep green with subtle veining. The foliage is smooth and waxy to the touch, helping the plant retain moisture in its natural environment. As a vining species, Hoya thomsonii sends out long stems that climb or trail depending on how you provide support, making it versatile for trellises, poles, or hanging displays.
FLOWER DETAILS
The star-shaped blooms appear in rounded clusters and range from creamy white to pale pink with deep burgundy centers. Each flower is waxy and produces a sweet, pleasant fragrance that intensifies in the evening. The aesthetic appeal is remarkable, with each umbel containing multiple perfectly formed flowers. Blooming typically occurs once or twice a year when the plant is mature and happy. To encourage flowering, provide bright indirect light, allow the plant to become slightly root-bound, and avoid moving it once buds form.
CARE INSTRUCTIONS
🌞 Light: Bright indirect light works best, though it tolerates some morning sun. Aim for 6-8 hours of filtered light daily
💧 Water: Water thoroughly when the top half of soil dries out. Reduce watering in winter months. Bottom watering prevents stem rot
🌡️ Humidity: Prefers 50-70% humidity but adapts to average home conditions
🪴 Soil: Well-draining mix with orchid bark, perlite, and peat or coco coir
🏺 Potting: Use a pot with drainage holes, slightly snug fit. Terracotta or plastic both work. Repot every 2-3 years
🌱 Growth rate: Moderate pace, adding 15-30 cm per year under good conditions. Can reach 1-2 metres at maturity with support
👩‍🌾 Fertilizing: Monthly during spring and summer with diluted balanced fertilizer. Skip fertilizing in fall and winter
🐾 Pet friendly: Generally considered non-toxic, though ingestion may cause mild stomach upset in some pets
WHERE TO PUT IT
Hoya thomsonii thrives near east or west-facing windows where it receives bright, filtered light without harsh afternoon sun. It works beautifully in living rooms, bedrooms, or home offices, especially when given a small trellis or allowed to trail from a shelf or hanging basket. Avoid placing it in dark corners, near heating vents, or in bathrooms with low light, as insufficient brightness will prevent blooming and slow growth considerably.