Hoya versteegii

🌿 Hoya versteegii is a lesser-known member of the Hoya genus in the Apocynaceae family, native to Papua New Guinea where it grows as an epiphyte in humid rainforests. This climbing species showcases small, thick succulent leaves and produces clusters of fragrant star-shaped flowers that appear sporadically throughout the year when conditions are right. It's considered an intermediate plant, requiring some attention to watering and light but rewarding patient growers with its charming blooms. One interesting aspect of this hoya is that its flowers produce nectar that attracts nighttime pollinators in its natural habitat, giving off a sweet scent that intensifies after dark.
FOLIAGE AND GROWTH HABIT
Hoya versteegii is a climbing plant that develops long, slender vines over time, readily attaching itself to supports with aerial roots. The leaves are small, typically one to two inches long, and have a thick, almost rubbery texture that helps the plant retain moisture. They're oval-shaped with slightly pointed tips and display a deep green colour, sometimes with subtle lighter veining. The foliage has a smooth, waxy surface that gives it a healthy sheen under good light.
FLOWER DETAILS
The flowers emerge in small umbels of five to ten blooms, each displaying a classic hoya star shape with five waxy petals. They're typically cream to pale yellow with dark burgundy or maroon centres, creating a striking contrast. The blooms are highly fragrant, especially in the evening, releasing a sweet honeyed scent that fills a room. While not the most showy hoya, the delicate flowers have an understated elegance that collectors appreciate. Flowering usually occurs once or twice a year on mature plants, typically during warmer months. To encourage blooming, maintain consistent care with bright indirect light, avoid disturbing the plant once flower buds form, and resist the urge to remove old flower stalks since new blooms often emerge from the same peduncles.
CARE INSTRUCTIONS
🌞 Light: Bright indirect light works best, though it can tolerate some direct morning sun. Aim for 6-8 hours of good light daily, with eastern or western exposure being ideal.
💧 Water: Allow the soil to dry out mostly between waterings during spring and summer, watering thoroughly when the leaves feel slightly soft. Reduce frequency in fall and winter to every 2-3 weeks. Bottom watering or slow soaking works well to ensure even moisture without waterlogging.
🌡️ Humidity: Prefers 50-70% humidity but adapts to average home conditions around 40-50% without major issues.
🪴 Soil: Needs a chunky, well-draining mix with components like orchid bark, perlite, and peat or coco coir to prevent root rot while maintaining some moisture.
🏺 Potting: Use a small to medium pot with drainage holes, preferably terracotta or plastic. Hoyas prefer being slightly rootbound, so repot only every 2-3 years or when roots are visibly crowded.
🌱 Growth rate: Moderate to slow, with vines extending 4-8 inches over six months under good conditions. In one year, expect 10-15 inches of new growth. Mature vines can reach several feet in length given support.
👩‍🌾 Fertilizing: Feed monthly during spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Some growers use a bloom-boosting formula once flower buds appear. Skip fertilizing in fall and winter.
🐾 Pet friendly: Yes, hoya versteegii is considered non-toxic to cats and dogs, making it a safer choice for homes with curious pets.
WHERE TO PUT IT
This hoya thrives near east or west-facing windows where it receives plenty of bright, filtered light without harsh afternoon sun. It does well in living rooms, bedrooms, or home offices where you can provide a small trellis or pole for it to climb. Hanging baskets also work if you prefer a trailing display. Bathrooms with good natural light are excellent choices due to the higher humidity. Avoid placing it in low-light corners, dark hallways, or directly against heating vents that create dry air and temperature fluctuations.
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