Hoya wallichii subsp. tenebrosa

🌿 Meet Hoya wallichii subsp. tenebrosa, a rare vining species from the Apocynaceae family native to the limestone cliffs of Thailand and Myanmar. This subspecies distinguishes itself with darker, more textured foliage compared to the standard wallichii. Originally discovered growing in shaded rock crevices at higher elevations, it has adapted to lower light conditions than many hoyas. This is an intermediate-level plant that rewards patient growers with exceptional beauty. Fun fact: the name "tenebrosa" comes from the Latin word for "dark" or "shadowy," referencing both its leaf colour and its preference for shadier growing conditions in nature.
FOLIAGE AND GROWTH HABIT
This hoya grows as a slender vining plant with a graceful trailing habit, perfect for hanging baskets or climbing up a small trellis. The leaves are narrow and elongated, measuring about 8-12 cm in length, with a distinctive lanceolate shape. Leaf colour ranges from deep olive green to almost bronze-green, with subtle darker veining that becomes more pronounced in bright light. The texture is slightly succulent and waxy with a matte finish, giving each leaf a velvety appearance that sets it apart from glossier hoya varieties.
FLOWER DETAILS
The flowers emerge in small umbels of 10-20 blooms, each measuring about 1 cm across. They display a stunning two-tone colour scheme with creamy white petals and deep burgundy to almost black centres. The blooms have a light, sweet fragrance that intensifies in the evening hours, filling the room with a subtle honey-like scent. Aesthetically, the dark centres create a dramatic contrast against the pale petals, making them visually striking even from a distance. This subspecies typically flowers once or twice per year during warmer months when mature. To encourage flowering, provide consistent bright indirect light, allow the plant to become slightly rootbound, and maintain a regular fertilizing schedule during the growing season without disturbing the peduncles after blooming.
CARE INSTRUCTIONS
🌞 Light: Bright indirect light is ideal, though it tolerates lower light better than most hoyas. Aim for 6-8 hours of filtered light daily. Avoid direct afternoon sun which can scorch the leaves.
💧 Water: Water thoroughly when the top 5 cm of soil feels dry, roughly every 7-10 days in summer and every 14-18 days in winter. Let water drain completely. Bottom watering works well to avoid stem rot.
🌡️ Humidity: Thrives in 50-70% humidity range, though it adapts to average home humidity of 40-50% without major issues.
🪴 Soil: Requires a chunky, well-draining mix with bark, perlite, and orchid mix. Avoid heavy, moisture-retentive soils.
🏺 Potting: Use a terracotta or plastic pot with drainage holes, sized just slightly larger than the root ball. Prefers being slightly rootbound. Repot every 2-3 years only when roots are emerging from drainage holes.
🌱 Growth rate: Slow to moderate grower, producing 10-15 cm of new growth over 6 months in optimal conditions. After one year, expect 20-30 cm of vine length. Mature vines can reach 1-2 metres over several years.
👩‍🌾 Fertilizing: Feed monthly from spring through early fall with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Skip fertilizing during winter dormancy.
🐾 Pet friendly: No. Hoyas contain compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal upset in cats and dogs if ingested, including vomiting and drooling.
WHERE TO PUT IT
This hoya works beautifully in a hanging planter near an east or north-facing window where it receives gentle morning light or consistent bright indirect exposure. It also thrives on a shelf with a small trellis in a living room or bedroom, or in a bathroom with a window where ambient humidity stays higher. The trailing vines create an elegant cascading effect when allowed to hang freely. Avoid placing it in dark corners, near heating vents, or in windows with harsh afternoon sun. Keep it away from cold drafts near exterior doors during winter months.
rare