Hoya Nummularioides 'Silver'

🌿 Hoya nummularioides 'Silver', commonly called the Silver String of Coins, is a trailing species from the Apocynaceae family native to Thailand and Cambodia. This beginner-friendly houseplant grows naturally as an epiphyte in humid forests, clinging to tree bark with delicate aerial roots. Its silvery foliage and easygoing nature make it a popular choice for newcomers to the Hoya genus. Fun fact: the species name "nummularioides" means "coin-like," referring to the round shape of its leaves that resemble stacked coins along the vine.
FOLIAGE AND GROWTH HABIT
This Hoya has a trailing growth habit with slender stems that can cascade or be trained to climb. The small, round leaves are thick and succulent-like, measuring about one to two centimetres across. Each leaf displays a silvery-green colour with subtle darker green flecking that creates a mottled appearance. The texture is smooth and slightly waxy, giving the foliage a soft sheen under light.
FLOWER DETAILS
Mature plants produce clusters of tiny star-shaped flowers that emerge from peduncles along the stems. The blooms are typically white to pale pink with a contrasting burgundy or maroon corona in the centre. They carry a light, sweet fragrance that's most noticeable in the evening. The flowers have a delicate, almost porcelain-like appearance that adds subtle elegance to the plant. Blooming can occur several times throughout the warmer months when the plant receives adequate light and remains slightly root-bound. To encourage flowering, provide bright indirect light, maintain consistent care, and avoid removing old peduncles as they can produce blooms again.
CARE INSTRUCTIONS
🌞 Light: Bright indirect light works best, though it tolerates some morning sun. Aim for 6-8 hours of filtered light daily
💧 Water: Allow the soil to dry out almost completely between waterings. Water thoroughly in spring and summer, reduce frequency in fall and winter. Bottom watering or soaking method works well
🌡️ Humidity: Thrives in 50-70% humidity but adapts to average home levels around 40%
🪴 Soil: Well-draining chunky mix with orchid bark, perlite, and peat or coco coir
🏺 Potting: Shallow terracotta or plastic pots with drainage holes. Prefers being slightly root-bound. Repot every 2-3 years in spring
🌱 Growth rate: Slow to moderate. Expect 10-15 cm of growth over 6 months, 25-40 cm in a year. Mature vines can reach 1-2 metres in length
👩‍🌾 Fertilizing: Feed monthly during spring and summer with diluted liquid fertilizer at half strength. Skip fertilizing in fall and winter
🐾 Pet friendly: No, Hoyas contain compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested by cats or dogs, though they're considered low toxicity
WHERE TO PUT IT
Place this Hoya in a bright bathroom, on a shelf near an east or west-facing window, or in a hanging planter where its trailing vines can cascade freely. It works well in living rooms, bedrooms, or home offices with good natural light. Avoid placing it in dark corners, near heating vents, or in rooms without windows, as insufficient light will prevent flowering and slow growth significantly.