Hoya AH803

Origin of Hoya AH803

AH803 is also grown as Hoya sp. Bulusan, linking the accession to Bulusan in the Philippines. It is a broad-leaved climbing Hoya with epiphytic roots. The exact species and wild collection site remain unknown.

Care for Hoya AH803

• Support and leaf space: Support the growing tip while keeping it clear of older foliage. Leave older woody stems in place once they have hardened around the support.
• Light around the foliage: Use bright filtered light; a dim shelf will stretch the vine. Avoid a position where the leaf surface touches sun-heated glass.
• Watering: Wait until the surface and upper mix have dried before watering again. Direct water around the root ball and keep the basal node clear of wet substrate.
• Potting mix: Use an airy bark-based mix that wets evenly and keeps its structure between repottings. Set the basal node above the surface so water cannot collect around the stem.
• Runner growth: Long exploratory stems may appear before new leaves. Guide the tip towards the support without cutting a healthy bare runner.
• Temperature and airflow: Keep it away from cold glass, radiators and hot vents. Humidity should support growth without leaving the foliage persistently wet.
• Feeding: Use a weak complete fertiliser while a new leaf or runner is developing. If roots are damaged, repot first and wait for new root growth before feeding.

Common issues with Hoya AH803

• A healthy section of the growing tip remains bare for several nodesLikely cause: Bare nodes can appear before leaves on a healthy exploratory shoot.What to do: Loop the runner around its support with a loose tie below the tip, then place the new growth in bright indirect light. Cut it only if the stem becomes hollow, black or completely dry.
• The growing tip produces wider gaps and smaller elongated leavesLikely cause: The vine is growing in light that is bright enough to survive but too dim for compact growth.What to do: Move the tip into brighter filtered light. While growth is slow, wait until the upper mix is dry before watering. The next section should form shorter gaps between leaves.
• The growing tip stops even though the stem is still greenLikely cause: The growing tip is alive, but damaged or oxygen-starved roots cannot support another leaf.What to do: Give the tip open space and bright filtered light. Water only after the upper mix dries, then soak the root ball thoroughly. Start weak feeding again when the tip begins opening a fresh leaf. Do not cut a firm green tip. Remove it only after it blackens, softens or dries completely.
• A long runner kinks where it turns around the supportLikely cause: The growing tip was bent too sharply while it was still soft.What to do: Loosen the tie and guide the live stem around a wider curve. Keep the tip in bright filtered light and cut it only if the damaged section becomes hollow or black.

Hoya AH803 and pet safety

Hoya AH803 is treated as non-toxic to cats and dogs. Chewing leaves or stems can still cause temporary drooling, vomiting or diarrhoea. Keep the plant out of reach of pets that chew foliage, and contact a veterinarian if symptoms are severe or persistent.

The code AH803

AH803 is the collection code used for this line, which is also known as Hoya sp. Bulusan. The genus name dates to Robert Brown’s 1810 publication and honours Thomas Hoy, head gardener at Syon House.