Hoya amicabilis ‘Splash’

Background of Hoya amicabilis ‘Splash’

Hoya amicabilis comes from Java, Indonesia. One plant was found growing in a hollow tree trunk in a Pinus merkusii forest near Purworejo, at about 900–1,000 m elevation. Sri Rahayu and Michele Rodda described the species in 2019.

Home care for Hoya amicabilis ‘Splash’

Allow the fine branches to develop their natural shrubby shape. Bright indirect light and about 16–24°C suit active growth. Protect the foliage from hot direct sun. Humid air with gentle circulation is helpful; use a humidifier in a dry room.

Plant in an airy mix and a container with drainage holes. Water when the pot feels lighter and the deeper mix is only lightly moist, then drain fully. When growth slows, wait until it is fairly dry, without allowing the root ball to dry completely.

Apply a light balanced orchid feed about every two weeks during new growth, following the label’s instructions. Pause when growth stops. Repot when roots fill the pot, choosing a container only a few centimetres wider.

To root a cutting in water, use a clean blade and gloves: the sap can irritate skin. Take a two-node section, remove the lowest leaves and submerge that node while keeping the others above water. Give indirect light and keep new roots underwater. Move to a small pot of freely draining mix once well rooted.

Common problems with Hoya amicabilis ‘Splash’ and what to do

• Wilting while the mix remains wet: Poor drainage can damage roots. Empty any trapped water and check the roots and stem base. If the base is firm and decay is limited to a few soft roots, cut those roots back to firm, healthy tissue with a clean, disinfected tool. Throw away the rotten roots and old mix. Repot in fresh, airy mix, using a clean pot just large enough for the roots that remain. The pot must have drainage holes. With widespread root decay, keep only healthy stem cuttings; discard the plant if none remain. Disinfect tools afterwards.
• A soft, dark stem base: Decay at the base can spread into the stems. Use a clean, disinfected blade to take cuttings from healthy growth above the damaged area, keeping at least one node on each cutting. The cut ends must be firm and free of discolouration. Wear gloves to protect skin from sap. Discard the rotten base and old mix; discard the whole plant if no healthy stem remains. Disinfect the blade after cutting diseased tissue and before cutting healthy stems. Root healthy cuttings in fresh medium.
• Leaf drop or blackening after a cold draught: Chilling can damage leaves and stems, especially beside cold glass or in a draught. Move the plant to a stable, warmer position. Check the mix before watering; a chilled plant may use water more slowly. Remove only tissue that is clearly dead or decaying.
• Cottony masses among the small branches: Confirm mealybugs beneath the wax and isolate the plant. Remove visible insects with a damp swab or tweezers. Inspect sheltered leaf joints, stems, the pot and any support weekly, removing any mealybugs you find until none remain. If mealybugs persist, use a product approved for home use against mealybugs on indoor ornamental plants in your country. Follow the label for how much to use, where to apply it, when to repeat treatment and all safety precautions.

Hoya amicabilis ‘Splash’ is non-toxic to people and pets

• This plant is non-toxic to people, cats and dogs.
• Chewing a large amount can still cause an upset stomach.
• If a large amount is eaten and symptoms continue, contact a veterinarian or medical professional.

How did Hoya amicabilis get its name?

Hoya honours the English gardener Thomas Hoy. The epithet amicabilis is Latin for friendly or amiable.

Robert Brown established the genus Hoya in 1810 in Prodromus Florae Novae Hollandiae, page 459.

Sri Rahayu and Michele Rodda first described Hoya amicabilis in 2019 in Nordic Journal of Botany, 37(12)-e02563, page 2.