Hoya amicabilis ‘Splash’

A recently described species from Java: Hoya amicabilis ‘Splash’

Hoya amicabilis is known from Java and has an unusual shrubby habit. The original material was traced to a plant growing from a hollow tree in a Javan pine forest; ‘Splash’ is the silver-marked horticultural form in cultivation.

Care for Hoya amicabilis ‘Splash’

• Light: Position the growing tip where it receives strong indirect light. Silver-marked tissue can scorch in concentrated midday sun. Keep the soft small narrow leaves in bright filtered light.
• Watering and roots: Allow a short drying phase at the top and then drain a complete watering. Thin stems lose growth quickly after repeated hard drying. Choose a porous substrate whose particles remain in contact with fine roots. Very coarse pieces can leave the roots suspended between dry gaps.
• Growth form: Use a loose stake only where the open branches need balance. Repeatedly winding the fine stems removes the shrubby character.
• Branching habit: This species can form an open, shrubby framework with several upright and spreading branches. Prune only to shape established branching.
• Temperature and airflow: Keep conditions warm without temperature swings while a new leaf is unfolding. Avoid enclosing the plant in still air simply to raise humidity.
• Feeding: Use a weak complete fertiliser every few waterings during new growth. Lengthen the interval promptly when new growth pauses.

Common issues with Hoya amicabilis ‘Splash’

• The lower leaves yellow after another wateringLikely cause: Repeated watering before the centre dries has started root or stem rot.What to do: Inspect the central root mass, because the surface can dry first. If they are soft, cut back to firm tissue and repot before watering again.Urgent warning: Propagate a firm green node before decay advances beyond the root zone.
• One exposed section of the small silver-marked leaves turns paperyLikely cause: Sun-heated glass raised the leaf temperature faster than the roots could replace moisture.What to do: Use a sheer curtain or greater distance from the window. Remove a leaf only if the patch becomes soft or starts spreading.
• The newest small silver-marked leaves are distorted and the nodes feel stickyLikely cause: Thrips, mites, scale or mealybugs may be damaging the developing leaf.What to do: Isolate it, then check the growing points, nodes and leaf undersides closely. Wash both leaf surfaces, wipe away pests and treat with insecticidal soap after a patch test. Follow the treatment label for any repeat applications and inspect the newest silver-marked leaves between treatments.
• Fine branch tips dry after the pot becomes very lightLikely cause: The fine roots and slender stems have dehydrated during a prolonged dry interval.What to do: Rewet the root ball slowly, drain it completely and water a little sooner next time. Trim only branch tips that have become hollow, black or crisp.

Hoya amicabilis ‘Splash’ and pet safety

Hoya amicabilis ‘Splash’ 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.

A name shaped by scientific collaboration

Sri Rahayu and Michele Rodda described Hoya amicabilis in 2019 after photographs shared online in 2017 brought the plant to their attention. They linked amicabilis to the Latin phrase amicabiliter interventus, recognising the friendly role of social media in bringing the species to scientific attention.