Hoya blashernaezii

Background and origin of Hoya blashernaezii

Hoya blashernaezii is native to the Philippines, where it grows in wet tropical habitat. The species was described in 1999.

Indoor care for Hoya blashernaezii

Give the stems support or let them trail from a hanging container. Bright indirect light, about 16–24°C and 40–60% relative humidity suit active growth. Protect the leaves from hot direct sun and allow air to move around them.

Use an airy mix that lets excess water drain quickly. Water when the pot is lighter and the deeper mix is lightly moist, then soak the root ball and drain fully. When growth slows, allow the mix to become fairly dry, without letting it dry completely.

Feed with balanced orchid fertiliser about every two weeks while new growth develops, following the label’s dose and frequency. Pause when growth stops. Repot once roots fill the container, choosing a pot only a few centimetres wider.

Root a healthy stem cutting with at least one node in light propagation mix. Use a clean blade and wear gloves, as the sap can irritate skin. Remove the lower leaves and bury the lowest node while keeping the remaining leaves above the mix. Keep the cutting warm in indirect light. Keep the mix lightly moist and let excess water drain away. Transfer to a small pot once well rooted.

Solving common issues with Hoya blashernaezii

• Spreading dark spots on leaves that stay wet: Persistent wet foliage and poor airflow can favour leaf-spot problems, although appearance alone cannot identify the cause. Let the leaves dry and allow gentle airflow around the plant. When watering is due, apply water directly to the mix, keeping the leaves dry. If spots continue to spread, isolate the plant and remove badly affected leaves with a clean tool; seek a diagnosis before using a pesticide.
• Mottling or fine webbing on the narrow leaves: Inspect damaged leaf undersides with magnification; tapping a leaf over white paper can help locate mites. Confirm spider mites before treatment. Isolate the plant, gently rinse both leaf surfaces and let water drain. Recheck every few days and repeat rinsing while live mites remain. If spider mites persist, choose a product labelled for them on indoor ornamental plants. Test a small area first where the label allows, then follow its directions for the dose, repeat treatments and safety precautions.
• Persistent wilting while the mix stays wet: Persistent wetness can damage roots. Drain trapped water and inspect roots if decline continues. If you find a small amount of root rot, use a clean, disinfected tool to cut the soft roots back to firm, healthy tissue. 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. If decay is widespread, save only healthy stem cuttings. Discard the plant if no healthy stems remain, and disinfect your tools afterwards.

Hoya blashernaezii 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 blashernaezii get its name?

Hoya honours the English gardener Thomas Hoy. The epithet blashernaezii honours Blas Hernaez.

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

Robert Dale Kloppenburg first described Hoya blashernaezii in 1999 in Fraterna, volume 12, issue 1, page 9.