Hoya bonii

Botanical identity and natural origin of Hoya bonii

Hoya bonii comes from northern Vietnam, where it grows on trees and rocks in secondary evergreen forest on coastal limestone, from sea level to 100 m elevation.

Tips for growing Hoya bonii at home

Position Hoya bonii in bright indirect light, protected from hot direct sun. Support its twining stems or let them trail, and leave intact flower spurs in place for repeat flowering. During growth, keep it with moderate humidity and airflow around the foliage.

Grow it in an airy mix that lets excess water drain quickly. Once part of the mix has dried and the pot feels noticeably lighter, soak the whole root ball and drain the excess. When growth slows, wait until the mix is fairly dry while retaining a little moisture around the roots.

Temperature: For steady growth, hold temperatures near 16–24 °C and avoid prolonged conditions below 10 °C.

Apply balanced orchid fertiliser about every two weeks while growth is active, at moderate strength. When the plant is not growing, pause fertiliser. Repot after roots fill the pot, choosing one only a few centimetres wider.

Take a healthy stem cutting with at least one node using a clean blade. Remove the lowest leaves and place that node in lightly moist, airy propagation mix, keeping the remaining leaves above it. Give the cutting warmth and bright indirect light, and let excess water drain. Pot it into a small container once rooted.

Help with common problems affecting Hoya bonii

• New mottling with fine webbing: 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.
• Dark leaf spots spreading while foliage stays 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.
• Leaves wilt or yellow in persistently wet mix: 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 bonii 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.

Hoya bonii: where the name comes from

Hoya honours the English gardener Thomas Hoy. The epithet bonii honours the French missionary and plant collector Joseph Bon.

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

Julien Noël Costantin first described Hoya bonii in 1912 in Flore Générale de l’Indo-Chine, volume 4, page 140.