Hoya callistophylla KAL 16

The Bornean species background of this Hoya callistophylla

This cultivated Hoya callistophylla line belongs to a climbing epiphytic species from the wet tropical forests of Borneo.

Care for supported epiphytic vines

• Support and leaf space: Guide new runners into open space on a hoop or trellis. Do not let the growing point disappear behind the frame or older leaves.
• Light around the foliage: Use a bright position close to a filtered window. A new leaf should harden evenly, without pale dry patches along the surface.
• Watering: Water thoroughly when the upper layer is dry and the centre no longer feels wet. Drain the pot fully, and avoid leaving the root ball saturated or completely dry.
• Temperature and airflow: Keep the vine in a stable warm room, away from radiators, cold glass and direct draughts.
• Feeding: Feed after normal watering while the plant is producing new growth. Apply only dilute fertiliser to an already moist root ball.

Common issues with Hoya callistophylla KAL 16

• The oldest leaf yellows while the pot remains wet: Moisture is lingering around weakened roots in the centre of the container. Unpot the vine, cut away soft brown roots and move the remaining firm roots into fresh coarse mix in a snug pot. Hold back water until the upper layer is dry. Remove a healthy node for propagation if dark softness reaches the lower stem.
• A developing leaf dries at the tip before it reaches full size: A tie, neighbouring leaf or bend is restricting the soft tip. Loosen any tight tie, move the tip into open space, and support the stem below the next node. Keep a living growing tip intact. Prune the growing point only after the whole section turns black, soft or completely dry.
• Leaf margins facing the heater become crisp: The growing tip experienced repeated heat while the root ball was only partly hydrated. Relocate the vine to bright light with gentler airflow. Trim only fully dry tips; firm green tissue can remain.
• A new leaf hardens with a crease across the dark vein network: The soft blade pressed against a tie or neighbouring leaf while it was expanding. Give the next leaf open space and move the tie below the petiole. Leave a firm creased leaf attached; the mark is permanent but harmless.

Hoya callistophylla KAL 16 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.

What does the name Hoya callistophylla mean?

Hoya honours the English gardener Thomas Hoy. Callistophylla combines Greek kallistos, meaning most beautiful, with phyllon, leaf, and refers to the species’ prominent leaf veins.

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

Ted Green first described Hoya callistophylla in 2000 in Fraterna, volume 13, issue 4, page 2.