Hoya coriacea ‘Silver’

Origin of Hoya coriacea ‘Silver’

Hoya coriacea ‘Silver’ is a cultivated form of Hoya coriacea, although its exact horticultural origin is still unclear.

Hoya coriacea occurs naturally from Thailand to Malesia.

Care basics for Hoya coriacea ‘Silver’

Support the climbing stems on a trellis in bright indirect light. Shelter the broad leaves from hot sun. Aim for 60–80% humidity with airflow around the foliage, and keep temperatures above roughly 13 °C. A steady 16–24 °C works well; relocate the plant if temperatures remain under 10 °C.

In chunky mix, wait until the pot is light and the mix is nearly dry throughout before watering. Check moisture deeper in the mix, then wet the whole root ball and drain fully. In lower light or with slower growth, the mix takes longer to become nearly dry. Keep checking its moisture before watering.

During active new growth, apply balanced orchid fertiliser at moderate strength roughly every two weeks. Move up one pot size when roots fill the container.

Root a healthy stem cutting with at least one node in lightly moist propagation mix. Remove the lower leaves and keep the remaining leaves above the mix. Keep tools clean before cutting plant tissue. Give warmth, indirect light and humid air, keeping any cover loose, ventilated and off the leaves. Transfer the rooted cutting into a small pot of airy mix.

When Hoya coriacea ‘Silver’ is not growing well

• Soft, yellowing leaves 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.
• Leaves lose firmness with dry mix: Check whether the mix around the roots is dry. If the root ball is dry, water thoroughly and drain. If the leaves still wilt after watering, inspect the roots. Avoid repeated watering while the roots are still wet.
• New speckling (stippling), dull patches or webbing: Silver markings are normal on these leaves. Look for new damage or webbing around them. 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.

Hoya coriacea ‘Silver’ 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 coriacea get its name?

Hoya honours the English gardener Thomas Hoy. Coriacea means leathery, a reference to the firm blades.

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

Carl Ludwig Blume first described Hoya coriacea in 1827 in Bijdragen tot de Flora van Nederlandsch Indië, page 1061.