Hoya corneri

Botanical identity and natural origin of Hoya corneri

Hoya corneri comes from Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo, where it climbs on trees in wet tropical habitat.

Growing Hoya corneri at home

• A range near 16–24 °C is suitable. Position it away from areas that hold below 10 °C.
• Place Hoya corneri in bright indirect light with a trellis for its extending stems. Protect the foliage from hot sun. Keep it warm at 60–80% humidity with gentle airflow around the leaves.
• Water a chunky, freely draining mix when it is nearly dry throughout and the pot feels light. Check moisture deeper in the mix before soaking and draining the root ball. If growth slows or light levels fall, use the same moisture cue and expect the pot to take longer to reach it.
• Use balanced orchid fertiliser about every two weeks while new growth develops, at moderate strength. Repot into the next size when roots fill the pot.
• Propagate from a healthy stem cutting with at least one node. Keep it warm in a lightly moist, airy medium under indirect light until roots form.

Common issues with Hoya corneri

• New crisp or bleached patches on exposed leaves: Hot sun or a sudden increase in light can scorch leaves. If the foliage reddens, check for new dry or bleached damage and whether the plant has recently received stronger light. Move the plant into bright, filtered light. If you later move it to a brighter position, introduce the stronger light gradually. Existing dry patches will not recover; retain healthy foliage.
• Cottony insects at leaf bases or nodes: Confirm mealybugs beneath the wax and isolate the plant. Remove visible insects with a damp swab or tweezers. Inspect sheltered leaf joints, stems, the pot and any support weekly, removing any mealybugs you find until none remain. If mealybugs persist, use a product approved for home use against mealybugs on indoor ornamental plants in your country. Follow the label for how much to use, where to apply it, when to repeat treatment and all safety precautions.
• New pale speckling (stippling) with 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.

Hoya corneri 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.

Who first published Hoya corneri, and what does the name mean?

Hoya honours the English gardener Thomas Hoy. The epithet corneri honours the British botanist E. J. H. Corner.

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

Michele Rodda and Sri Rahayu first described Hoya corneri in 2018 in Phytotaxa, volume 383, page 256.