Hoya crassipetiolata ‘Splash Round Leaf’

Origin and background of Hoya crassipetiolata ‘Splash Round Leaf’

This cultivated selection combines rounded leaves with extensive silver marking. The species is an epiphytic or lithophytic climber from the wet tropical forests of Vietnam.

Care for supported epiphytic vines

• Broader splashed leaves: This form carries thick, rounded leaves. Support the runner before the heavier blades pull it sideways.
• Light: Position the growing tip on the well-lit side of the support. Keep the soft rounded leaves in bright filtered light and protect silvered tissue from strong midday sun.
• Watering and roots: Water thoroughly after the upper mix has dried. If the pot stays heavy, use a more airy mix or a snugger container.
• Temperature and airflow: Keep temperatures consistent and comfortably warm. Use gentle circulation that prevents stagnant damp pockets without drying the leaves harshly.
• Feeding: Use dilute fertiliser only after the root zone has been moistened. Use plain water between fertiliser applications to limit salt buildup.

Common issues with Hoya crassipetiolata ‘Splash Round Leaf’

• New growth pauses while the centre of the mix stays wet: Excess substrate around the roots holds moisture for too long. Lift the root ball, trim all soft brown roots and repot it in a pot only slightly larger than the healthy roots with porous fresh substrate. After repotting, soak once and empty all runoff. Before the next watering, check that the top layer is dry and the pot has become noticeably lighter. Before decay reaches another node, cut and root a firm section from the healthy part of the runner.
• Dark scuffs appear across a pale surface: The expanding leaf has rubbed against a wall, clip or neighbouring pot. Leave a dry, unchanged scuff and remove the source of friction. Create open space around the growing point before the next blade opens. A dry scuff needs no cutting. Prune the blade if the scuffed area begins to decay or advances into the vine.
• New leaves emerge distorted and the nodes feel sticky: The growing point and leaf undersides are harbouring sap feeders. Isolate the plant, wash both leaf surfaces and wipe away visible insects. Patch-test one leaf, then treat the nodes, leaf undersides and growing point with the chosen soap or oil. Any repeat must follow its label.
• The edge of a broad round leaf browns near a heater: Warm dry airflow is pulling moisture from the expanding blade faster than the roots can replace it. Move the plant away from the heat source and water fully after the upper mix dries. Leave firm damaged tissue attached and protect the next leaf from the draught.

Hoya crassipetiolata ‘Splash Round Leaf’ 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 crassipetiolata: where the name comes from

Hoya honours the English gardener Thomas Hoy. Crassipetiolata combines Latin crassus, meaning thick, with petiolatus, meaning petioled, referring to the robust leaf stalk.

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

Leonid Vladimirovich Averyanov, Van The Pham, and Tuan Anh Le first described Hoya crassipetiolata in 2017 in Turczaninowia, volume 20, issue 3, page 112.