Hoya finlaysonii (Sarawak)

Origin of Hoya finlaysonii (Sarawak)

Hoya finlaysonii (Sarawak) comes from Sarawak on Borneo.

Hoya finlaysonii occurs naturally from southern Thailand to western Malesia. The individual selection history of the Sarawak form is still uncertain.

How to care for Hoya finlaysonii (Sarawak)

Give the extending stems a trellis in bright indirect light, protected from hot sun.

Aim for about 50–60% humidity with gentle airflow around the foliage. Temperatures of about 16–24 °C suit routine growth; extended cold below 10 °C should be avoided.

Water an airy, chunky mix when the pot feels lighter and the deeper mix remains lightly moist. Soak and drain the full root ball. When growth slows, let the mix become fairly dry between waterings, without leaving it completely dry.

Use balanced orchid fertiliser about every two weeks during new growth, at a modest dose, and pause when growth stops.

Repot one size larger once roots fill the container.

Use a clean blade to take a healthy one- or two-node stem cutting and remove the lower leaves. Place a lower node in loosely packed, lightly moist sphagnum in a container with drainage holes, keeping the remaining leaves above the moss. Keep it warm in indirect light and humid air. Once rooted, transfer it to a small pot of airy mix.

Troubleshooting Hoya finlaysonii (Sarawak)

• Soft or yellowing leaves while the mix stays wet: The leaves are naturally light green. Look for new yellowing or softness. 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 become soft or start to shrivel in a dry pot: 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.
• White cottony insects beneath the leaf bases: 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.

Hoya finlaysonii (Sarawak) 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 finlaysonii, and what does the name mean?

Hoya honours the English gardener Thomas Hoy. Hoya finlaysonii honours Scottish naturalist George Finlayson.

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

Robert Wight first described Hoya finlaysonii in 1834 in Contributions to the Botany of India, page 38.