Hoya fischeriana

Botanical identity and natural origin of Hoya fischeriana

Hoya fischeriana is native to the Philippines, where it grows in wet tropical habitat.

Growing Hoya fischeriana at home

Maintain a warm 16–24 °C range, moving the plant away from cold spots before temperatures remain below 10 °C. Support the climbing stems with a trellis in bright indirect light. Keep the soft leaves out of hot direct sun. Aim for 50–60% humidity with gentle airflow.

Use a chunky mix in a pot with drainage holes. Water when the pot is lighter and the deeper mix remains lightly moist, soaking the full root ball and draining it. When growth slows, allow the mix to become fairly dry between waterings without drying it completely.

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

Repot one size larger when roots fill the pot.

For a new plant, root a healthy one- or two-node cutting in an airy propagation medium and keep it warm in bright indirect light until established.

Common issues with Hoya fischeriana

• Leaves begin to droop as the root ball dries: Look for a new loss of firmness in the naturally soft leaves. 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.
• Persistent wilting or yellowing in wet mix: 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.
• New dry, bleached patches facing the light: Hot sun or a sudden increase in light can scorch leaves. 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.

Hoya fischeriana 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.

Why is it called Hoya fischeriana?

Hoya honours the English gardener Thomas Hoy. Fischeriana is a commemorative epithet derived from the surname Fischer.

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

Otto Warburg first described Hoya fischeriana in 1904 in Fragmenta Florae Philippinae, page 129.