Hoya flavida

Botanical identity and natural origin of Hoya flavida

Hoya flavida is native to the Solomon Islands, where it grows in wet tropical habitat.

How to grow Hoya flavida indoors

Keep temperatures around 16–24 °C and protect the plant from prolonged conditions below 10 °C. Give the stems a trellis in bright indirect light, sheltered from hot direct sun. Aim for 50–60% humidity with gentle airflow.

Water when the chunky mix is nearly dry throughout, the pot feels light and little moisture remains deeper in the mix. Soak the roots and let the pot drain through its drainage holes. Check these conditions before each watering; the mix dries more slowly when growth slows or light decreases.

While new growth is developing, feed about every two weeks with balanced orchid fertiliser at moderate strength.

When roots fill the container, repot one size larger.

Root a healthy stem section with one or two nodes in a lightly moist, airy propagation mix. Keep the cutting warm in bright indirect light until it is ready to pot on.

Problems to watch for with Hoya flavida

• Soft or yellowing foliage with persistently 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.
• Leaves lose firmness in a very 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.
• New bleached or crisp patches facing the light: Leaves can turn red in brighter light while remaining firm. Hot sun or a sudden increase in light can scorch leaves, leaving new dry or bleached patches. 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 flavida 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.

Where does the name Hoya flavida come from?

Hoya honours the English gardener Thomas Hoy. Flavida means “yellowish” or “pale yellow” and refers to the species’ flowers.

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

Paul Irwin Forster and David J. Liddle first described Hoya flavida in 1993 in Austrobaileya, volume 4, page 53.