Hoya globulosa (villosa)

Growing the hairy foliage with good airflow

Give the extending stems a trellis in bright filtered light, protected from hot sun. Keep air moving gently around the hairy leaves, away from cold draughts. Aim for about 18–24°C and 40–60% relative humidity.

Water an airy, freely draining mix when the pot feels lighter and the deeper mix is only lightly moist. Soak the whole root ball and drain fully. As growth slows, wait until the mix is fairly dry, without letting it become completely dry.

During new growth, apply all-purpose fertiliser at 25–50% of label strength, no more often than the label recommends, using plain water between feeds. Pause when growth stops. When roots fill the pot, move the plant into the next size. Before feeding again, check whether the fresh mix already contains fertiliser and follow its feeding guidance.

For propagation, wear gloves because the sap can irritate skin, and use a clean blade to take a one- or two-node cutting. Remove lower leaves and root a node in lightly moist, loosely packed sphagnum in a pot with drainage holes. Keep the remaining leaves above the moss. Place the cutting somewhere warm with indirect light and humid air. Hold any cover off the leaves and ventilate it. Transfer to a small pot of airy mix after rooting.

Wilting and mite damage on hairy, rippled leaves

• Leaves become limp or start to shrivel: Deep veins and rippling are normal, and healthy leaves should still feel firm. 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 with wet roots: 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 fine speckling (stippling) with webbing: Look among the leaf hairs for live mites and fresh damage. 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 globulosa (villosa) 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 globulosa come from?

Hoya honours the English gardener Thomas Hoy. Globulosa refers to the rounded flower cluster.

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

Richard Dean first described Hoya globulosa in 1880 in The Floral Magazine (London), new series, volume 9, issue 102, plate 406; Joseph Dalton Hooker had proposed the name.