Hoya globulosa ‘Long Leaf’

Origin of Hoya globulosa ‘Long Leaf’

Hoya globulosa ‘Long Leaf’ is a cultivated form of Hoya globulosa. The species ranges from the Himalaya through southern China to Indochina; the selection history of this form is still uncertain.

Tips for growing Hoya globulosa ‘Long Leaf’ at home

Support the stems on a trellis and allow space around the long leaves for gentle airflow. Keep ‘Long Leaf’ in bright filtered light, shielded from hot sun and cold draughts. Aim for 60–80% relative humidity indoors. Hold conditions near 16–24 °C and keep extended exposure below 10 °C to a minimum for everyday care.

Use an airy mix for Hoya globulosa ‘Long Leaf’ in a pot with drainage holes. Water when the pot is lighter and the deeper mix is lightly moist, then soak and drain the roots. With slower growth, allow the mix to become fairly dry before watering again, without drying the entire root ball.

Use all-purpose fertiliser at 25–50% strength during new growth. Stop applying fertiliser when new growth comes to a halt. Repot one size larger when roots crowd the container.

For propagation, root a healthy one- or two-node cutting in a lightly moist, airy medium and keep it warm until roots form.

Help with common problems affecting Hoya globulosa ‘Long Leaf’

• New pale speckling (stippling) with fine webbing: Use magnification to check among the hairs and on the undersides of damaged leaves; 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.
• Leaves become limp or yellow while the mix stays wet: 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.
• Long leaves lose firmness 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.

Hoya globulosa ‘Long 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.

The meaning and history of Hoya globulosa

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.