Hoya latifolia ‘Pot of Gold’

Cultivated form and natural range of Hoya latifolia ‘Pot of Gold’

‘Pot of Gold’ is a cultivated form with a broad yellow centre enclosed by a green margin. Hoya latifolia is a large climbing species native from Myanmar through western Malesia.

Care for Hoya latifolia ‘Pot of Gold’

• Support: Use a sturdy frame or trellis that can carry the large stiff leaves. Fasten only the stem, leaving each soft new leaf free to open.
• Light and colour: Give the pale-centred leaves abundant filtered daylight and shield them from the hottest afternoon sun. The light centre needs bright filtered light without intense window heat.
• Temperature and airflow: Temperatures of about 16–24 °C suit routine growth; extended cold below 10 °C should be avoided. Keep pale tissue away from heater blasts and chilled glass.
• Humidity: 50–60% humidity is suitable when air can circulate around the large leaves.
• Water and roots: Water after the upper layer has dried and the pot feels lighter, using enough to wet the entire large root ball. During leaf expansion, rewater before the entire root ball becomes dry.
• Potting mix: Pot it in an open bark-based mix with gritty material mixed through it. The potting mix should drain promptly yet hold a modest amount of moisture around the roots.
• Feeding: Use a low-dose complete fertiliser while new leaves and stems are developing. Allow more time between applications during a break in variegated growth.
• Leaf care: Keep healthy old flower spurs when guiding or pruning the vine, as later flowers can emerge from the same spur.
• Growth rhythm: When Hoya latifolia ‘Pot of Gold’ slows in cooler or dimmer conditions, leave a little more drying time between waterings and reduce feeding.
• Repotting: Refresh the mix when it becomes compacted or drains more slowly. Move to a slightly larger pot only once the roots have filled the existing container.
• Propagation: With ‘Pot of Gold’, propagate from healthy stem cuttings with at least one node, or by layering a flexible stem. Keep the propagating material warm while roots form.

Common issues with Hoya latifolia ‘Pot of Gold’

• Very large leaves wrinkle while the lower mix remains saturated: The inner mix remains saturated after the upper layer has become dry. Allow the pot to drain fully, open the root zone and wait longer before watering again. Cut a healthy node before soft or black tissue spreads along the vine.
• Pale leaf tissue browns on the window-facing side: The pale central tissue overheated in direct sun or against hot window glass. Move the vine back from the hot window and keep the next leaf in bright filtered light. Keep a firm marked leaf because its green margin still contributes to growth. Leave the blade attached while the mark is dry and unchanged; cut it only if decay develops.
• The side nearest warm airflow develops dry edges: The plant is too close to a radiator, heater or strong ventilation outlet. Increase the distance from the heater and water thoroughly only after the upper layer dries. Do not compensate by leaving the pot permanently wet.
• A large centre-variegated leaf folds against the trellis: The soft blade expanded against a tie or rigid support before it hardened. Retie the stem below the petiole and clear all obstacles from the expanding blade. Do not try to flatten a mature leaf. Keep the creased tissue unless it begins to soften or split. Cut away only sections that are split or showing soft black decay.

Hoya latifolia ‘Pot of Gold’ 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.

Hoya latifolia: where the name comes from

Hoya honours the English gardener Thomas Hoy. Latifolia combines Latin latus, broad, with folium, leaf, and describes the species’ broad leaf blades.

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

George Don first described Hoya latifolia in 1837 in A General History of the Dichlamydeous Plants, volume 4, page 127.