Hoya linearis

A trailing Hoya from Himalayan mountain forests

Hoya linearis was published as a species in 1825. Its native range extends from Nepal through the Himalayan region to north-western Yunnan and Indo-China, placing it mainly within subtropical Asia.

It grows on tree branches in evergreen mountain forest, commonly around 1,500–2,000 m. Fine stems hang in cool, humid, airy surroundings. This high-elevation forest background separates it from the warmer lowland Hoyas of Southeast Asia.

Care for supported epiphytic vines

• Light: Supply bright filtered light while shielding the fine hanging stems from hot direct midday sun. A bright position supports flowering, but an excessively hot sunny window can dry and scorch this montane species quickly.
• Water: Water as soon as the upper third is dry and the hanging pot has only begun to lose weight. Soak thoroughly and drain completely.
• Temperature and humidity: Keep it toward the cooler end of mild indoor conditions during active growth, with humidity and continuous gentle air movement. Protect it from frost, hot radiator air and heat trapped at a sunny window.
• Root care, watering and feeding: Fine orchid bark, perlite and coconut fibre provide the moisture reserve its slender roots need without closing the air spaces. Feed sparingly with a dilute complete fertiliser while stems extend, and flush the pot periodically.
• Propagation: Insert several one- or two-node stem pieces directly into a damp mix of fine bark, perlite and coconut fibre, with the lowest nodes touching the medium. Keep the air around the cuttings humid, provide ventilation and keep the mix evenly moist while roots establish.

Restoring a stressed Hoya linearis

• Natural hairs or fungal growth: The leaves and stems have an even covering of natural hairs integrated with the tissue. Patchy growth that spreads, wipes away or accompanies soft spots is not normal. Isolate affected plants, remove decaying material and keep the foliage drier with better air movement.
• Rapid shrivelling or leaf fall: Fine roots and narrow leaves dry quickly in a hot window or after the hanging pot becomes completely dry. Soak a dry healthy root ball and move it away from heat. If the mix is damp, inspect for root loss instead of adding more water.
• Bud loss or poor flowering: Hot dry air, a severely dry root ball, abrupt relocation or large watering swings can interrupt buds. Keep the hanging stems bright, cool-to-intermediate and evenly supplied with moisture. Retain healthy flowering spurs after a failed cluster.
• Yellow or collapsing stems: Constantly wet substrate, cold roots and still air can damage the fine root system. Remove dead roots and stems, renew the airy mix and improve drainage and ventilation. Keep the replacement mix evenly moist rather than saturated.

Hoya linearis 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 linearis: where the name comes from

Hoya honours the English gardener Thomas Hoy. The Latin epithet linearis means linear and refers to the long, narrow leaves.

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

David Don first described Hoya linearis in 1825 in Prodromus Florae Nepalensis, page 130; Nathaniel Wallich had proposed the name.