Hoya latifolia 'Albomarginata'

From river forests of western Malesia

Hoya latifolia is native from Myanmar through western Malesia, including Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, Java and Borneo. It grows on large trees in lowland wet-tropical primary and secondary forest, sometimes with roots reaching the ground and often near rivers. Long stems can reach the canopy branches.

The broad-veined species was widely known in horticulture as Hoya macrophylla, but its correct name is Hoya latifolia. ‘Albomarginata’ is the cream-edged cultivated form, and the pale border has no separate wild range.

Care for broad-leaved epiphytic vines

• Light: Provide generous filtered light or bright semi-shade. The broad cream borders are more sensitive to hot direct sun than the green centre, so acclimate slowly and keep the largest exposed leaves out of intense midday heat.
• Water: Water before the entire root ball dries, once the upper third to half is dry and the container is beginning to feel lighter. Soak the root ball and let it drain completely; do not wait for the broad leaves to become soft.
• Temperature and humidity: Provide warm indoor conditions during active growth, together with moderate-to-high humidity and ventilation. Protect the large leaves from frost, cold draughts, hot dry air and moisture trapped in still conditions.
• Growth and flowers: Install a strong support early: long internodes and heavy leaves soon overwhelm a small trellis. Once the supported vine is mature, stable root moisture helps its unusually long flower stalks continue developing.
• Root care and watering: Set a short nodal section into damp bark and coir, or layer an attached stem against the mix. Water rooting also works if the broad leaves remain above the water.

Solving problems on large-leaved Hoya latifolia

• Soft broad leaves: The large leaves lose firmness after both drought and root damage. Dry mix with healthy roots needs a deep watering; soft, dark roots in a persistently damp pot need to be removed and a fresh, coarse but moisture-balanced substrate.
• Long flower stalks: Long or branched flowering stalks are normal for this species and should not be mistaken for dead stems. Remove them only when they are clearly dry and lifeless. Sudden bud loss usually points to relocation, unstable moisture or root stress.
• Scorch, splitting and corking: Cream margins scorch in hot direct sun, stiff blades can split mechanically and irregular watering can produce oedema, seen as raised corky patches. Adjust light gradually, secure the vine so leaves do not rub and keep moisture more even. Existing scars will not disappear. A draught can produce translucent or blackened cold injury, particularly along the cream margin.

Hoya latifolia ‘Albomarginata’ 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.

What does Hoya latifolia mean, and who first published it?

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.