Hoya obovata

Natural range of Hoya obovata

The natural range of Hoya obovata extends from Thailand and Vietnam through Sulawesi and the Maluku Islands.

Care for Hoya obovata

Give this Hoya a firm trellis and bright indirect light. Arrange the youngest stems before the large leaves harden and add weight.

A range near 16–24 °C is suitable. Move it away from cold spots before temperatures remain below 10 °C.

Slower growth in cool or dim conditions means Hoya obovata needs a slightly longer dry-down and less feeding.

Use coarse bark and mineral particles in a close-fitting pot. Maintain ambient moisture at roughly 50–60% for regular watering. Choose a bright filtered spot without prolonged hot direct sun.

Let much of the root ball dry, then water every part of the pot. The thick leaves store water and remain firm through a clear drying interval.

Feed modestly during vine extension. Inspect the root ball when roots occupy the container; move to a slightly larger pot only when they need more room. Keep established flower spurs on the older vine.

A sound node-bearing piece of the vine can be rooted for propagation; keep it warm until new roots form. Layering a flexible stem is another option.

Root, stem and leaf problems in Hoya obovata

Heavy round leaves tip the trellis

Mature disc-shaped foliage adds considerable pull to older stems. Anchor the frame at the pot and redistribute the vine before another broad leaf expands.

Firm corky scars form on thick leaves

A cold, wet root ball followed by rapid water uptake can leave permanent oedema marks on succulent blades. Allow a clearer dry interval and keep the pot warm before the next thorough watering. Fixed brown bumps along the midrib, leaf bases or stem joints indicate scale and need isolation and a labelled treatment.

Large leaves wrinkle above damp substrate

The thick blades may lose firmness when damaged roots cannot supply water. Do not soak the pot again; inspect the root system and restart firm roots in fresh open mix if necessary.

Hoya obovata 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.

Who first published Hoya obovata, and what does the name mean?

Hoya honours the English gardener Thomas Hoy. Obovata refers to an obovate leaf, one that is broader above the middle than near the base.

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

Joseph Decaisne first described Hoya obovata in 1844 in Prodromus Systematis Naturalis Regni Vegetabilis, volume 8, page 635.