Hoya polyneura

Natural range and habitat of Hoya polyneura

Hoya polyneura occurs naturally from the central Himalaya to north-western Yunnan. It grows as an epiphytic subshrub in subtropical evergreen forest at about 1,400 m.

Care for Hoya polyneura

• Temperature: For steady growth, hold temperatures near 16–24 °C. Prevent sustained drops below 10 °C.
• Provide bright, gentle filtered light and protect the leaves from hot direct sun. Let the thin stems arch from a basket or guide them loosely around a hoop. Cool to moderately warm indoor conditions with humid air and regular airflow suit this species.
• Allow a moderate dry-down before watering again. Use an airy mix that retains some moisture and drains freely.
• Feed very lightly while new roots, stems and leaves are developing, and retain established flower spurs.
• Inspect the roots when they fill the container or the mix loses its open structure. When the mix deteriorates, refresh it in the current pot if the roots are comfortable; increase pot size only for root crowding.
• Root a healthy stem cutting with at least one node in lightly moist, airy propagation mix in cool to moderately warm conditions with humid air and gentle airflow.

Heat, wilt and pest damage in Hoya polyneura

Crisp edges or leaf drop during hot conditions can follow excessive heat or a dry root zone. Move the vine to a cooler stable position and water thoroughly when the pot is light and the roots remain firm.

Soft yellowing above wet substrate, especially after a cool period, indicates root decline. Remove damaged roots and replace dense mix with a fresh airy substrate.

Fine pale stippling and webbing indicate mites. Distorted new leaves with silvery scars and black specks indicate thrips. Keep the vine separate and treat the pest shown by the visible signs.

Hoya polyneura 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 polyneura: where the name comes from

Hoya honours the English gardener Thomas Hoy. The epithet polyneura combines Greek polys, meaning many, with neuron, meaning nerve, referring to the conspicuous leaf veins.

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

Joseph Dalton Hooker first described Hoya polyneura in 1883 in The Flora of British India, volume 4, page 54.