Hoya rundumensis (Splash form)

Cultivated origin of Hoya rundumensis (Splash form)

Hoya rundumensis is known from Sabah and Sarawak on Borneo. It grows as a twining epiphyte in lower montane forest at about 1,000 metres; Splash form is a cultivated silver-marked selection.

Care for Hoya rundumensis (Splash form)

Use coarse bark and mineral particles with a small moisture-retaining component. Give the long-jointed twining stems a firm support and retain mature flower spurs.

Provide bright filtered light. Acclimate any direct early or late sun gradually so the stiff matte leaves remain unmarked.

Intermediate indoor temperatures with a gentle night drop suit this lower-montane species. Keep it away from sustained heat and stagnant air.

Humidity: Keep humidity around 60–80% or higher, with gentle air movement around the leaves and vines.

Allow a moderate dry-down, then water the open root zone thoroughly. Avoid both a permanently wet centre and a long complete dry-out.

Use a light dose of orchid fertiliser while fresh growth is active, then ease off as growth slows.

Move Hoya rundumensis (Splash form) to a slightly larger pot when its roots have filled the container. If the mix has compacted or drains more slowly while the roots still fit, replace the ageing mix without automatically increasing pot size.

Temperature: Maintain indoor temperatures of about 16–24 °C. Long exposure below 10 °C should be prevented.

For propagation, root a healthy node-bearing piece of the vine; keep it warm until new roots form.

Heat damage, rigid stems and dark roots

Fine foliage dries in stagnant heat

Move the plant away from radiators and increase local humidity only if air can still circulate around the leaves. Corky patches that follow rapid watering into a cool root ball are oedema; give the pot more warmth and a longer dry interval.

Open Hoya rundumensis stems harden between long nodes

Leave hardened stems beneath the stiff succulent leaves in their established position. Extend the support and guide the next soft runner without closing the naturally long spaces between nodes.

Darkening at the roots

Remove the pot and inspect the root ball when yellowing coincides with a persistently wet centre. Improve drainage and trim any soft roots.

Hoya rundumensis (Splash form) 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.

The meaning and history of Hoya rundumensis

Hoya honours the English gardener Thomas Hoy. The epithet rundumensis refers to Rundum in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo.

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

Ted Green first described it as Hoya plicata subsp. rundumensis in 2010 in Asklepios, volume 108, page 19. Michele Rodda and Nadhanielle Simonsson later placed it in Hoya as Hoya rundumensis in 2013 in Webbia, volume 68, page 13.