Hoya sp. (Inner-variegated form; formerly sold as Hoya tsangii)

Origin and identity of Hoya sp. (Inner-variegated form; formerly sold as Hoya tsangii)

The compact cream-centred form was long sold as Hoya tsangii. Its species identity is still unknown.

Care for Hoya sp. (Inner-variegated form; formerly sold as Hoya tsangii)

Give bright filtered light and protect the foliage from intense sun. Keep the cream centres clear of concentrated window heat.

Trace any vigorous all-green shoot to its origin and remove it if it begins to dominate. Healthy cream-centred branches can trail freely over the pot.

Wait for the upper mix to dry and the container to become lighter, then rewet the full root ball. Check beneath the dense trailing growth before adding more water.

Temperature: Use 16–24 °C as the normal growing range, keeping it clear of prolonged chilling below 10 °C.

Use a dilute complete fertiliser while patterned stems are actively producing roots and leaves.

Choose fine bark and porous mineral pieces with enough fibrous material to prevent isolated dry pockets. Repot after the compact roots fill their container, using a pot only modestly larger. Refresh compacted mix separately when the roots still fit the existing pot.

Set a healthy node-bearing stem cutting into lightly moist, open propagation mix and keep it warm while roots develop.

Keep the cream-centred foliage in consistent indoor warmth with gentle airflow through the compact branching growth. Maintain roughly 50–60% humidity around the leaves.

Troubleshooting Hoya sp. (Inner-variegated form; formerly sold as Hoya tsangii)

An all-green branch overtakes the pattern

Trace it to the point where it arose and remove the complete shoot there, while leaving balanced cream-centred growth intact.

Cream centres turn dry and brown

Check for concentrated sun and a severe dry interval. Move the plant away from hot glass and keep the next moisture cycle even.

Yellow leaves gather inside the plant

The dense centre may be holding moisture. Test below the surface and inspect the roots if softening spreads beyond one shaded old leaf.

Hoya sp. inner-variegated 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.

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

Hoya honours the English gardener Thomas Hoy.

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