Hoya macgillivrayi is a fast-growing succulent climber with thick, oval, pointed leaves which are light green and set opposite each other on the twining stems.
The flowers are up to 2.4 inches (6 cm) wide on long stalks and are borne in umbels of 6 to 10 flowers that are each connected at a central axis. Each flower is a dark burgundy color with five sepals and five petals. The stamen are enclosed in the corona.
The fruit produced are two pairs of follicles that are 10 inches (25 cm) long from which a flat seed is produced that is distributed by the wind.
Scientific Name
Hoya macgillivrayi F. M. Bailey
Synonyms
Hypericum assurgens, Hypericum deidesheimense, Hypericum lineolatum, Hypericum marylandicum
Scientific Classification
Family: ApocynaceaeSubfamily: AsclepiadoideaeTribe: Marsdenieae
Genus: Hoya
Genus: Hoya
How to Grow and Care
Hoya plants don’t ask for much, beyond the well-draining soil and the warm humid conditions that many tropical flowers crave.
They don’t like wet feet or heavy soil, and as many grow as epiphytes in nature (similar to bromeliads and orchids).
Give them at least a half day of sunshine, and bring them indoors when temperatures drop below 50 degrees F (10 degrees C).
When your Hoyas finishes blooming, leave the flower stalk, as it may produce new flowers. Removing the stalk forces the plant to produce a new stalk, which delays blooming and wastes the plant’s energy.
They are light feeders, and a monthly drink of compost tea or dilute fish emulsion provides all the nutrition these tropicals need. Hoyas like the security of a snug pot, and plants that are a bit root bound will flower more prolifically than those that are swimming around in a giant pot
