Embrace the tropical vibes let the hoya love blossom this November!
November’s rolling and what that means for us Bruneians is some wild weather. As a gardener myself, I have to be honest, the crazy weather swings lately have completely thrown me off – what with the scorching days followed by torrential nights.
But you know who couldn’t be happier? Hoyas, and they are absolutely thriving in this weather madness. The extreme heat and wetness create the ideal recipe for increased humidity and hoyas are all about that humid life.
So, in the previous instalment, we’ve explored why hoyas make the coolest garden buddies. But in this article, we’re jumping off the deep end into the vibrant world of these candy-coloured wax flowers!
After tending to this mix of plants for almost half a decade and experimenting with around 40 hoya varieties, I’ve learned a thing or two. Not all hoyas are made equal – some are just downright exceptional.
So, gather ’round because I’m here to dish out my current favourite hoyas because whether you’re into their striking venation, otherworldly flowers, or their insane growth potential, hoyas are the epitome of versatility.
HOYA VERTICILLATA FORMERLY KNOWN AS HOYA PARASITICA ‘BLACK MARGIN’
Looking for a chic addition to your space? Meet hoya parasitica ‘black margin’ – a true gem with bold veins and deep black edges. The intensity of its black margin depends on the light it gets, giving it a gothic allure. With proper light, it thrives and develops deep indentations, resembling nature’s six-pack abs. Despite its striking appearance, its low-maintenance, thriving with just the right light – a reliable choice for any plant enthusiast.
HOYA PACHYCLADA ALBOMARGINATA
Although I haven’t owned the regular version, the variegated cousin hints at the delights of hoya pachyclada. Whether you’re a hoya newbie or a seasoned collector, its creamy variegation against vibrant green makes it a winner. Resembling kerrii and obovata, its succulent, oval-shaped leaves delight as they grow. With adequate light, subtle pink edges create a tricolour masterpiece against minty green. Despite being new in my garden, it’s thriving in a small hanging pot, growing larger. Unlike some hoyas, this one’s a real overachiever.
Hoya callistophylla, a true gem from Borneo, holds a special place in my collection. This hoya, along with its fellow Borneo natives like ranauensis, meredithii, clemensiorum, and finlaysonii, boasts mesmerising venation evoking a Jurassic allure. Its dark margins contrast beautifully with the deep green, elongated leaves, exuding an exotic charm.
HOYA CALLISTOPHYLLA
What makes callistophylla unique is its slow growth, ensuring it won’t overpower your space anytime soon. Despite its petite blooms that last only a day and a half, their pale yellow base transitioning to reddish-brown with a hint of brownish-gold at the centre is a sight to behold. When hunting for one, inquire about its locality – you might score a Bruneian variety, a delightful piece of home. How cool is that?
HOYA UNDULATA
Discovered in Kalimantan, Borneo in 2015, hoya undulata is undeniably one of the quirkiest hoyas around. If the previous hoya had a Jurassic vibe, undulata takes it a step further – it’s downright primeval, thanks to its uniquely wavy leaf edges.
These leaves are shape-shifters, showcasing vibrant hues from warm autumn orange to cherry red under intense sunlight, complemented by natural grey and pink spots. But the real magic happens when it blooms – prepare for a spectacle.
Picture enormous, star-shaped blossoms in pristine porcelain white, adorned with red speckles on the outer petals and unique hooked appendages in the inner parts. This big boy is a true showstopper!
HOYA IMPERIALIS RED
Let’s talk about hoya imperialis, and trust me, it’s all about the flowers. We’re talking seriously oversized here – some of the largest you’ll find on any hoya. Its leaves have the standard hoya look – long, lance-like, and dark green. But remember, not all hoyas are created equal. Some shine through their leaves, but imperialis? It’s all about the blooms.
When it finally flowers, the air is filled with a sweet evening scent that’s nothing short of divine. Yes, it takes its time to mature, but believe me, the wait is totally worth it because those flowers aren’t just beautiful, and they’re absolutely heavenly.
HOYA DENSIFLORA
Since we’re talking about blooms, when it comes to prolific flowering, the densiflora steals the show. It lives up to its name, blooming endlessly unlike many other hoyas.
While its leaves aren’t remarkable, its unique growth habit sets it apart – upright and brambly, perfect for trellises. For hoya enthusiasts, maintaining over three blooming clusters is a miracle, but not for densiflora. Once mature, it flaunts a crowd of bright yellow shooting stars with a red centre, emitting a strong, rustic fragrance that fills the garden during its nightly blooming spectacle.
HOYA KROHNIANA ESKIMO
The khrohniana eskimo is a unique hoya that naturally sports silver leaves when exposed to ample light. This small spade-like beauty adds a touch of whimsy to any garden. For hoya collectors, this feels akin to a succulent, resembling a silver-sheened and frosty string of hearts.
But there’s more to this hoya as it thrives when rootbound – a preference shared by some hoyas. Like the verticillata, I have several of these beauties in my garden with one of the oldest being more than a metre and a half long yet still confined to its three-inch pot.
Its shiny silver leaves exude a fae-like quality, complemented by its small clusters of white, furry flowers which are accented with yellow centres. While most hoyas have an earthy fragrance, the eskimo leans toward a mild, sweet scent, making it a delightful addition to any garden.
HOYA CELATA
Known formerly as the hoya pubicalyx white dragon, the celata’s blooms might seem standard in terms of structure with the classic star shape and gem-like centre, but here’s what is special with the cellata’s blooms – they’re pure, pristine white, breaking away from the usual two-toned hoya flowers.
The leaves are as basic as they come – plain green, no fancy patterns, just your typical elongated shape. But this hoya teaches us not to judge a book by its cover, especially in the world of hoyas. You see, with hoyas, it’s a bit of a paradox. Typically, the fancier the leaves, the simpler the blooms. But then there’s the celata, with leaves that might seem plain, but when it decides to bloom, prepare to be wowed by an all-white, stunning display. Mother Nature’s little plot twist! – Wardi Wasil
