Hoya parasitica 'Heart Leaf Silver' Ø7cm

Hoya parasitica 'Heart Leaf Silver' - A charming cultivar with romantic heart-shaped leaves generously splashed with silver variegation. Thick, waxy, emerald-green foliage looks like it has been spattered with metallic paint. Produces clusters of creamy-white reflexed star flowers with pink-purple centres and sweet, spicy fragrance. Fast-growing, adaptable, and easy to care for - one of the most beginner-friendly Hoyas. Non-toxic to pets! Growth and development Growth habit is climbing/trailing, with twining vines that will wrap around supports or cascade from hanging containers. This species is described by multiple sources as a 'fast grower' compared to many other Hoyas, making it more rewarding for impatient growers. Sunnyjenni describes it as 'easy plant to grow and another fast growing hoya.' The species is noted for its adaptability - in the wild, it thrives in environments ranging from dense rainforests to coastal mangroves and even exposed sites, suggesting excellent tolerance for varying light and humidity levels. Tropics @Home describes the species as one 'with highly variable leaves, but most clones are compact growing with thick leaves. It does best in a bright location and flowers well as an adult plant.' Cuttings root easily, though the plant may take time to establish before showing vigorous growth or flowering. Once mature and comfortable, it is a reliable bloomer. Care Requirements: Light: Bright, indirect light is ideal and essential for maintaining the silver splash pattern. JOMO Studio notes the plant 'should not be in a position to see the sun directly, although early morning or late evening sun is fine.' In lower light, the silver variegation may become less pronounced and flowering will be reduced. Some filtered direct sunlight enhances leaf colour and encourages blooming. Avoid harsh midday sun, which can scorch leaves. The species is adaptable and will tolerate medium light, but thrives in bright conditions. Water: Allow the soil to dry almost completely between waterings. This species is drought-tolerant thanks to its succulent, water-storing leaves. Mybageecha emphasises: 'Water the Hoya only when the soil is completely dry. If it is moist you can let it be for a couple of days before checking on it again. It is better to under water than over water your Hoya plant!' Overwatering is the most common cause of problems - avoid consistently wet soil, which leads to root rot. Reduce watering significantly in winter when growth slows. Soil: Fast-draining, aerated substrate is essential. Use a chunky mix of orchid bark, perlite, and coco coir, or a quality orchid medium. The roots need airflow - as an epiphyte, this plant naturally grows with exposed roots in well-aerated conditions. Avoid dense, water-retentive soils. Some growers use LECA or semi-hydroponics successfully. Temperature: 18-29°C is the ideal range, with optimal growth between 20-27°C. Minimum tolerance is approximately 10-14°C - Greenboog specifies 'not lower than 14 degree C (57F)' while Tropics @Home lists 'does not tolerate temperatures below 10°C (50°F).' Protect from cold drafts and sudden temperature changes. This is a tropical species that does not tolerate cold. Humidity: 40-70% humidity is acceptable, with higher humidity (60-70%) promoting faster growth and lush foliage. Gabriella Plants notes that 'for the best growth it is recommended to provide higher levels of humidity.' However, the species is adaptable and tolerates average household humidity reasonably well. Good air circulation is important to prevent fungal issues in high-humidity environments. Feeding: Apply a balanced or low-nitrogen fertilizer at half-strength monthly during the growing season (spring-summer). Gabriella Plants recommends 'a low nitrogen fertilizer containing sufficient amounts of phosphorous and potassium' to encourage flowering. Sunnyjenni warns: 'Make sure to feed half strength fertiliser because full strength is too strong and might burn plant.' Stop fertilizing in winter. Botanical Info: Family: Apocynaceae (subfamily Asclepiadoideae) | Genus: Hoya | Species: Hoya verticillata var. verticillata (Vahl) G.Don - syn. Hoya parasitica (Wall. ex Hornem.) Wight, Hoya acuta Haw. | Cultivar: 'Heart Leaf Silver' (also sold as 'Heart Leaf Splash') | Common Names: Wax Plant, Porcelain Flower, Wax Vine | Type: Epiphytic Climbing Vine | Native Range: Indian Subcontinent to Southern China, Southeast Asia, Indonesia, Philippines (extremely wide distribution) | Zone: USDA 11-13 (indoor cultivation in temperate climates) | Flowering: Cream-white reflexed stars with pink-purple centres, up to 40 per umbel, spicy-sweet fragrance, 5-7 days per umbel, spring-autumn | Growth Rate: Moderate to Fast Specifications Pot diameter: 7 cm Total height (incl. pot): 10 cm Flowering stage: No flowers