Hoya dasyantha Ø10.5cm

Hoya dasyantha - A Hoya with large, glossy, deep green leaves featuring prominent dark venation and a slightly velvety underside. Flowers are softly hairy - true to the name 'hairy-flowered' - forming generous umbels of pale pink to white blooms with a sweet, pleasant fragrance. Produces clear rather than milky sap when cut, a rare trait in the genus. Vigorous, beginner-friendly, and flowers reliably once established. Not toxic to pets! Growth and development Hoya dasyantha has a trailing to twining growth habit and grows into a substantial vine over time, potentially reaching 2-3 metres in length under good conditions. It is generally regarded as a fast grower once established - notably vigorous by Hoya standards - and is frequently recommended for beginners thanks to its forgiving nature and reliable flowering. The large leaves and robust stems give the plant an impressive, generous appearance even as a young specimen. It performs well in hanging baskets (where the large, silver-flecked leaves create a dramatic curtain effect), on a trellis or hoop, or trailing from a shelf. The 'Splash' designation refers to the silver-flecked leaf form, which is much loved for pairing the species' easy-care nature with extra visual interest. Care Requirements: Light: Moderate to bright indirect light is ideal. More light encourages blooming and enhances silver expression in the 'Splash' form. The species tolerates lower light better than many Hoyas - its large leaf surface area is adapted for capturing light in shaded forest environments - though flowering will be reduced and silver markings less vivid. Morning sun is tolerated well; protect from harsh afternoon sun which can scorch the large leaf surface. A bright, filtered window position is optimal. Water: Allow the top layer of substrate to dry between waterings, then water thoroughly. Hoya dasyantha is reasonably tolerant of brief dry periods given its thick, fleshy leaves, but appreciates consistent moisture management during active growth. Overwatering remains the most common cause of problems - soggy substrate leads to root rot. Water less in autumn and winter. Always use room-temperature water. Never allow the plant to stand in water. Soil: A well-draining, airy epiphytic mix is essential. A blend of orchid bark, perlite, and coco coir provides excellent drainage while retaining adequate moisture for the larger root system. Standard orchid mix or a cactus mix amended with perlite both work well. Avoid dense, moisture-retaining soils. A pot with drainage holes is non-negotiable. Temperature: 18-28°C is the ideal range. This tropical species prefers to stay warm - protect from temperatures below 10-13°C, cold drafts, air conditioning vents, and winter window chill. Consistent warmth supports steady growth and reliable flowering. Suitable for USDA zones 11-13 outdoors; grown indoors in temperate climates. Humidity: 50-70% relative humidity is ideal. The pubescent (hairy) leaves appreciate some humidity, and the species also adapts well to average household conditions - better than many thinner-leaved tropical plants. Avoid direct misting of the leaves - the fine hairs on the leaf surface can trap moisture and encourage fungal issues if foliage stays wet. Good air circulation is important. Feeding: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (spring through summer). A bloom-boosting, low-nitrogen formula can encourage more frequent and generous flowering on established specimens. Stop fertilising in autumn and winter. Avoid salt build-up from over-fertilisation. Botanical Info: Family: Apocynaceae (subfamily Asclepiadoideae) | Genus: Hoya | Species: Hoya dasyantha Tsiang (1936) | Cultivar: 'Splash' (silver-flecked foliage form) | Common Names: Woolly Wax Plant, Woolly-Flowered Hoya, Hairy-Flowered Hoya | Type: Epiphytic trailing/twining vine | Native Range: Hainan (China); also cultivated material from Vietnam | Zone: USDA 11-13 (indoor cultivation in temperate climates) | Flowering: Soft white to pale pink, slightly pubescent, star-shaped, up to 20+ per umbel, sweetly fragrant, spring-autumn | Growth Rate: Moderate to fast | Special Trait: Produces clear (not milky white) sap when cut - unique within the genus Specifications Pot diameter: 10.5 cm Total height (incl. pot): 10 cm Flowering stage: No flowers