Hoya Elliptica Ø12cm

Hoya Elliptica is a rare Hoya species from the Apocynaceae family, native to the tropical forests of Southeast Asia, celebrated for its large, waxy leaves with prominent white veins that create a unique pattern resembling a turtle shell. Its fragrant flowers, clustered in spherical creamy-white umbels with a pink corona, emit a sweet vanilla scent that intensifies in the evening. A collector's plant with strong personality, suitable for both hanging pots and moss pole supports. Care instructions Hoya elliptica is an epiphytic liana with moderate to slow growth. Under optimal indoor cultivation conditions, the plant develops new vines at a rate of approximately 15-25 cm per year, placing it in the medium-growth Hoya category. Its habit is predominantly trailing - the vines elongate naturally and arch under the weight of the large, waxy leaves, making the plant ideal for both hanging pots and trellis or moss pole supports. Adventitious roots appear frequently along the vines, especially under high humidity conditions, and can be guided onto a moss support to create a climbing effect. Compared to other popular species in the genus, Hoya elliptica has a vigour similar to Hoya carnosa but produces significantly larger and heavier leaves, giving it a more imposing appearance even at smaller overall plant sizes. Here are the detailed care requirements for Hoya elliptica: Light: Medium to bright indirect light. An east- or west-facing window is ideal. The plant tolerates lower indirect light, but growth will be slower and flowering less likely. Avoid direct midday summer sun, which can scorch the leaves. In insufficient light conditions, the veins become less visible and the leaves lose colour intensity. Temperature: Optimal range 18-28°C. Minimum tolerated temperature for short periods: 12°C. Day/night temperature differentials of 5-8°C stimulate flowering. Avoid cold draughts and placement near air conditioning units. Watering: Allow the substrate to dry 70-80% between waterings. During the warm season (April-September): water every 7-10 days. In winter: every 14-21 days. Use room-temperature water, preferably filtered or left to settle for 24 hours. Never let the plant sit in stagnant water in the saucer. Humidity: Optimum 50-70%. The plant adapts to lower humidity (40%), but growth is slower. A humidifier or occasional leaf misting helps, especially in winter when indoor air is dry due to central heating. Substrate: Airy, well-draining mix: 40% pine bark (medium fraction 8-15 mm), 25% perlite, 20% sphagnum moss, 10% horticultural charcoal, 5% vermiculite. Optimal pH: 5.5-6.5. A substrate that is too compact or dense will cause root rot. Fertilisation: Balanced liquid fertiliser (NPK 20-20-20) diluted to half the recommended concentration, once every 2-3 weeks during the growing season (April-September). Cease fertilisation in winter. Additionally, a phosphorus-rich fertiliser (NPK 10-30-20) applied 2-3 times in spring can stimulate flowering. Propagation: Via tip cuttings with 2-3 nodes, planted in moist substrate (perlite + sphagnum 1:1) or by air layering. Rooting takes 4-6 weeks at 22-25°C and high humidity (70-80%). Water propagation is possible but less effective for this species. Specifications Pot diameter: 12 cm Total height (incl. pot): 25 cm Flowering stage: No flowers