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Hoya curtisii

Phonetic Spelling
HOY-ah kur-TISS-ee-eye
Description

Hoya curtisii is an epiphytic and lithophytic climber from the wet tropics of Thailand, Peninsula Malaysia, Borneo, and the Philippines. The species epithet honors Charles Curtis (1852–1928), plant explorer and Superintendent of Gardens and Forests, Penang, Malaysia. It is a member of the dogbane family (Apocynaceae).

The Porcelain Flower is a slow-growing, small, clinging vine with a climbing or cascading habit that grows up to 2 or 3 inches tall and 1 to 3 feet long. It has decorative leaves and very delicate, sweet-smelling flowers. The leaves are small, spade-shaped, waxy, and dark green with greenish-silvery variegations. The flowers are star-shaped clusters of 6 to 10 blooms of pink or red with a white center. Peduncles (the stalks that hold the flowers) are green and up to 2 inches long.

The plant prefers bright, indirect light for a least 6 hours per day, but direct sunlight should be avoided since it will scorch the leaves. This plant is drought tolerant and is very sensitive to overwatering. It prefers to dry out between thorough waterings. The potting mix should be a well-drained mixture of rich organic matter with a slightly acidic pH. Consider adding perlite or vermiculite to a commercial houseplant mix to aerate the mix and prevent drainage problems. The recommended temperature ranges between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit to facilitate growth. Humidity levels between 50 and 60% are recommended. A humidifier may be needed to maintain adequate room moisture levels. Repotting is recommended every 2 or 3 years. To encourage blooming these plants prefer to be somewhat rootbound. Prune to remove dead or leggy vines and to encourage new growth. Take care not to prune off the peduncles, as the plant reblooms from the same peduncles for several years.

This plant is easy to grow and is low maintenance. It is a perfect vining plant for beginner gardeners. It can be grown cascading from a hanging basket or climbing on a moss pole in a container.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Insects affecting this plant include aphids, spider mites, scale and mealybugs. If the container does not keep the plant root-bound, it may hold excess water, which can lead to root rot. Overwatering and poor drainage will also result in root rot.

More information on Hoya.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#fragrant flowers#houseplant#drought tolerant#interesting flowers#easy to grow#slow growing#epiphytic#low maintenance#interesting leaves#hanging baskets#climbing vines#cascading#trailing#herbaceous perennial#partial shade tolerant#container plant
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#fragrant flowers#houseplant#drought tolerant#interesting flowers#easy to grow#slow growing#epiphytic#low maintenance#interesting leaves#hanging baskets#climbing vines#cascading#trailing#herbaceous perennial#partial shade tolerant#container plant
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Hoya
    Species:
    curtisii
    Family:
    Apocynaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Stem Cutting
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Thailand to Peninsula Malaysia, Borneo, and the Philippines
    Play Value:
    Easy to Grow
    Climbing Method:
    Clinging
    Dimensions:
    Height: 0 ft. 2 in. - 0 ft. 3 in.
    Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Epiphyte
    Herbaceous Perennial
    Houseplant
    Habit/Form:
    Cascading
    Climbing
    Growth Rate:
    Slow
    Maintenance:
    Low
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    High Organic Matter
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Occasionally Dry
    Available Space To Plant:
    Less than 12 inches
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    11a, 11b, 12a, 12b
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Pink
    Red/Burgundy
    White
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Fragrant
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Summer
    Flower Shape:
    Star
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
    Flower Description:
    The flowers are fragrant and grow in clusters of 6 to 10 in a star-shaped pattern of pink or red petals with a white center or corona. It typically blooms in the summer months but that may vary depending on the growing conditions. The blooms can last for several weeks. Peduncles are green and up to 2 inches long.
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Color:
    Gray/Silver
    Green
    Variegated
    Leaf Feel:
    Rough
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Opposite
    Leaf Shape:
    Ovate
    Leaf Margin:
    Entire
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Width:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Description:
    The leaves are small and measure between 1 to 2 inches long and are spade-shaped, waxy, dark green with greenish-silver variegations.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Surface:
    Hairy (pubescent)
    Stem Description:
    Thin, hirsute stems
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Hanging Baskets
    Houseplants
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Drought