Hoya 'Crassipetiolata' Ø6cm

Hoya crassipetiolata is a tropical indoor plant with thick, prominently veined glossy leaves and exceptionally fragrant waxy flowers. A sought-after rarity for any plant lover and a beautiful fit for bright spaces, this Hoya rewards a little attention with stunning vanilla-scented blooms. You can also choose a decorative pot to complement its beauty. Care instructions Hoya crassipetiolata is a vine with moderate growth, adding approximately 15-25 cm of new vine per year under optimal cultivation conditions. Its natural habit is climbing-trailing: in nature, the vines wind around trunks and branches, clinging with adventitious roots. In cultivation, it can be trained on a moss pole, trellis, or metal arch, or left to trail freely from a hanging pot. Each approach offers a different yet equally spectacular decorative effect. Vigour and branching: unlike Hoya linearis or Hoya curtisii which remain compact, Hoya crassipetiolata can develop vines up to 2-3 metres in length at maturity, with frequent lateral branches that lend it a full, lush appearance. Nodes are spaced 3-5 cm apart, and each node can produce adventitious roots if it comes into contact with a moist substrate or sphagnum moss. Compared with other popular species in the genus, Hoya crassipetiolata is wonderfully easy to get along with - it asks for just a touch more attention than the carefree Hoya carnosa or Hoya pubicalyx, while being far more forgiving than thirstier species such as Hoya serpens or Hoya linearis (which require constantly high humidity). The thick, waxy leaves give it a natural water reserve, making it remarkably forgiving of the occasional missed watering compared with species that have thin leaves. Detailed care requirements: Light: Bright indirect light, equivalent to 10,000-20,000 lux. Ideally near an east or west-facing window, receiving 4-6 hours of filtered light daily. Tolerates lower light, though growth will be slower and flowering less likely. Direct summer sun (11 am-3 pm) can scorch the leaves, leaving irreversible brown spots. Temperature: Optimal 20-28°C daytime, 16-20°C nighttime. Tolerates minimums of 12°C for short periods, but below 15°C growth stops. A 4-6°C day-night difference stimulates flowering initiation. Avoid cold draughts from open windows in winter. Watering: Moderate - allow the substrate to dry 70-80% between waterings. Summer: once every 7-10 days; winter: every 14-21 days. Use filtered or rainwater at room temperature. Overwatering rapidly causes root rot - it is always better to underwater than overwater. Humidity: 50-70% ideal. Tolerates 40-50% thanks to its waxy leaves, but below 40% dry leaf edges may appear. A humidifier or pebble tray helps during winter when central heating dries the air. Substrate: Airy and well-draining: 40% pine bark (5-15 mm), 25% perlite, 20% sphagnum, 15% horticultural charcoal. pH 5.5-6.5. Avoid compact universal potting mix that retains too much moisture. Terracotta pots with large drainage holes are ideal. Fertilisation: Balanced liquid fertiliser (NPK 20-20-20) diluted to half strength, once monthly during the growing season (March-September). Stop fertilising in winter when the plant reduces its metabolism. Propagation: Via vine cuttings of 10-15 cm with 2-3 nodes, in a mix of perlite and sphagnum (1:1). Roots appear in 3-5 weeks at 22-25°C and 70-80% humidity. Water propagation is possible, but adaptation to solid substrate takes longer. Optimal period: spring (April-May). Hoya crassipetiolata is a plant of remarkable longevity - carefully tended specimens can live 15-20 years or more, becoming increasingly spectacular as they mature. With each year of growth, the plant produces more floral peduncles and more branched vines, transforming from a modest plantlet into an impressive specimen that becomes the centrepiece of any collection. Specifications Pot diameter: 6 cm Total height (incl. pot): 10 cm Flowering stage: No flowers