Hoya verticillata 'Lavia' Ø6cm

Hoya verticillata 'Lavia' - A rare and unusual cultivar of one of Asia's most widespread Hoya species! Thick, waxy, elliptical leaves with conspicuous veins. Produces large clusters of porcelain-white star-shaped flowers with pink-red centres and a sweet, lightly spicy fragrance - up to 40 blooms per umbel! Easy care, vining climber or trailer. Perfect for hanging baskets or conservatories. Non-toxic to pets! Growth and development Growth habit is that of a vining climber or trailer, typical of epiphytic Hoyas. GrowTropicals describes the 'Lavia' cultivar specifically as having 'vining climber or trailer' growth habit. The plant can be grown in hanging baskets, allowed to trail from shelves, or trained to climb supports like trellises or moss poles. Tropics@Home notes that 'cuttings root easily, but may take some time to grow. It may also take some time before first flowering.' The species is generally considered easy to care for. GrowTropicals recommends it as 'a perfect conservatory plant' with 'easy care.' This adaptability - thriving in various environments from coastal forests to rainforest understory in its native range - makes it a resilient houseplant. Care Requirements: Light: Bright, indirect light to dappled shade. GrowTropicals specifies: 'Bright indirect sunlight to dappled shade.' The species needs adequate light to bloom - HoyaPlantCare notes: 'Hoya verticillata thrives in bright, indirect light... it won't bloom or grow properly in low-light conditions.' Morning sun is tolerated and can encourage flowering; avoid harsh afternoon sun which may scorch leaves. Water: Allow to dry between waterings. GrowTropicals advises: 'Water when top 3cm of soil are dry.' Tropics@Home recommends: 'plenty, but(!) let it dry out between waterings.' Overwatering is the primary cause of problems - the thick, succulent leaves store water and the plant is sensitive to constantly wet soil. Reduce watering in winter. Soil: Well-draining, aerated substrate is essential. Tropics@Home emphasises: 'Hoya hates clogged soil!' Use a chunky mix of orchid bark, perlite, and quality potting soil. Good drainage is critical to prevent root rot. Temperature: Typical indoor temperatures (18-28°C) are ideal. Tropics@Home notes the species 'does not tolerate temperatures below 10°C (50°F).' Protect from cold drafts and sudden temperature drops. The species is native to warm tropical climates and appreciates consistent warmth. Humidity: Will thrive in higher than ambient humidity. GrowTropicals notes it 'will thrive in higher than ambient humidity.' Steve's Leaves recommends 'humidity 60% or more.' While adaptable to average household humidity, higher humidity encourages faster growth and better flowering. Feeding: Apply balanced liquid fertilizer at half-strength every 2-4 weeks during the growing season (spring-summer). A phosphorus-rich fertilizer can encourage flowering. Reduce feeding in winter. Botanical Info: Family: Apocynaceae (subfamily Asclepiadoideae) | Genus: Hoya | Species: Hoya verticillata (Vahl) G.Don (1837) | Cultivar: 'Lavia' | Synonyms: Hoya acuta Haw., Hoya parasitica (Wall. ex Hornem.) Wight, plus 30+ additional synonyms per Kew | Common Names: Wax Plant, Wax Flower, Porcelain Flower | Type: Epiphytic Climbing/Trailing Vine | Native Range: Indian Subcontinent to S. China and W. & Central Malesia (India, Bangladesh, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Philippines, Indonesia, Taiwan) | Zone: USDA 10-12 (indoor cultivation in temperate climates) | Flowering: White to cream, often with pink/red centres, up to 40 flowers per umbel, strongly fragrant (sweet, lightly spicy), blooms spring-summer | Growth Rate: Moderate Specifications Pot diameter: 6 cm Total height (incl. pot): 10 cm Flowering stage: No flowers