Hoya bilobata - fragrant

Hoya bilobata is an accepted species native to the Philippines, with small, oval, olive-green foliage. The margins may redden in brighter light. Its growth habit is pendent or slightly climbing. The leaves are often confused with material sold as DS-70 or aff. burtoniae; these labels are not synonyms. Batch photographs show small burgundy-red umbels with a yellow-orange corona. The flowers are fragrant. Flowering depends on the plant’s maturity and growing conditions.

Foliage and growth. The leaves are small, oval or elliptic, thick, and matte olive green. In brighter light, the margins and shoots may develop a reddish tint. The undersides are usually paler. The vines are thin and either hang down or twist slightly. Material sold as DS-70 or aff. burtoniae has similar leaves, often more pubescent; published Hoya bilobata has a smooth, more rounded leaf blade.

Flowers and fragrance. In this batch, the umbels are compact, with small flowers, burgundy-red corollas, and yellow-orange coronas. Literature describing Hoya bilobata reports pale pink flowers, smaller than those of material circulated as DS-70. The title retains the plant as fragrant; the fragrance and its intensity are not guaranteed. Flowering depends on the plant’s maturity and growing conditions.

Identity. The accepted name is Hoya bilobata Schltr., published in 1906. The species is a climbing epiphyte or lithophyte native to the Philippines. DS-70 is a collection label, not a synonym. aff. burtoniae and tsangii are distinct plants, although they circulate under the same label. The commercial title remains Hoya bilobata.

Substrate: use an airy, well-draining mix suitable for epiphytic species. We recommend the professional substrate for Hoya and Anthurium - SG Mix.

For complete recommendations on light, watering, substrate, fertilizing, propagation, and flowering, read the complete Hoya care guide.