Hoya lockii

Hoya lockii is an accepted species endemic to Vietnam, described in 2012 from material collected in 2011 in Thua Thien-Hue Province. It is an epiphytic subshrub with erect shoots, not a climbing vine. The foliage is elliptic or narrowly obovate, green, slightly succulent, with visible lateral veins. Under good growing conditions, it forms umbels of white, opalescent, star-shaped flowers. The flowers are fragrant. It is not Hoya multiflora. Flowering depends on the plant’s maturity and growing conditions.

Foliage and growth. The shoots are erect, usually under 80 cm in cultivation. The foliage is opposite, elliptic, with an acuminate tip and a prominent midrib on the underside. The leaf blade is dark green above and lighter underneath. Older leaves may occasionally develop purple spots. The potted-plant photograph shows a compact specimen with a straight stem and glossy leaves, without flowers.

Flowers and fragrance. The flowers are approximately 2 cm across, white-opalescent and star-shaped, with a white or pale pink corona and a brownish-purple center. They appear in umbels of 8–25 flowers on long, green pedicels. This type of umbel is shown in the gallery. The protologue describes them as nearly scentless during the day, with a chocolate fragrance in the evening. Perceived fragrance intensity may vary. Flowering depends on the plant’s maturity and growing conditions.

Identity. The accepted name is Hoya lockii V.T.Pham & Aver., published in Taiwania 57 (2012). The epithet honors Prof. Phan Ke Loc; the type collectors are Averyanov, Pham Van The, and N.T. Vinh. The species is native to Vietnam and known from a restricted area in A Luoi District. The authors proposed the category CR for the wild population. It differs from Hoya multiflora by the pubescence of the shoots and calyx, the white-opalescent corolla, and the mucronate tips of the corona lobes.

Height including the pot: approx. 25 cm. The decorative pot is not included in the price. Stock specimens may have sunburned or damaged leaves.

Substrate: use an airy, well-drained 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.