Hoya caudata (Sumatra)

Hoya caudata (Sumatra) is a cultivar of the species Hoya caudata, sold with a Sumatra provenance label. Sumatra is not a taxon, but a lot label; the species itself is native from southern Thailand to western Malesia, including Sumatra. The foliage has silver splash and can become dark burgundy, almost black, in bright light. The flowers are star-shaped, fuzzy, and may be fragrant. Persistent peduncles can bloom again. In the Secret Garden greenhouse, the plant blooms throughout the year when conditions remain stable.

Botanical identity and origin. Hoya caudata Hook.f. is an accepted name, published in 1883. Its native range extends from southern Thailand to western Malesia and includes Thailand, the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, and Borneo. The plant grows as an epiphyte in the humid tropical biome. The label (Sumatra) indicates the provenance or lot.

Foliage and growth. Mature leaves are thick, firm, and often have wavy margins. The upper surface is green, with silver splash or marbling; the underside may become reddish, while in intense light the foliage darkens to almost black. New leaves are softer. Growth is vining, with long shoots. The plant tolerates periods when the substrate dries out, but reacts poorly to overwatering and pots that are too large. It is shipped as cuttings or mature plants with green leaves; the dark coloration develops after exposure.

Flowers and fragrance. The flowers are star-shaped and covered with hairs, usually white, beige, or pale pink, with a red corona. The epithet caudata refers to the long anther appendages in the center of the flower. The umbels are concave. Persistent peduncles can produce repeated blooms; buds drop easily if the plant is moved or exposed to significant temperature fluctuations. Plants may also bloom at a relatively small size, with peduncles on new vines. In the Secret Garden greenhouse, flowering may continue throughout the year. The flowers are fragrant during some blooms. A duration of up to one week is a cultivation observation; in the literature, the flowers may remain open for only one to three days.

Notes: minimum 4 leaves.

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, fertilization, propagation, and flowering, read the complete Hoya care guide.