Hoya darwinii

Hoya darwinii is the name under which this Hoya is known in horticulture, noted for its dimorphic foliage and the spherical structures formed by its modified leaves. In nature, these cavities may shelter ants. The plant has an epiphytic, climbing, and well-branched growth habit, while the pink flowers complement the unusual appearance of the foliage. It is easy to care for and grows steadily. Compact, colorful umbels appear on mature plants.

Foliage and growth habit. The plant produces two types of leaves. The ordinary leaves are light green, elliptical, smooth, and have barely visible veins. The modified leaves are convex and occur in groups along sections of stem with short internodes; together, they form nearly spherical cavities called domatia, where ants may build nests. The vines are climbing and branching.

Flowers and fragrance. The flowers appear grouped in inflorescences. The corolla lobes range from salmon pink to deep pink and reflex at maturity, while the corona is cream or white, with pink tones toward the center. The fragrance is very subtle and has been noticed mainly on the day the flowers open; its intensity may vary between plants and depending on growing conditions.

Botanical identity and origin. Hoya darwinii Loher was published in 1910 from Philippine material. Horticultural sources and NParks retain this name for the plant with spherical domatia from the Philippines, documented in Luzon and Panay.

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.