Hoya micrantha - fragrant

Hoya micrantha is an epiphytic or lithophytic vine from Indochina, recognized by its thick, scabrous, matte green foliage and small flowers with reflexed corollas. The name means small-flowered and describes the species’ compact umbels, not a cultivated variety. Its accepted range covers Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam. Mentions of India or Malaysia generally refer to closely related taxa, not this species. The flowers may be fragrant, but the intensity varies from one bloom to another.

Botanical identity and origin. Hoya micrantha Hook.f. is an accepted name, published in 1883 based on material from Tenasserim, Myanmar. The 2013 revision clearly distinguishes this plant from Hoya plicata, which remains in the montane forests of the Malay Peninsula. India is not part of the accepted range. Hoya pseudovalifolia is a synonym.

Foliage and growth. The leaves are very thick, ovate-lanceolate, scabrous, and matte green, usually 4–10 cm long and 2–3.5 cm wide. The plant is sparsely pubescent on the stems, petioles, and leaf blades. The venation is nearly invisible. It grows as a low-altitude vine on bark or limestone and needs an airy mix that dries out between waterings.

Flowers and fragrance. The umbels are flat or slightly convex and may bear up to 25 small flowers. The corolla is revolute, about 7–8 mm across, pink, yellow, or reddish brown, and pubescent on the inner surface. The corona may be pink, yellow, or red. The epithet micrantha refers specifically to these small flowers, not to a dwarf form of the plant. The commercial title indicates fragrant flowers; the fragrance and its intensity are not guaranteed.

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.