Hoya peninsularis (Hoya sp. perak 'Teddy Bear')

Hoya peninsularis is the species described in 2020 for the plant previously sold as Hoya sp. perak 'Teddy Bear'. The foliage has dark, prominent venation and can easily be confused with Hoya finlaysonii. The flowers are small, with a densely pubescent corolla, hence the commercial name Teddy Bear. It is not a separate cultivar, but the name under which the species is circulated. Labels such as SRQ 3227 or Teddy Bear red corona also circulate in cultivation. The flowers are short-lived.

Foliage and growth. This is an epiphytic vine with elliptic to ovate leaves, usually 10–15 cm long at maturity, pale green on the upper surface. The lateral veins, 5–7 on each side, are darker than the leaf blade and clearly visible on the upper surface. On the underside, the pattern disappears. The roots are sensitive to overwatering. Young foliage may be small and may have defects.

Flowers and fragrance. The umbels are convex, with 5–20 downward-facing flowers. The corolla is approximately 7 mm in diameter when the lobes are reflexed; the interior is pale brown, with dense pubescence near the corona. The corona is white. In strong light, the pubescence may take on a yellow-brown hue, resembling bear fur, hence the nickname Teddy Bear. Clones with yellow or red coronas also circulate. The flowers in this group remain open for a short time, often one or two days. Fragrance is retained as a commercial characteristic; its intensity may vary.

Botanical identity and origin. The accepted name is Hoya peninsularis Rodda & Zakaria, published on 23 October 2020 in the Nordic Journal of Botany. The protologue states that the species was sold as 'Hoya Teddy Bear'. The type was collected in Perak in 1883. The accepted range is the Malay Peninsula (Perak and Johor, in lowland areas). Hoya sp. perak, SR-2009-003, EPC-966, and SRQ 3227 are horticultural or collection labels, not botanical synonyms. It differs from Hoya finlaysonii by its wider corona lobes and densely pubescent corolla.

Note: specimens with 2–3 leaves, which may also have defects.

Note for international shipments: the species is highly sensitive and may suffer when it spends too much time in a box. After a long journey or significant temperature changes, leaf drop and root damage may occur. By ordering it, you accept this risk.

Growing medium: use an airy, well-draining mix suitable for epiphytic species. We recommend the professional growing medium for Hoya and Anthurium – SG Mix.

For complete recommendations on light, watering, growing medium, fertilization, propagation, and flowering, read the complete Hoya care guide.