Hoya 'Optimistic' (Hoya 'Ruthie' x Hoya ciliata) - lemon scent

Hoya 'Optimistic' is a vigorous horticultural hybrid, sold with the parentage Hoya 'Ruthie' x Hoya ciliata. The plant forms robust vines and green foliage, with glossy, slightly pubescent leaves, deeply impressed veins, and subtly reflexed margins. Under good growing conditions, it can flower abundantly, producing large, waxy flowers in shades of red and yellow. The fragrance is often described as citrusy, with a lemon-like note, although its intensity may vary.

Name and parentage. The parentage stated in the title is supported by several commercial horticultural sources, but the hybridizer's original publication has not been identified. An independent horticultural source contradictorily describes it as a sister of the cultivar 'Ruthie', originating from the same Hoya 'MM' x Hoya sussuela cross. For this reason, the catalog formula is cautiously retained as commercial parentage, rather than presented as definitively established botanical genealogy.

Foliage and growth habit. The leaves are green, firm, glossy, and flat, with visible veins and slightly reflexed margins. The stems and foliage may display fine pubescence, a feature associated with the parent Hoya ciliata. The plant grows quickly and has a climbing habit, while its vigorous vines can be trained on a support as they lengthen.

Flowers and fragrance. The waxy flowers are large, approximately 4.5 cm in diameter, with petals in varying shades from red to yellow and a yellow corona. Their shape, color, and intensity may vary depending on the blooming cycle and growing conditions. Several sources describe the fragrance as scented, with a lemon-like note; fragrance perception remains subjective and may differ depending on the time of day and microclimate.

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.