Hoya skinneriana (Hoya 'Dee's Big One')

Hoya skinneriana is a perennial epiphytic plant in the Apocynaceae family, also known as Hoya 'Dee's Big One' , prized for its large, fragrant flowers and robust leaves. Native to Southeast Asia, this variety is a popular choice for hoya collectors, being ideal for hanging pots, baskets or mounted on supports, due to its long, climbing stems and exotic appearance.

Appearance of leaves and flowers

• Leaves : The leaves are large, elliptical, up to 10-15 cm long and 5-7 cm wide, thick, with a leathery texture and a vibrant green color that can turn reddish in summer, depending on sun exposure. They are arranged in pairs along the long, climbing stems, providing an attractive background for the flowers.
• Flowers : The flowers are large, about 2 cm in diameter, grouped in spherical umbels, the size of a softball, containing 20-25 flowers. They are pale pink in color with white accents on the petals and a red center, with a waxy texture and a sweet, pleasant fragrance. They bloom from spring to autumn, especially in adequate light conditions.

Growth characteristics

• Height and width : Can reach up to 3-6 m tall as a climber, with thin, twining stems, and a width of 30-60 cm, depending on the support. In pots, it remains more compact, with a length of 1-2 m.
• Vigor : Moderate to fast growth in optimal conditions, with long stems, ideal for hanging baskets or trellis.
• Type : Perennial, evergreen epiphytic plant that grows on other plants or supports, absorbing moisture and nutrients from the air and environment.

Growing conditions

• Exposure : Prefers bright indirect light, ideally near an east or south facing window with filtered light. Tolerates low light, but flowering is reduced. Avoid intense direct sun, which can burn the leaves.
• Soil : Grow in well-drained substrate such as pine bark, sphagnum moss, perlite, or an orchid mix. Prefers small pots as the tied roots encourage flowering.
• Watering : Water when the surface of the substrate is dry, usually every 10-14 days in spring and summer. In winter, reduce watering to once every 3 weeks. Use rainwater or distilled water and avoid excess moisture.
• Temperature : Prefers temperatures of 21-29°C during the day and 15-18°C at night. In Romania, it is grown as an indoor plant.
• Humidity : Requires moderate humidity. Occasional misting or a humidifier helps, but avoid standing water on the leaves.

Care and resistance

• Hardiness : Tolerant of indoor conditions and moderate neglect, but sensitive to overwatering. May be affected by aphids, mites, or fungus; treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Tolerates temporary low humidity well.
• Fertilization : Apply a balanced orchid fertilizer (e.g. 5-10-5, diluted by half) every 2-3 weeks in spring and summer. Avoid fertilizing in winter.
• Pruning : Remove damaged leaves or stems with sterile tools. Do not cut flower stalks as they rebloom.
• Propagation : Propagate by stem cuttings with nodes, rooted in water, perlite or sphagnum moss, in spring or summer.

Hoya skinneriana (Hoya 'Dee's Big One') is ideal for tropical plant collections, hanging pots, baskets or mounted on decorative supports. Its large, pink, fragrant flowers and robust leaves add an exotic charm to indoor or greenhouse settings. It combines well with other hoyas, orchids or epiphytic ferns.

Fragrant flowers: YES

The ceramic pot is not included in the price.