Hoya globulifera

Hoya globulifera is a climbing species from New Guinea, associated with humid lowland tropical forests and coastal habitats. It is notable for its fleshy, smooth and faintly veined leaves, borne on vines with internodes that can elongate. The nearly spherical inflorescences consist of brown-purple flowers with a densely velvety inner surface. The flowers are fragrant, and the contrast between the dark corolla and red corona completes the species’ distinctive appearance.

Foliage and growth habit. The plant has an epiphytic climbing vine habit. The leaves are shortly petiolate to almost sessile, ovate-elliptic, with a rounded base and a pointed or slightly elongated tip. The leaf blade is fleshy, flat, smooth and has faintly visible veins. Historical descriptions indicate leaves approximately 7.6–8.9 cm long and mention a white spot near the base of the upper surface and dots on the underside.

Flowers and fragrance. The flowers are grouped in pedunculate, nearly globose umbels. The corolla is brown-purple to dark reddish-brown, sometimes with a grayish-brown median band, while the inside of the triangular-ovate lobes is densely pubescent and velvety. The corona is red. The flowers are fragrant.

Botanical identity and origin. The accepted botanical name is Hoya globulifera Blume, published in 1849. The original description places it in the coastal forests of New Guinea, while modern works on Hoya from Papua include it among the island’s widespread coastal species. The product name corresponds to the accepted name.

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, fertilizing, propagation and flowering, read the complete Hoya care guide.