Hoya myrmecopa 'Big leaves'

Hoya myrmecopa Kleijn & Donkelaar 'Big leaves' is marketed as a larger-leaved selection of an accepted epiphytic species native to Sulawesi and the Philippines. In the habitat studied in Sulawesi, the plant formed clusters of pendent stems emerging from cavities in branches, often associated with signs of ant nests. The species name roughly means “ants’ hole,” but the plant has also been observed without ants, so this association is not essential in cultivation.

Name and habit. The species has a compact, rarely twining habit, with several slender stems that tend to form a pendent cluster. In nature, it was described from relatively open tropical forests on limestone ridges, growing mainly from cavities in trees.

Foliage. The leaves are ovate to elliptic, with pointed tips, a fleshy texture, and barely visible venation; the original description indicates a length of approximately 2.5–7.5 cm. On plants grown in brighter light, the leaves may remain smaller and thicker and develop reddish tones, while gentler light may encourage larger, thinner, deep-green leaves. Final size naturally varies between specimens and according to growing conditions.

Flowers and fragrance. The original botanical description mentions convex, upright-facing umbels with approximately 6–16 small flowers. The corolla is strongly reflexed, sparsely hairy, and greenish-white to yellowish-white, while the corona has raised lobes with bilobed extensions. Fragrance reports are inconsistent: the commercial description describes it as pleasant and of medium intensity, while grower sources also include observations of no detectable scent. Intensity cannot be guaranteed and may vary with the plant and flowering conditions.

The decorative pot is not included in the price.

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