Hoya sp. aff. burtoniae - fragrant flowers

Hoya sp. aff. burtoniae is the horticultural designation for an unpublished Philippine Hoya at species level, similar in appearance to Hoya burtoniae but distinct from it. It has a compact, trailing habit, with pubescent foliage that is larger, thicker, and more pointed than that of Hoya burtoniae, with prominent venation. In bright light, the leaves become reddish or burgundy. The flowers are small, burgundy-red, and fragrant, with notes of honey or caramel. It is not an accepted species.

Foliage and growth. The leaves are pubescent, thick, and pointed, with visible venation and edges that may darken. In low light, they remain olive green; in intense light or direct sun, they develop a reddish to burgundy tint. The plant has a short, trailing vine habit, suitable for a hanging basket. Compared with Hoya burtoniae, the commercial form of this plant is regarded as having larger, thicker, and more pointed leaves, with more prominent veins.

Flowers and fragrance. The flowers are small and almost spherical, with dark pink to burgundy-red corollas and yellow coronas with reddish centers. They are grouped in compact umbels and produce nectar. The fragrance is sweet; older commercial sources describe it as honey-like, while horticultural sources also compare it to caramel or butterscotch. Its intensity varies. Flowering depends on the plant’s maturity and growing conditions.

Horticultural identity. The abbreviation sp. aff. burtoniae refers to a plant that has not been definitively identified but shows affinities with Hoya burtoniae; it is not a published species name. Hoya burtoniae Kloppenb. is an accepted species native to Luzon. The names Hoya bilobata and Hoya tsangii have been incorrectly applied to this plant. Its placement in section Acanthostemma remains a horticultural reference, not a species publication.

The decorative pot is not included in the price.

Substrate: use an airy, well-drained 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.