Hoya australis 'Kapoho' (Hawaii)

Hoya australis 'Kapoho' is a cultivar of the species Hoya australis. The clone is associated with Kapoho in Hawaii, where it was found in cultivation or naturalized; Hawaii is not part of the species' native range. It is recognized by its round, thin foliage, often large and lighter green. The flowers are white, more open than those of typical australis, with more red beneath the corona, and are fragrant. It has a fast-growing, vining habit and is also suitable for trailing.

Foliage and growth. Mature leaves are round or nearly round, thin, smooth, and light green. Young leaves may initially be more pointed and become rounder as they grow. In the catalog, the length is given as approximately 7–11 cm and the width as 3–5 cm; size varies with light levels. This selection grows quickly and is suitable for training on a support or allowing to trail freely.

Flowers and fragrance. The flowers are white, with a white corona and more red beneath it than in typical australis. They are more open, with less strongly curved edges. The diameter is horticulturally given as approximately 2 cm, and the umbel may contain approximately 20–40 flowers. The flowers last for approximately 7 days. The fragrance of this selection is described as more vanilla-like; H. australis in general is often noted for a spicy scent. Once peduncles have appeared, the plant should not be moved, as the buds may drop.

Horticultural identity. Hoya australis R.Br. ex J.Traill is the accepted species, native from northern Borneo, Sulawesi, and New Guinea to the southwestern Pacific. 'Kapoho' is a commercial clone. It was found near the beach in Kapoho, Hawaii; it may be a naturalized seedling rather than a plant native to Hawaii. The common names Wax Plant and Wax Flower are generic labels for Hoya.

Please note: buds, peduncles, or flowers may be damaged or lost during shipping. Peduncles can usually produce new sets of buds. When purchasing a specimen with peduncles, buds, or flowers, this risk is accepted.

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.