Hoya polyneura (Fishtail Hoya) - full pots

Hoya polyneura, commonly known as Fishtail Hoya, is an epiphytic species with elongated foliage and prominent veins reminiscent of a fish’s tail. Fishtail is a common name. It has a trailing habit, with fairly rigid stems at first. Young leaves are lighter and may appear variegated, but they darken as they mature. Under good growing conditions, umbels of creamy-yellow flowers with red coronas and a subtle fragrance appear.

Foliage and growth. The leaves are elliptical, light to medium green, with dark, visible venation. The vein pattern gave it the common name Fishtail; it is not variegation. New leaves may appear speckled or bicolored when they emerge, then become more uniform. The stems may grow long before trailing down. Vine length varies from one specimen to another and is influenced by the season. The leaves may have defects caused by handling. During the cold season, the plant usually becomes dormant; it does not tolerate excess water well at that time, so watering should be reduced.

Flowers and fragrance. The flowers are star-shaped and reflexed, creamy-yellow, with red coronas. They appear in relatively small umbels, usually at the tips of the stems. The fragrance is subtle. The flowers last for about one week, depending on conditions. Flowering depends on the plant’s maturity and growing conditions.

Botanical identity. The accepted name is Hoya polyneura Hook.f., published in 1883. The species is native from the central Himalayas to China (northwestern Yunnan), and is also found in Nepal, Assam, Myanmar, Tibet, Laos, and south-central China. It is an epiphyte from a subtropical biome. Fishtail Hoya remains the common label used in the title.

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.