Hoya meliflua - fragrant flowers (chocolate scent)

Hoya meliflua is a vine native to the Philippines and Sabah, with thick, glossy, dark green foliage and almost no visible veins. The shoots harden and become woody early; the plant climbs weakly and is better grown trailing or with support. The flowers range from pink to orange-red, with dark nectar that can stain the corolla. As they mature, the fragrance is described as chocolate-like. Flowering depends on the plant’s maturity and growing conditions.

Foliage and growth habit. The foliage is fleshy, firm, glossy, and dark green, with a clean appearance. The veins are difficult to see on the upper surface. The stem becomes woody relatively quickly; young shoots can be trained, while mature ones remain rigid. Under good growing conditions, the vine can reach approximately 4 m. Length varies from one specimen to another.

Flowers and fragrance. In this batch, the umbels have a pink, fluffy, velvety corolla, sometimes with brownish nectar stains, and a cream corona with a burgundy center. The color varies from pink to orange-red. The nectar is abundant and can stain the flowers; this is the origin of the epithet meliflua. The fragrance becomes sweeter as the flowers mature and is described as chocolate-like; its intensity may vary. The flowers last for several days. In cultivation, flowering may also occur on still-young plants. Flowering depends on the plant’s maturity and growing conditions.

Identity. The accepted botanical name is Hoya meliflua (Blanco) Merr., published in 1918, based on Stapelia meliflua. The species is native to the Philippines and Borneo.

The ceramic 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.