Hoya excavata (vanilla fragrance)

Hoya excavata is a vigorous vine from Sulawesi and Maluku, cultivated for its thick, glossy foliage and umbels of pink flowers. The oblong-ovate, deep green leaves grow on fairly rigid stems that anchor themselves with adventitious roots. As they mature, the star-shaped flowers develop pink corollas and pink to red coronas with hollowed segments, and are described as having an intense vanilla fragrance.

Foliage and growth. The leaves are opposite, fleshy, glossy, oblong-ovate, with a short, apiculate tip. The stem is fairly rigid and can become long; the vines can be trained on a support. The foliage is deep green, without variegation.

Flowers and fragrance. The flowers are grouped in umbels and have pink corollas with ovate lobes that may curve back slightly. The corona has fleshy, hollowed segments, ranging from deep pink to red; the species name refers to this excavated shape. The flowers are fragrant, with a scent horticulturally described as vanilla. Flowering depends on the plant’s maturity and growing conditions.

Botanical identity and origin. Hoya excavata Teijsm. & Binn. is an accepted botanical name, published in 1863. The species is native to Sulawesi and Maluku, where it grows as a vine in a humid tropical biome. The common name wax flower refers to the genus and does not specifically identify this species.

The decorative ceramic 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, fertilization, propagation, and flowering, read the complete Hoya care guide.