Hoya cinnamomifolia Ø10.5cm

Hoya cinnamomifolia - A bold Javanese vine with some of the largest, most sculptural leaves in the Hoya genus. Dark green, leathery foliage with prominent parallel venation resembling true cinnamon leaves. Produces spectacular clusters of 20-30 star-shaped flowers with reflexed petals in either lime green with burgundy corona or dramatic all-purple. Vigorous climber ideal for trellises and large supports. Easy to care for. Non-toxic to pets! Care instructions Care Requirements: Light: Bright, indirect light is ideal and essential for encouraging blooming. Tolerates partial shade but may become leggy and reluctant to flower with insufficient light. Can handle some direct morning or late afternoon sun, but protect from harsh midday rays that can scorch the large leaves. East or west-facing windows work well. Grow lights are an excellent supplement, especially in northern European climates with limited winter daylight. Aim for at least 4-6 hours of bright light daily for healthy growth and flower production. Water: Allow the top 5-8 cm (2-3 inches) of soil to dry completely between waterings, then water thoroughly until water drains from the bottom. This species is drought-tolerant once established and handles underwatering far better than overwatering. Root rot from soggy soil is the most common cause of decline. Reduce watering significantly in autumn and winter when growth slows. Do not mist the plant when it is budding or flowering, as moisture on developing buds can cause them to drop. Soil: Well-draining, airy substrate is essential - this is an epiphyte that grows on tree trunks in the wild, not in dense soil. Use a mix of 2 parts cactus/succulent soil and 1 part perlite, or 1 part orchid bark + 1 part peat-free compost + 1 part coarse perlite. Adding charcoal or fir bark improves aeration further. pH range: slightly acidic to neutral (6.1-7.5). The substrate should never stay waterlogged. Temperature: 18-27°C (65-80°F) is the ideal range. Tolerates a broader range of 15-35°C but performs best in consistently warm conditions. Does not tolerate temperatures below 10°C (50°F) - protect from frost, cold drafts, and sudden temperature drops. Keep away from drafty windows and doorways in winter. USDA zones 11-13 for outdoor cultivation. Humidity: 60% and above produces the best growth and flowering. Adapts to average household humidity but truly thrives with supplemental moisture. A humidity tray, grouping with other plants, or a humidifier helps significantly, especially in dry winter conditions. Mist the leaves occasionally (not when budding/flowering) but do not leave foliage excessively wet - good air circulation is essential alongside humidity to prevent fungal issues. Feeding: Monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer during spring and summer. Use a nitrogen-rich formula for foliage growth, then switch to a phosphorus-rich (high-potassium) formula approximately one month before the expected blooming period to encourage flower production. Half strength is sufficient - avoid overfeeding, as Tropics@Home specifically notes that overfeeding can alter the appearance of the beautiful leaves. Stop fertilizing in autumn and winter. Botanical Info: Family: Apocynaceae | Genus: Hoya | Species: Hoya cinnamomifolia Hook. (1848) | Illustrated: Curtis' Botanical Magazine, Tab. 4347 (1859) | Varieties: var. cinnamomifolia (green flowers, burgundy corona), var. purpureofusca (all-purple flowers) | Common Names: Cinnamon-Leaved Wax Plant, Purple Wax Plant | Type: Epiphytic Twining Vine | Origin: Java, Indonesia | Zone: USDA 11-13 (indoor cultivation in temperate climates) | Flowering: Star-shaped, reflexed, 2 cm, 20-30 per umbel, lime green + burgundy or all-purple, late spring/summer | Growth Rate: Moderate to vigorous (vine), slow to establish from cuttings Growth and development One important growth characteristic to understand: Hoya cinnamomifolia typically produces only one leaf per node, meaning that long sections of stem can appear bare between leaves. This is completely normal for the species and not a sign of poor health - it is simply how this Hoya naturally grows. Experienced growers note this honestly, adding that the var. purpureofusca form tends to retain its leaves somewhat better. With patience and good care, the plant gradually fills out, but it will never develop the densely packed foliage of species like Hoya carnosa. The growth habit is vigorous and twining, with slender stems that can reach up to 3 metres long, making it best suited for growing on a large trellis, moss pole, or sturdy support where it can climb and display its impressive foliage to full effect. Specifications Pot diameter: 10.5 cm Total height (incl. pot): 15 cm Flowering stage: No flowers