Are you considering planting a hoya plant but unsure which type to choose? With so many hoya varieties available, it can be challenging to find the perfect match for your home. You might want to select more than one or refer to this guide to assist you in narrowing down your search. This article showcases our favorite hoya cultivars, each with names and pictures!
Southeast Asia is a stunning tropical region that boasts an abundance of biodiversity. If you’re searching for ways to add fragrance, color, and vitality to your home and garden, the Hoya Cultivars from Asian tropics are an excellent choice. While hoyas may not be as popular as philodendron cultivars or pothos varieties, they have gained significant popularity in recent years.
Despite originating in such damp climates, some hoya plants thrive best in cool temperatures. When you bring a hoya plant into your home, you get to enjoy its alluring fragrance and beautiful deep green leaves.
Many hoya plants also have distinct flowering blooms that can add a touch of color and life to your garden or home. With over 200 species of these plants available, we will highlight 51 that could be a fantastic addition to your garden.
50 Hoya Varieties
1. Hoya Affinis
Hoya affinis is a plant native to the Solomon Islands that boasts fuzzy leaves and red flowers with a strong fragrance. It is also known as the Red Wax plant due to its striking red blooms.
2. Hoya Albiflora
Hoya albiflora is a climbing plant that can grow up to eight feet high. This hoya variety has a rapid growth rate and produces large white flowers. It is native to Southeast Asia and requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth.
3. Hoya Archboldiana
Hoya archboldiana is a plant native to Indonesia that has thick and sturdy leaves with pointed edges. This hoya variety produces pink flowers with a purplish center. It is named after the renowned explorer and aviator, Richard Archbold.
4. Hoya Australis
Hoya australis is a hoya plant that originates from Australia. This plant has become increasingly popular for its fragrant white flowers. It has an upright growth habit since it is a climbing vine, and it is recommended to provide ample space for it to grow as it can reach up to 32 feet long.
5. Hoya Bella
Hoya lanceolata bella is a hoya plant that originates from Myanmar and is an excellent choice for those who are new to gardening. This plant can thrive in cool temperatures and has a slow growth rate, making it low-maintenance. It is crucial to keep its soil consistently moist and provide some shade, as direct sunlight can damage the plant.
6. Hoya Bilobata
Hoya bilobata is a popular but challenging hoya plant to grow. It is native to the Philippines and is an evergreen that produces flowers. The trailing vines of this plant can grow up to 2 feet long. Hoya bilobata is recognized by its distinctive light green leaves that are oval-shaped and have a smooth, leathery texture.
7. Hoya Burtoniae
Hoya burtoniae is a hoya plant that is native to Thailand. It is an epiphytic vine that can climb or trail up to 6 feet long. This hoya plant has beautiful leaves that are thick and succulent, with a green and silver variegation. The flowers of the Hoya burtoniae are small and star-shaped and come in clusters. They are usually pink, although the shade can vary. This hoya plant is not as common as some of the other varieties but is still highly prized by collectors due to its unique appearance.
8. Hoya Carnosa Compacta (Hindu Rope Plant)
Hoya Carnosa Compacta, also known as the Hindu Rope Plant, is a cultivar of the Hoya carnosa plant. It is native to Eastern Asia and Australia, and it is a popular houseplant due to its unique appearance. The plant has tightly twisted, waxy, dark green leaves that are curled together to form a rope-like appearance, hence the name “Hindu Rope Plant.” The plant produces clusters of fragrant pink or white flowers that are shaped like stars. The flowers usually bloom in the summer and fall and can last for several weeks. The Hindu Rope Plant is an easy-to-care-for plant that requires bright, indirect light and occasional watering. The plant prefers to dry out slightly between waterings and does not like to sit in water. It is a slow-growing plant that can live for several years with proper care.
9. Hoya Carnosa (Wax Hoya)
Hoya Carnosa, commonly known as Wax Hoya, is a species of flowering plant native to Southeast Asia and Australia. It is a popular houseplant due to its glossy, waxy leaves and fragrant flowers. The leaves are thick, shiny, and dark green, with lighter veins running through them. The plant produces clusters of small, star-shaped flowers that are typically white or pink and have a sweet fragrance.
10. Hoya Caudata
Hoya Caudata is a species of hoya plant that is native to Malaysia, Borneo, and Sumatra. It is a climbing vine that can grow up to 6 meters in length, with small, waxy leaves that are dark green and glossy. The plant produces clusters of small, fragrant flowers that are typically white or pale pink with a red center.
11. Hoya Cinnamomifolia
Hoya Cinnamomifolia is a species of hoya plant that is native to the Philippines. It is a vining plant that can grow up to 10 feet in length, with dark green, oval-shaped leaves that are thick and leathery. The plant produces clusters of small, star-shaped flowers that are typically pink or white with a red center, and they have a pleasant fragrance.
12. Hoya Compacta ‘Variegata’
Hoya Compacta ‘Variegata’ is a variegated cultivar of Hoya Compacta, also known as Hindu Rope Plant. It is a slow-growing, vining plant that can grow up to 4 feet in length. The plant has thick, twisted, and contorted leaves that are variegated with cream, pink, and green colors. The leaves grow tightly around the stem, giving the plant a rope-like appearance. Hoya Compacta ‘Variegata’ produces small, star-shaped flowers that are usually pink or white in color and have a pleasant fragrance. The plant is native to India and Southeast Asia and prefers bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. It should be watered regularly but allowed to dry out slightly between waterings to prevent overwatering.
13. Hoya Coronaria
Hoya Coronaria is a plant species native to the Philippines, where it is commonly known as the “wax flower.” The plant has waxy, star-shaped flowers that are usually pink, but can also be white or red. The leaves are thick and glossy, and the plant can grow up to 6 feet tall when mature. Hoya Coronaria prefers bright, indirect light and moderate watering, and it can be propagated from stem cuttings. It is a popular plant for indoor gardening due to its low maintenance and attractive flowers.
14. Hoya Cumingiana
Hoya Cumingiana is a plant species native to the Philippines. It has narrow, lanceolate leaves that are dark green with silver veins. The flowers are white with pink centers and have a waxy texture. This plant is a climbing vine that can grow up to 10 feet tall when mature. It prefers bright, indirect light and moderate watering. It is a popular plant for indoor gardening due to its low maintenance and attractive foliage and flowers.
15. Hoya Diversifolia
Hoya Diversifolia is a plant species native to Southeast Asia, particularly in countries like Thailand and Vietnam. It has elongated, pointed leaves that can be green or variegated with shades of pink or yellow. The flowers are white or pale yellow and are star-shaped with a waxy texture. Hoya Diversifolia is a climbing plant that can grow up to 10 feet tall. It thrives in bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. It is a relatively low maintenance plant and is a popular choice for indoor gardening due to its attractive foliage and unique flowers.
16. Hoya Eskimo
Hoya Eskimo is a popular cultivar of the Hoya plant, which is native to Southeast Asia. This particular cultivar is known for its distinctive, variegated leaves, which are green with white or cream-colored edges. The leaves of Hoya Eskimo are thick and fleshy, and it produces small clusters of white or pale pink flowers. Hoya Eskimo is a relatively low-maintenance plant that thrives in bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. It is a popular choice for indoor gardening, particularly for those who are looking for a plant that is both easy to care for and visually appealing.
17. Hoya Finlaysonii
Hoya Finlaysonii is a tropical plant native to Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. It has a distinctive, thin, and vining growth habit that can reach up to several feet in length. The leaves are elongated and narrow with a glossy texture, and the flowers are small and white with a pink center. It thrives in bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. This plant can be propagated easily by stem cuttings.
18. Hoya Fitchii
Hoya Fitchii is a tropical plant that is native to the Philippines. It is a climbing vine that can reach up to several feet in length, and it has thick, fleshy leaves that are a glossy green color. The flowers of the Hoya Fitchii are small and star-shaped, with a creamy white color and pink center. This plant requires bright, indirect light and well-draining soil, and it can be propagated easily by stem cuttings. It is a great choice for hanging baskets or trellises.
19. Hoya Fraterna
Hoya Fraterna is a tropical plant native to India and Sri Lanka. It has a vining growth habit, producing long stems with waxy, oval-shaped leaves that have a glossy green appearance. The flowers are small and pink, and they appear in clusters. This Hoya variety prefers bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. It can also tolerate some periods of drought, but it’s important not to let the soil completely dry out.
20. Hoya Fungii
Hoya Fungii is a rare and unique species of Hoya that originates from the island of Borneo. It is an epiphytic plant that grows on trees and has thick, succulent-like leaves that are speckled with small, silver dots. The flowers are star-shaped and range in color from pale pink to light purple. This Hoya prefers bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. It is not commonly found in cultivation and is considered a collector’s item among Hoya enthusiasts.
21. Hoya Imperialis
Hoya Imperialis is a rare and stunning hoya plant that originates from Southeast Asia. It is a climbing vine with large, glossy leaves that can grow up to 8 inches long. The plant produces large clusters of fragrant, waxy flowers that can be up to 3 inches in diameter, and the colors range from white to pink to maroon. Hoya Imperialis requires bright, filtered light and consistently moist, well-draining soil. It prefers warm temperatures and high humidity, so it is best suited for tropical or subtropical environments.
22. Hoya Inconspicua
Hoya Inconspicua is a rare and unusual species of Hoya that is native to the Philippines. As the name suggests, it has small and inconspicuous flowers that are a pale green or yellowish color. The leaves are thick and glossy, and the plant grows as a climbing vine. This Hoya is a slow grower and can be difficult to find, but it can be a unique addition to any Hoya collection.
23. Hoya Kentiana
Hoya Kentiana is a popular species of hoya native to the Philippines. This plant is known for its gorgeous and delicate star-shaped flowers that are typically pink, but can also be white. The leaves are dark green, glossy, and oval-shaped. Hoya Kentiana is a relatively easy plant to care for, but it does require bright indirect light and regular watering. It can also benefit from occasional fertilization during the growing season. Hoya Kentiana is a great addition to any hoya lover’s collection.
24. Hoya Kerii
Hoya kerrii, also known as Sweetheart Hoya or Heart-leaf Hoya, is a slow-growing succulent plant that is native to Southeast Asia. It has thick, heart-shaped leaves that are typically green, but there are also variegated forms with white or pink edges. The plant is often grown as a houseplant and is known for its ease of care, making it a popular choice for beginners. Hoya kerrii prefers bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. It can tolerate periods of drought, but it’s important not to overwater it as it is susceptible to root rot.
25. Hoya Krimson Queen
Hoya Krimson Queen is a popular cultivar of Hoya carnosa compacta. It is a trailing vine with twisted, curled, and variegated leaves that have pink and white edges. This plant is relatively easy to care for and can tolerate low light conditions. It prefers well-draining soil and moderate watering, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again. In the right conditions, Krimson Queen produces fragrant, star-shaped flowers that are pink or white in color.
26. Hoya Limoniaca
Hoya limoniaca, a plant that originates from New Caledonia, has become increasingly popular since its discovery in 1921 due to its delightful fragrance and attractive flowers. This compact vine plant produces small white blooms during the warm seasons and can be grown rapidly indoors under partial shade conditions.
27. Hoya Linearis
Hoya Linearis is a type of hoya plant that is native to India and South East Asia. It is a trailing plant that produces long, thin, and narrow leaves. The flowers of this plant are small and white with a pink center and they grow in clusters. This hoya is a fast-growing plant that requires bright indirect sunlight and regular watering, but it is susceptible to root rot if overwatered. It is a popular plant for hanging baskets and can be propagated easily from stem cuttings.
28. Hoya Macrophylla
Hoya Macrophylla, also known as the “heart-shaped hoya,” is a popular species of hoya known for its large, heart-shaped leaves and fragrant white flowers. It is native to China, India, and Southeast Asia and can grow up to 6-8 feet in length. This climbing vine plant prefers bright, indirect sunlight and well-draining soil. It requires regular watering, but the soil should be allowed to dry out between waterings to avoid overwatering. Hoya Macrophylla is a low-maintenance plant and a great addition to any indoor garden or hanging basket.
29. Hoya Megalaster
Hoya megalaster is an epiphytic climbing plant native to Papua New Guinea. It produces beautiful pink flowers that have a short blooming period, but the plant itself can live for several years in your garden. It prefers partial shade and well-draining soil.
30. Hoya Meliflua
Hoya Meliflua, also known as “Blanco Merr” or little fraterna, is a native plant of the Philippines. It is typically found at elevations of 1000-1200 meters above sea level in its natural habitat.
31. Hoya Memoria
Hoya memoria is a beautiful plant with pinkish-purple flowers that grow from spurs on the leaves. These unique blooms have a fuzzy appearance and a heavy sweet fragrance. The flowers mature over a three-month period from spring to late summer. Keep the plant in partial shade conditions and well-draining soil for best results. It is a native plant of the Philippines and requires regular watering to thrive.
32. Hoya Meredithii
Hoya meredithii is a plant with unique golden-colored flowers arranged in an umbel formation, similar to other Hoya varieties. However, the blooms have a short lifespan of only five days.
33. Hoya Mindorensis
Hoya Mindorensis is a vining plant native to the Philippines. It has small, round leaves that grow in opposite pairs along the stem. The flowers of the Mindorensis are star-shaped and range in color from pink to maroon. They bloom in clusters and have a sweet fragrance that attracts pollinators. This plant prefers bright, indirect light and moderate watering. It is a great choice for hanging baskets or training to climb a trellis.
34. Hoya Multiflora
Hoya Multiflora, also known as the “Shooting Star” Hoya, is a popular variety of Hoya that is native to Southeast Asia. This plant produces clusters of fragrant white flowers that have a distinctive star-shaped appearance, hence its nickname. The flowers are often used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, and the plant itself is a popular choice for indoor gardens and hanging baskets. It prefers bright, indirect light and well-draining soil, and should be watered moderately. With proper care, Hoya Multiflora can bloom multiple times throughout the year.
35. Hoya Neocaledonica
Hoya Neocaledonica, also known as the New Caledonia Wax Plant, is a climbing plant that is native to the tropical rainforests of New Caledonia. It has glossy, dark green leaves and produces large clusters of pink or white flowers with a sweet fragrance. The plant prefers bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. With proper care, it can grow up to several feet in length and produce abundant blooms throughout the year.
36. Hoya Nicholsoniae
Hoya Nicholsoniae is a climbing vine plant that originates from the rainforests of Papua New Guinea. It has oval-shaped leaves that are dark green in color and produce fragrant pink flowers. This Hoya species is popular among collectors because of its unique and attractive flowers, which have a star-shaped corolla with pink or reddish-purple stripes. It requires bright indirect light and a well-draining soil mix to thrive.
37. Hoya Obovata
Hoya obovata is a plant native to Southeast Asia and Australia. It is a trailing vine with deep green, oval-shaped leaves that have a waxy texture. The flowers of Hoya obovata are star-shaped and come in clusters of pink and white. This plant is relatively easy to care for and prefers bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. It is a great option for beginners or anyone looking to expand their Hoya collection.
38. Hoya Obscura
Hoya obscura is a beautiful plant with fuzzy, cream, or pink ball-shaped flowers that eventually turn yellow before dropping. It is native to the Philippines and prefers moderate lighting to avoid leaf burn from direct sunlight.
39. Hoya Pachyclada
Hoya Pachyclada is a slow-growing, climbing plant that is native to the Philippines. It is a popular houseplant due to its attractive, waxy leaves that are thick and green. The plant is known for its clusters of small, star-shaped flowers that bloom in shades of white or pink. The flowers have a sweet fragrance and are long-lasting, making them a favorite among Hoya enthusiasts. Hoya Pachyclada is a relatively easy plant to care for, thriving in bright, indirect light and well-draining soil.
40. Hoya Pauciflora
Hoya Pauciflora, also known as the “Few-Flowered Hoya,” is a small, compact plant native to the Philippines. As its name suggests, it produces only a few delicate, star-shaped flowers at a time, which have a pale yellow color and a sweet fragrance. The plant’s foliage is thick and leathery, with deep green, lance-shaped leaves. It prefers bright, indirect light and well-draining soil, and can be propagated easily from stem cuttings.
41. Hoya Plicata
Hoya Plicata, also known as the Fishtail Hoya or Hindu Rope Hoya, is a tropical plant native to Southeast Asia. It is a popular houseplant with waxy leaves that grow tightly together, giving it a rope-like appearance. The plant produces small clusters of white to pinkish flowers with a sweet fragrance. It prefers bright, indirect light and well-draining soil, and should be allowed to dry out slightly between waterings.
42. Hoya Polyneura
Hoya Polyneura, also known as the fishtail Hoya, is a climbing plant that is native to the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia. The leaves of this plant are distinctive, with long, narrow, and pointed ends that resemble the shape of a fish’s tail. The leaves also have prominent veins that add to the plant’s ornamental value. The fishtail Hoya blooms with fragrant, star-shaped flowers that range in color from pale pink to white. The flowers grow in clusters and are often described as looking like mini chandeliers. This plant is relatively easy to care for and can be grown both indoors and outdoors in a warm, humid environment with bright, indirect light.
43. Hoya Pottsii
Hoya Pottsii is a slow-growing plant that is native to the Philippines. It is an epiphytic plant, which means it grows on trees in its natural habitat. The leaves of this plant are large, glossy, and oval-shaped with prominent veins. The flowers are white and star-shaped, with a sweet fragrance that is most noticeable at night. Hoya Pottsii can be grown as a houseplant and prefers bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. It can also be propagated through stem cuttings.
44. Hoya Pubicalyx
Hoya Pubicalyx is a popular species of Hoya that is native to the Philippines. It is an easy-to-grow houseplant and produces beautiful, fragrant flowers that range in color from pink to purple and even black. The leaves of Hoya Pubicalyx are glossy and elongated, with small hairs on the underside. This plant prefers bright, indirect light and well-draining soil, and it can be propagated easily from stem cuttings. It is a great choice for beginners or experienced plant enthusiasts looking to add a unique and stunning plant to their collection.
45. Hoya Purpureofusca
Hoya purpureofusca is a tropical plant native to the Philippines. It is a climbing vine with dark green leaves that have silver splashes. The flowers of Hoya purpureofusca are unique, with shades of pink, purple, and maroon. They have a sweet fragrance and bloom in clusters. This plant thrives in bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. It is relatively easy to care for and can be propagated from stem cuttings.
46. Hoya Retusa
Hoya Retusa is a small, compact plant native to India, Thailand, and China. It has small, narrow leaves and produces small white flowers that are less showy than other Hoya varieties. It is an easy-to-care-for plant that prefers bright but indirect light and well-draining soil.
47. Hoya Serpens
Hoya Serpens is a trailing epiphyte that is native to Southeast Asia. This plant has small, green, and succulent leaves that give a unique look. It produces small, fragrant, and star-shaped flowers that range in color from white to pale pink. It’s a relatively easy plant to care for, and it grows well in bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. It’s a great plant for hanging baskets or training up a trellis.
48. Hoya Shepherdii
Hoya Shepherdii is a popular houseplant known for its long, slender, green leaves with prominent veins. The leaves grow opposite each other and are often twisted around the stem, giving the plant an interesting appearance. It is a relatively easy plant to care for and prefers bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. When it blooms, Hoya Shepherdii produces small clusters of star-shaped, white flowers with a sweet fragrance.
49. Hoya Skinneriana
Hoya Skinneriana is a species of Hoya native to the Philippines. It is a vining plant that can climb up to 10 feet long. The leaves are oval-shaped and green, while the flowers are star-shaped and have a pink or white color with a dark red center. This plant prefers bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. It is a popular houseplant due to its attractive appearance and ease of care.
50. Hoya Wayetii
Hoya Wayetii is a type of tropical plant that is native to the Philippines. It is commonly known as the Wax Plant and is grown for its attractive foliage and fragrant flowers. The leaves of this plant are thick and waxy with a glossy green color and a pointed shape. The flowers grow in clusters and have a unique star shape with white or pinkish petals and a red center. Hoya Wayetii is a vining plant that can grow up to several feet long and is often grown as a hanging plant or trained to climb a trellis or support. It is a relatively low-maintenance plant and can tolerate a range of lighting and watering conditions.
In conclusion, Hoya cultivars are a fascinating and diverse species of plants, originating mainly from Southeast Asia and typically thriving in humid conditions. These plants are known for their fragrant flowers, some of which attract hummingbirds, and their common features of umbel and star-shaped blooms. Not only do Hoyas add beauty to a home or garden, but they also serve as natural air fresheners. With a vine growth pattern and a range of leaf shapes and colors, from waxy to fuzzy and heart-shaped to oval or string bean-like, Hoyas are an excellent choice for those seeking a unique and exotic plant for their indoor or outdoor space.
