Hoya meliflua 'Island' Ø10,5cm

Hoya meliflua 'Island' - A Philippine endemic with strikingly clean foliage: stiff, glossy, dark green succulent leaves with no visible veins. Produces clusters of pink to reddish-orange flowers with a chocolate fragrance and dark dripping nectar that stains (a natural curiosity, not a flaw!). Large-growing species - stems become thick and stiff, best trained early or displayed as a substantial hanging basket. More cold-tolerant than many tropical Hoyas. Pet-safe. Care instructions Light: Bright indirect light to partial shade. Tolerates full sun in mild climates but may develop reddish leaf edges. Avoid deep shade - the plant becomes leggy and less likely to flower. Water: Allow substrate to dry substantially between waterings. Water thoroughly when dry, then wait. The succulent leaves store moisture well. Overwatering leads to root rot. Reduce watering significantly in winter. Soil: Well-draining epiphytic mix - orchid bark, perlite, and coco coir. The roots need excellent aeration. Slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.1-7.5). Temperature: 20-25°C (68-77°F) is ideal. World of Succulents notes tolerance down to 4°C for brief periods, making this more cold-tolerant than many tropical Hoyas. USDA zones 11a-11b. Protect from frost. Humidity: Above 60% is recommended for optimal growth. Tolerates lower humidity but benefits from misting during dry periods. Feeding: Balanced fertilizer at half strength monthly during the growing season. Stop in winter. Training: Guide new shoots early, while stems are still young and flexible. As they mature, the stems firm up into sturdy self-support. Growth and development This is a large-growing Hoya with thick, branched stems that can reach 3-4 metres in length. H. meliflua also has a distinctive habit: rather than twining, its branches firm up early into strong, self-supporting stems. Several sources note that the branches quickly turn hard and stiff, so it's best to guide new shoots while they are still young. Tropics@Home offers a helpful tip: 'It is necessary to guide new shoots before the stem hardens. A mature stem will be impossible to bend without breaking it.' The species is sometimes called 'little fraterna' due to its similarity to Hoya fraterna, though it remains distinctly smaller. Llifle notes that the plant 'isn't much of a climber, but looks really nice hanging in a basket' and 'needs a sturdy support as it grows heavy with time.' It looks its best displayed as a hanging basket specimen or trained early on a robust trellis. Specifications Pot diameter: 10.5 cm Total height (incl. pot): 15 cm Flowering stage: No flowers