Hoya Obovata
Big, round, thick leaves the size of your palm, deep green with a few silver speckles, on a vine that trails or climbs with real presence. As easy as any hoya, pet-safe, and it flowers in pale pink balls once mature.
Hoya obovata is the one with the leaves like green dinner plates. They are almost circular, thick and leathery, three to four inches across, and the vine spaces them out so each one reads on its own. A few silver flecks, sometimes a lot, and on a mature plant, umbels of fuzzy pale pink flowers with a dark pink centre.
It is a slow starter and then a steady grower, and like all the carnosa-type hoyas it wants light, a small pot and neglect with the watering can. It makes a better climber than a trailer; the big leaves look best going up a hoop.
Light
Bright, indirect light, with morning sun welcome. A few feet from a south or west window is fine. Medium light slows it right down and it will not bloom; the leaves also come in smaller. Hard afternoon sun through glass will bleach the leaves.
Water
Let the soil dry out completely, then water deeply. Around every twelve days in summer and every three weeks in winter. The leaves are so thick that the plant rarely looks thirsty; if they lose their firmness, water. Wet soil kills the roots faster than drought ever will.
Soil and potting
A chunky, fast-draining mix: bark, perlite and a little potting soil. Pot with drainage, and small; it flowers root-bound. Repot every three years or so, one size up. A hoop or small trellis in the pot gives the vine something to climb.
Feeding
Half-strength balanced feed every six weeks through the growing season. Not much; it is a light feeder.
Propagation
Single-node cuttings with one leaf, laid in damp sphagnum or perlite. Slow to root, six to eight weeks, and slow to grow after. Take several at once.
In a hot, dry home
A very good dry-home plant. Thick leaves, no humidity needs, and a real tolerance for heat. Give it bright light and let the pot dry fully; it will be happier in your hot house than in a humid greenhouse. Keep it off the direct AC stream.
Hoya Obovata varieties
Same care, different look. These are the named forms you will see for sale.
- Obovata Reverse Variegata
A cream-yellow centre with a green margin on the round leaves. Slower, and pricier.
- Obovata Splash
The standard leaf with heavier silver speckling.
Problems and fixes
Leaves soft and wrinkling
Likely cause: Thirsty, or root rot
Fix: Water; if no recovery in two days, check the roots for rot.
Yellow leaves dropping
Likely cause: Overwatering
Fix: Dry it out and cut watering by half.
Slow, no new leaves
Likely cause: Normal in winter, or low light
Fix: Wait for spring, or move it brighter.
Bleached patches
Likely cause: Direct afternoon sun
Fix: Pull it back from the glass.
Hoya Obovata questions
Is Hoya obovata safe for pets?
Yes. Non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Should I let it trail or climb?
Climb, if you can. The big round leaves look best spaced along a hoop or trellis, and climbing plants flower sooner.
How often does it flower?
Mature plants in bright light bloom once or twice a year, usually in the warmer months. Young plants take two to three years to start.
Plants with a similar rhythm
Hoya Pubicalyx
- Light
- Medium to bright indirect
- Water
- Every 10 days
- Pets
- Safe
Hoya Rope Plant
- Light
- Medium to bright indirect
- Water
- Every 2 weeks
- Pets
- Safe
Hoya Kerrii
- Light
- Bright indirect to direct sun
- Water
- Every 2 weeks
- Pets
- Safe
