Upright, bushy Hoya from the Philippines with yellow-red flowers that smell of cinnamon

Hoya cumingiana differs from most other Hoyas due to its bushy, upright growth habit. Instead of long climbing vines, it forms stems densely covered with small, thick, and oblong green leaves, which results in a full-looking plant.

The flowers grow in clusters of small star-shaped blossoms in yellow with a red center, and they smell of cinnamon. The plant often begins to flower before it is two years old. The flowers drip quite a bit of nectar, but it is easily rinsed off in the shower.

The species occurs naturally in Borneo, Java, and the Philippines. It is named after Hugh Cuming, who found it on the island of Mindoro in the Philippines in 1841. Cuming was born in England and became a successful businessman in Chile. With his money, he purchased a ship built specifically for collecting expeditions, and during his travels, he collected thousands of specimens. His ship was the first to transport living orchids back to England.

Care

Thrives in bright, indirect light. Use well-draining soil and let it dry out between waterings. An easy-to-care-for and hardy species without any special requirements.

Since the stems do not twine themselves but rather lean and spread, it grows best on a trellis where it is tied up as it grows. Ideal temperature 18-26 degrees Celsius.