Unusual porcelain flower with a unique growth habit and mutualistic relationship with ants

Hoya imbricata from Mindanao, Palawan, Sulawesi and other Philippine islands is one of nature's most unusual plants. It grows with circular leaves 6-10 centimeters in diameter that cling tightly to the surface with their edges while the center of the leaf curves upward, creating a hollow space like a suction cup.

The leaves are produced one per node and overlap each other by about 1 centimeter, creating a continuous cavity. A small, arched opening near the stem leads into the interior space. If the leaves do not find a surface to cling to, they fold together.

In nature, the cavity under the leaves is used by ants (mainly Philidris) as a nest, and the small opening serves as an entrance. The plant produces fine roots along the stem and under the leaves that absorb nutrients from the ants' waste. This makes H. imbricata an ant plant, although ants are not required for cultivation.

Botanical description

Hoya imbricata grows purely epiphytically on the trunks and branches of large jungle trees in its natural habitat in the Philippines.

The leaves vary in color. They are usually dark green with light spots, but there are also pure green forms. In bright light they turn red. The spotted form resembles salami slices stuck to trees.

The flowers are typical of porcelain flowers and come in flat clusters of 6-12. They are yellowish-white with an orange/reddish nebencorona and fine hairs.

Care

Mount the plant on bark, cork or a moss stake to mimic its natural epiphytic growth habit. The leaves need a surface to cling to in order to develop properly.

Place in bright, indirect light. In bright light the leaves develop a red color. Water regularly by moistening the mounting surface and aerial roots.

Keep humidity high as the plant naturally grows in humid jungle environments. Spray irrigation of the aerial roots and mounting surface works well.

Use non-traditional potting soil. The plant needs drainage and airflow around the roots that it would get in its natural epiphytic habitat, e.g. our aroid soil . Buy Hoya imbricata online!