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Hoya caudata is one of the most exotic and intriguing members of the Apocynaceae family, cherished for its velvety, mottled foliage and clusters of beautifully fragrant, star-shaped flowers. Native to Thailand, Malaysia, and the Andaman Islands, this tropical epiphytic vine is a must-have for Hoya enthusiasts seeking a plant that is both mysterious and alluring.
The thick, leathery leaves are dark green with silver or white flecks, giving them a shimmering, galaxy-like effect. The undersides of the leaves often take on a reddish hue, especially in bright light. Its climbing or trailing vines grow slowly but reward patient care with clusters of pinkish-red, fuzzy blooms with porcelain-white centres that release a sweet fragrance, particularly at night.
Textural, tactile, and dramatic, Hoya caudata stands out as one of the most distinctive Hoyas a perfect choice for collectors and interior plant stylists alike.
Thrives in bright, indirect light. It enjoys a few hours of gentle morning or late afternoon sun but should be protected from harsh midday rays, which can scorch the leaves. Too little light will cause slower growth and reduce the intensity of the leaf mottling.
Allow the top 35 cm of soil to dry before watering. Water thoroughly, ensuring excess water drains away. Hoya caudata is drought-tolerant and prefers to dry out slightly between waterings. During the growing season (spring and summer), water more frequently; reduce in autumn and winter.
Temperature: Prefers warmth between 1830 C and should be kept above 15 C at all times. Avoid cold drafts or drastic temperature changes.
Humidity: Moderate to high humidity (6080%) encourages healthy leaf growth and abundant flowering. If humidity is low, mist the plant occasionally or use a humidifier.
Use an airy, fast-draining mix combine orchid bark, perlite, and coco coir with a small amount of compost. This mimics its natural epiphytic habitat and ensures the roots receive ample airflow. Hoyas prefer to be slightly root-bound, so only repot every 23 years or when the pot is full.
Feed every 46 weeks in spring and summer with a diluted, balanced fertiliser or a bloom-boosting formula high in potassium. Stop feeding in winter when growth slows.
Prune lightly to maintain shape and encourage branching. Avoid removing the short, stubby peduncles (flower spurs) these will rebloom year after year. Wipe the leaves gently with a soft, damp cloth to remove dust and accentuate their natural shimmer.
A slow-growing climber, Hoya caudata can reach up to 1.5 metres in length when mature. It takes time to establish but rewards patience with exquisite blooms and uniquely patterned foliage. Mature plants often flower multiple times a year under stable conditions.
Yellow leaves: Overwatering or poor drainage.
Wrinkled leaves: Underwatering or prolonged dryness.
No flowers: Insufficient light or disturbance to established roots.
Pests: Occasionally affected by mealybugs or spider mites treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
Native to the humid lowland forests of Southeast Asia, Hoya caudata grows epiphytically on tree trunks and branches, clinging with its roots while absorbing moisture from the air. Its distinctive speckled leaves and unusual fuzzy blooms make it one of the most recognisable Hoyas in cultivation.
Its a symbol of patience and endurance, rewarding growers who provide steady care with long-lasting beauty. Like other Hoyas, it contributes to improving air quality and adds an organic, textural element to tropical-inspired interiors.
Light: Bright, indirect light; gentle sun tolerated
Water: Allow top few cm of soil to dry between waterings
Temperature: 1830 C; avoid below 15 C
Humidity: Moderate to high (6080%)
Soil: Airy, well-draining mix orchid bark, perlite, coco coir
Feed: Every 46 weeks in spring/summer
Growth: Slow-growing climber up to 1.5 m; speckled leaves and fuzzy pink-white blooms
Toxicity note: Mildly toxic if ingested; keep out of reach of pets and children.
Showcase Hoya caudata in a hanging basket or trained along a trellis to highlight its trailing vines and stunning leaf texture. Its mottled leaves look especially striking against dark or neutral pots, where the silvery tones stand out. Pair it with other Hoyas like Hoya callistophylla Black Cat or Hoya nummularioides for a contrasting collection of leaf shapes and colours. Ideal for bright living rooms, offices, or conservatories, this exotic beauty adds a touch of mystery and sophistication to any tropical display.