Asclepiadaceae - Botanical Family

Hoodia is stem succulent, described as "cactiform" because of its remarkable similarity to the unrelated cactus family.

Several species are grown as garden plants, and one species, Hoodia gordonii, is being investigated for use as an appetite suppressant.

They have attractive succulent leaves is a wide variety of sizes, shapes and patterns. Bright red cup shaped very large flowers, with white beneath corona, pink flowers with a darker star in the center. Propagation: cuttings.

The waxflower, or Hoya australis, is a tropical species that thrives in USDA Zone 9-11. It is also a popular choice for container and hanging basket gardens, as it is a moderately vigorous climbing plant. The leaves are thick and succulent, almost round in shape, and can grow up to 9cm across. The stems contain a white, milky sap that is poisonous. The flowers of the waxflower are fragrant and white in color, with deep red markings in the center. They grow in clusters of up to 40 on long stalks.

When caring for the waxflower in cold regions, it is important to provide moderate, but not excessive, water. In winter, the plant should be kept slightly dryer than in summer. It is also important to protect the waxflower from temperatures below freezing. In order to achieve optimal growth, the waxflower should be grown in a well-lit area with a bit of dappled overhead shade to protect it from the sun. It thrives in well-drained soil, though it does not require particularly fertile soil.

The waxflower can be propagated from cuttings taken at any time, using a good propagating mix, or from fresh seed. It is successful in temperate areas if protected from frost, although it will tolerate light frosts. Flowering is best with good light, but the plant will still grow in heavy shade. Overall, the waxflower is a beautiful and fragrant addition to any garden, as long as it is given the proper care and protection.

Hoya bella (Beautiful Hoya) is a compact epiphytic species native to northeastern India, Myanmar, and parts of Southeast Asia. In its natural habitat, it grows on tree branches in warm, humid forests, where it receives bright filtered light and excellent air circulation. Unlike many larger hoyas that climb vigorously, Hoya bella develops naturally pendent stems lined with small, pointed leaves, making it particularly well suited to hanging baskets and elevated containers.

The species is valued for its abundant clusters of star-shaped flowers, which feature white reflexed petals surrounding a prominent pink to purple central corona. The blooms are often sweetly fragrant, especially in the evening, and may be produced repeatedly throughout the warm season. Unlike some hoyas that require years of growth before flowering, Hoya bella often begins blooming while still relatively small. It prefers bright filtered light, a loose, well-drained growing medium, and regular moisture, but should not remain waterlogged or be allowed to dry out completely for extended periods. Suitable for USDA Zones 10-11, it is most commonly grown as a houseplant or container specimen in cooler climates, where its compact habit and reliable flowering make it one of the most widely cultivated hoya species.

Hoya bilobata is a miniature epiphytic vine from the Philippines with slender trailing stems and pairs of tiny, thick, olive‑green leaves, each slightly notched at the tip. Clusters of deep pink to reddish star‑shaped flowers appear along the stems, lightly fragrant and produced in abundance. Though small, the blooms create a striking contrast with the dense foliage. Its fine texture and petite scale make it an appealing choice for hanging baskets or small containers.

Provide bright filtered light, a free‑draining mix, and regular moisture during active growth, allowing the surface to dry slightly between waterings. It appreciates warm indoor conditions and benefits from higher humidity. In frost‑free areas, it may be grown outdoors in sheltered spots. Protect from temperatures below 50°F. Slow‑growing and compact, it rewards patient growers with charming seasonal displays and is especially valued by collectors with limited space.Hoya plants often mislabelled as Hoya bilobata or Hoya tsangii in garden centers and big-box stores are actually Hoya sp. DS-70.

Hoya calycina is a vigorous climbing species native to Papua New Guinea and nearby regions, where it grows as an epiphyte in warm, humid forests. Its long twining stems and medium to large green leaves allow mature plants to develop into impressive specimens, making this species well suited to trellises, hanging baskets, and greenhouse collections.

The species is especially valued for its large, strongly fragrant flowers, which are considered among the most aromatic in the genus. Produced in rounded clusters, the blooms are typically cream to pale greenish-white with pinkish to reddish tones toward the center. Their sweet perfume is often strongest during the evening and nighttime hours. Established plants may flower repeatedly throughout the year when provided with warm temperatures, bright filtered light, and regular moisture. A loose, well-drained growing medium helps maintain healthy roots, while moderate to high humidity encourages vigorous growth and flowering. As with many hoyas, flower spurs should be left intact, as new blooms are often produced from the same locations. Suitable for USDA Zones 10-11, Hoya calycina should be protected from temperatures below 50°F and is most commonly grown as a container plant in cooler climates.

Hoya carnosa does best in at least 4 hours of direct sunlight a day, but also can be grown in bright indirect or curtain-filtered sunlight. Night temperatures of 60F to 65F and day temperatures of 70F or higher are optimal. Water freely during flowering but allow the soil to become almost dry between waterings when the plants are resting. Fertilize every 2 months in spring and summer. Do not remove the leafless spurs or stubs, on which new flowers appear every year.

Hoya carnosa Compacta, also known as Hindu Rope, is a groundcover and low-growing shrub plant native to South East Asia through Australia. It features ornamental foliage with interesting curled leaves. Each leaf is dappled with red, crimson and vinous colors. The beautiful blooms of Hindu Rope are fragrant and attract butterflies, Hummingbirds and other pollinators. The lower portion of the stem tends to take on an interesting rope-like shape hence the common name. It is quite a slow-growing plant, but with the right kind of care, it can turn out to be a showstopper in any garden.

Hindu Rope can grow in full or partial shade. They prefer moderate watering and are quite tolerant of salt, making them a greatly suitable choice in seaside plantings. In USDA Hardiness Zones 9 to 11 they are evergreen and need extra focus on fertilizer, potting mix and plenty of sunshine. If the Hindu Rope is grown in cooler climates with snow and frost, the plant should be in a pot and moved indoors during cold season. The soil should be well-aerated and light with a neutral pH and with plenty of organic material. During the growing season, use a balanced liquid fertilizer for best results. Pruning is not required, but in case you want to keep the plant compact, you can prune after flowering. Make sure to sterilize your pruning tool beforehand to avoid the spread of disease.

Hoya curtisii (Million Hearts) does extremely well in the shade and semi-shade outdoors and enjoys the bright indirect light indoors. This plant is an easy to care for epiphyte with low-growing habit that can grow up to a maximum of 2 feet. It has a beautiful ornamental foliage, with small, silver variegated heart-shaped leaves that can range in size up to 1/2 inch. Single flowers are creamy-green, have five petals characteristically bent backwards and covered with dense, short hairs, and a tiny creamy-white corolla with red spots. The plant has a clinging, mat-like habit, which makes it a great groundcover to fill out flowerpots with other larger plants. In general, Hoya curtisii should be grown in USDA Zone 10 to 11, enjoys indirect light and moderate water.

When planting Hoya curtisii in colder regions in pot, it is important to make sure the pot is placed in a sheltered location away from harsh winter winds. If grown in pot, using a pot that can easily be brought indoors during winter is recommended. When it comes to caring for Hoya curtisii, the pot should be well-draining and filled with a mix of soil and a coarse-grained organic material, like bark. Also, it is important to make sure the soil is kept moist but not wet. If you are growing it indoors, it is also important to provide adequate air circulation around the plant.

Hoya kerrii, commonly known as Sweetheart Hoya, Valentine Hoya, or Lucky Heart Plant, is a slow-growing evergreen climber native to Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, southern China, and the Indonesian island of Java. A member of the Apocynaceae family, it is one of the most recognizable Hoyas thanks to its thick, nearly circular heart-shaped leaves, which have made it a popular Valentine's gift. In nature it climbs tree trunks in warm tropical forests, using aerial roots to anchor itself and absorb moisture from the humid environment. Mature vines can reach 10 to 13 feet (3 to 4 m) in length, although container-grown plants usually remain much smaller.

The thick, succulent leaves act as water reservoirs, helping the plant withstand occasional dry periods. Established plants produce clusters of small, star-shaped flowers, usually with creamy white to pale yellow corollas and reddish to pink centers. The blooms are long-lasting, often lightly fragrant, and rich in nectar. Like many Hoyas, this species grows best in bright, indirect light, a very well-drained potting mix, and moderate watering after the soil has partially dried. Single rooted leaves are often sold as novelty plants, but only cuttings that include a stem node can eventually develop into full vines. Hoya kerrii is well suited to hanging baskets, trellises, and containers, although its slow growth requires patience. Hardy in USDA Zones 10-11, it is commonly grown indoors or as a patio plant in cooler climates. Variegated cultivars with cream or yellow leaf markings are also popular among collectors.