Hoya Varieties Philippines: A Guide to Wax Plants

About Hoya Plants in the Philippines

Hoya varieties in the Philippines hold a special place in the global plant collecting community. The Philippines is one of the world's richest hotspots for hoya biodiversity, with over 100 endemic species found nowhere else on earth. New species are still being discovered in remote Philippine forests, particularly in Mindoro, Palawan, and the Cordillera highlands.

Hoyas, commonly called wax plants or porcelain flowers, are vining or trailing plants known for their thick, waxy leaves and stunning star-shaped flower clusters. They belong to the Apocynaceae family and grow naturally as epiphytes on trees in tropical forests. Filipino growers have a massive advantage because hoyas thrive in the warm, humid conditions that the Philippines provides year-round. Below are the top 8 hoya varieties for Filipino collectors.

1. Hoya Carnosa (Wax Plant)

Hoya carnosa is the most widely grown hoya in the Philippines and worldwide. Its thick, dark green leaves and large clusters of pink and white star-shaped flowers make it a classic favourite. The flowers produce a sweet, honey-like fragrance that fills a room at night. Carnosa is incredibly hardy and tolerates neglect well. It grows as a trailing vine or can be trained to climb a trellis. Several cultivars are available including 'Krimson Queen' with variegated white edges, 'Krimson Princess' with variegated centres, and 'Compacta' with curled rope-like leaves. Prices start at just 50 to 150 pesos for common forms.

2. Hoya Kerrii (Sweetheart Hoya)

Hoya kerrii is famous for its perfectly heart-shaped leaves. Plant shops often sell single-leaf cuttings as "valentine plants." However, a single leaf cutting without a node will not grow into a full plant. Buy specimens with a vine section for actual growth. Full kerrii plants produce clusters of thick, heart-shaped leaves along trailing vines. The flowers are small and fuzzy with red centres. A variegated form with cream edges commands higher prices. Kerrii grows slowly and needs bright indirect light. Full vining plants cost 200 to 800 pesos in the Philippines.

3. Hoya Pubicalyx

Hoya pubicalyx is the fastest-growing hoya available in the Philippines. It produces dark green, elongated leaves on vigorous vines that can cover a trellis within months. The flower clusters range from pale pink to deep burgundy depending on the cultivar. Popular varieties include 'Royal Hawaiian Purple' with dark purple flowers and 'Pink Silver' with silver-splashed leaves. Pubicalyx is extremely tough and blooms reliably from its second year. It tolerates low light and irregular watering. This is the best starter hoya for Filipino beginners, costing only 50 to 150 pesos.

4. Hoya Multiflora (Shooting Star Hoya)

Hoya multiflora stands out from other hoyas with its unique flower shape. Instead of the typical ball-shaped cluster, multiflora produces flowers that look like shooting stars with swept-back petals. The flowers are pale yellow with white centres. This species grows as an upright shrub rather than a vine, reaching about 50 to 70 cm tall. Multiflora blooms frequently and easily, often producing flowers within its first year. It prefers slightly more water than other hoyas. Available for 100 to 300 pesos at Philippine plant markets.

5. Hoya Mindorensis (Philippine Endemic)

Hoya mindorensis is a Philippine endemic species first discovered on the island of Mindoro. It produces fuzzy, orange to red flower clusters with a strong, sweet fragrance. The leaves are medium-sized, dark green, and slightly fuzzy. This species grows as an epiphyte in Philippine forests and translates well to cultivation on moss poles or hanging baskets. Mindorensis represents the incredible biodiversity of Philippine hoyas and is a must-have for collectors who value native species. Prices range from 300 to 1,000 pesos depending on size and source.

6. Hoya Obovata

Hoya obovata features large, round, dark green leaves with a splash of silver speckling. The thick, sturdy leaves grow along vigorous vines that look impressive in hanging baskets. Obovata produces large, fragrant flower clusters in pale pink with dark pink centres. It is one of the most robust hoyas and handles the intense Philippine heat without stress. Obovata grows well both indoors and outdoors in partial shade. Its large leaves make a bold visual statement compared to the smaller-leafed species. Available for 150 to 400 pesos.

7. Hoya Curtisii

Hoya curtisii is a miniature trailing hoya with tiny, spade-shaped leaves marked with silver patterns. The compact growth habit makes it perfect for small pots, terrariums, and mounted displays. Curtisii produces small clusters of pale yellow flowers with a light citrus scent. It grows slowly but creates a dense, mat-like cover over time. This species needs good air circulation and a fast-draining potting mix. Avoid overwatering, as the small roots rot easily. Curtisii mounts beautifully on pieces of driftwood or cork bark. Prices range from 150 to 400 pesos.

8. Hoya Linearis

Hoya linearis looks completely different from typical hoyas. Its long, thin, fuzzy leaves hang in curtain-like strands, giving it a soft, romantic appearance. The white, lemon-scented flowers add to its charm. Linearis naturally grows in cooler highland forests, so it performs best in air-conditioned rooms or cooler Philippine locations like Baguio and Tagaytay. In lowland areas, keep it in the coolest part of your home with good air circulation. It needs more water than most hoyas because the thin leaves dry out quickly. Priced at 200 to 600 pesos.

More Philippine Endemic Hoyas Worth Collecting

• Hoya blashernaezii - Large, glossy leaves with impressive orange flower clusters. Named after a Filipino botanist.
• Hoya buotii - Narrow, elongated leaves with fragrant pink flowers. Native to Luzon.
• Hoya halconensis - Found only on Mount Halcon in Mindoro. Small leaves with dark red flowers.
• Hoya wayetii - Long, narrow leaves with burgundy edges. Easy to grow and widely available.

Care Tips for Hoyas in the Philippines

Hoyas are low-maintenance plants that reward patience with spectacular blooms. Follow these tips for a thriving collection.

• Light - Bright indirect light for 4 to 6 hours daily. Morning sun from east-facing windows is ideal. More light means more flowers.
• Watering - Allow soil to dry out between waterings. Water every 7 to 10 days during the dry season and every 10 to 14 days during the rainy season. Hoyas are epiphytes and prefer to stay on the drier side.
• Soil - Use a fast-draining mix: 40% orchid bark, 30% perlite, 20% potting soil, 10% charcoal. Hoyas hate soggy roots.
• Humidity - Philippine humidity of 70 to 85% is perfect for most hoyas. Linearis and highland species prefer slightly lower humidity.
• Fertiliser - Feed every 2 weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertiliser. Switch to a phosphorus-heavy formula to encourage blooming.
• Blooming - Never cut old flower stalks (peduncles). Hoyas rebloom from the same peduncle year after year. Cutting it means waiting for a new one to grow.
• Support - Provide trellises, hoops, or moss poles for climbing species. Hanging baskets work well for trailing types.

Where to Buy Hoyas in the Philippines

• Cartimar Plant Market, Pasay - Several vendors specialise in hoya collections with common and rare species
• Facebook groups - "Hoya Philippines" and "Hoya Collectors PH" connect buyers with growers of rare endemic species
• Mountain province growers - Collectors in Benguet and Mountain Province offer endemic highland species at fair prices
• Shopee and Lazada - Search for specific hoya varieties with buyer reviews and nationwide delivery
• Philippine Hoya Society - Regular meetups, exhibits, and plant swaps for members

For more details, visit our hoya plant guide page.

Frequently Asked Questions