12 Rare Hoyas with Wild Leaf Shapes and Strong Vines

This post may contain affiliate links, which helps keep this content free. Please read our disclosure for more info.

Hoya serpens

Hoya serpens is a unique species known for its distinctive small, oval-shaped leaves that resemble teardrops. The leaves have a glossy texture, with a dark green color that contrasts beautifully with the plant’s purple-burgundy flowers. Its strong vines can easily reach up to 3 feet in length, making it a perfect addition for hanging baskets or cascading arrangements. This

Hoya is not only attractive but also relatively easy to care for, thriving in bright, indirect light and well-drained soil. It has a slow growth habit, but its vines will eventually spread out as it matures, adding a lush look to your space. While it is often grown indoors, it can be kept outdoors in warmer climates, provided it is shielded from direct sunlight. Hoya serpens is highly sought after by collectors for its rare appearance and vibrant blooms.

Hoya kerrii

Often referred to as the “Sweetheart Hoya,” this variety is beloved for its heart-shaped leaves that add a charming touch to any collection. Hoya kerrii has thick, fleshy leaves that are deep green in color, and they can grow quite large, with mature plants displaying a dense arrangement of foliage. The vines are sturdy and capable of supporting the plant’s growth, making it an ideal choice for a trellis or hanging pot.

The flowers of Hoya kerrii are small and star-shaped, with a delicate fragrance that attracts pollinators. This plant is low-maintenance and does well in a variety of indoor environments, though it prefers a warm, bright spot with moderate humidity. It is particularly notable for its slow-growing nature, requiring minimal attention once established. While it is common to find a single heart-shaped leaf for sale, mature plants with full vines are highly valued in the Hoya community.

Hoya obovata

Hoya obovata is a stunning species that stands out due to its large, round, and fleshy leaves. These leaves are typically a dark green, sometimes speckled with a silver pattern, which makes it visually striking. The plant’s vines are thick and sturdy, growing long and flexible, capable of reaching several feet in length.

This Hoya is known for its ability to tolerate a variety of conditions, making it an excellent choice for beginners and collectors alike. Hoya obovata blooms with clusters of fragrant flowers, which are small and waxy, often white with a pinkish hue. It requires moderate light and humidity levels, thriving in well-draining soil. Its slow-growing nature means it can take some time to reach full maturity, but once it does, it can quickly become a stunning centerpiece.

Hoya polyneura

One of the most intriguing Hoyas, Hoya polyneura features long, slender leaves that have a striking pattern of veins running throughout them. The veins on this plant are often lighter in color, creating a net-like appearance that enhances the visual appeal of the foliage. Its vines are exceptionally strong, allowing the plant to climb and cascade with ease. The leaves of this species are elongated and slightly curved, with a leathery texture that adds durability.

The plant thrives in indirect light and is not as sensitive to low light conditions, which makes it adaptable for various indoor settings. Hoya polyneura produces beautiful clusters of pinkish-white flowers that give off a subtle, sweet fragrance. As it matures, the vines will form a dense mass, making it an ideal choice for a hanging basket or wall-mounted trellis.

Hoya Australis

Hoya australis is a popular species among collectors, known for its unique, elongated leaves and rapid growth habit. The leaves are a deep green, often smooth and glossy, and can vary in shape from oval to lance-shaped. Its vines are strong and durable, capable of supporting the plant as it climbs or spreads across the ground.

Hoya australis is particularly appreciated for its resilience and ability to thrive in a variety of conditions. While it requires bright, indirect light to grow, it can also tolerate lower light levels. The flowers of this Hoya are star-shaped and cream-colored, often with a pink center, adding a delicate touch to its overall appearance. With proper care, Hoya australis can develop into a sprawling vine with dense foliage, making it an excellent choice for vertical gardens or large pots.

Hoya caudata

Hoya caudata is recognized for its extraordinary leaf shape, which features a long, narrow, and slightly pointed tip. The leaves are often a deep green, with a somewhat rough texture that adds a unique dimension to the plant. Its vines are remarkably sturdy and can support the rapid growth of the plant, making it suitable for climbing and trailing purposes.

Hoya caudata is known for its vigorous growth, producing strong vines that can easily cover a trellis or other support structures. The flowers are creamy white with a slight pink tinge, adding another layer of beauty to this remarkable plant. It thrives in bright, indirect light and requires well-drained soil to prevent root rot. This Hoya is well-loved by collectors due to its rare and interesting leaf structure, as well as its fast-growing vines.

Hoya lasiantha

With its deeply textured leaves and impressive vines, Hoya lasiantha is a striking variety that stands out in any Hoya collection. The leaves of this species are oval, with a matte green surface that sometimes features a subtle red or bronze hue on the edges. The vines are strong and can grow to impressive lengths, making it suitable for both climbing and cascading displays.

As it matures, Hoya lasiantha develops clusters of small, fragrant flowers that are a creamy white with a pinkish center. This species thrives in warm, humid environments with moderate to bright light. It requires a well-drained soil mix to prevent root rot and should not be kept in direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves. Hoya lasiantha is appreciated for its rare appearance and the beauty it adds to any space.

Hoya linearis

Hoya linearis is a striking species known for its long, thread-like leaves and cascading vines. The leaves are narrow and elongated, often appearing delicate and almost like thin strands of green. The vines are strong and capable of growing long, which makes this species perfect for hanging baskets or as a trailing plant along shelves.

This Hoya produces small, star-shaped flowers that are typically white or pale yellow, with a pleasant fragrance that fills the surrounding area. Hoya linearis thrives in bright, indirect light and requires regular watering during the growing season. It does well in moderate to high humidity, and its care requirements are relatively simple compared to other Hoyas. This species is favored for its unusual leaf shape and its ability to cover large areas with its beautiful vines.

Hoya mindorensis

A rare and highly sought-after variety, Hoya mindorensis stands out due to its unique and striking leaves, which are long, narrow, and leathery in texture. The plant’s vines are strong, allowing it to grow rapidly and establish itself as a focal point in any plant collection. The flowers of Hoya mindorensis are star-shaped and creamy white, often appearing in clusters that fill the air with a sweet fragrance.

This species thrives in bright, indirect light and prefers a humid environment, which makes it ideal for indoor spaces. The plant’s ability to tolerate moderate drought conditions also makes it relatively low-maintenance once established. Hoya mindorensis is particularly valuable for collectors due to its rarity and distinct appearance, making it a prized addition to any Hoya enthusiast’s collection.

Hoya verticillata

Hoya verticillata is a rare species known for its interesting leaf formation, where the leaves grow in clusters around the stem, creating a whorled appearance. The leaves are a vibrant green and slightly waxy, which helps the plant conserve moisture. Its vines are strong and can grow rapidly, making it an excellent choice for hanging baskets or climbing trellises.

Hoya verticillata produces clusters of tiny, star-shaped flowers that are typically white or cream with a subtle pink hue. The plant thrives in bright, indirect light and prefers a well-draining soil mix to avoid root rot. This Hoya is perfect for beginners, as it is relatively easy to care for and highly adaptable. Its unusual leaf formation and strong, vigorous growth make it a prized species among Hoya collectors.

Hoya thomsonii

Hoya thomsonii is a remarkable species with leaves that are narrow and lance-shaped, often with a deep green color that can take on a reddish hue near the edges. The plant’s leaves have a slightly textured surface, adding to its unique charm. The vines of this Hoya are strong and can easily support its vigorous growth, making it suitable for vertical gardens or large hanging pots.

Hoya thomsonii produces beautiful, small flowers that are typically white with a pale pink center, giving the plant a delicate yet striking appearance. It prefers bright, indirect light and does well in warm, humid environments. The plant is relatively low-maintenance but requires well-draining soil to thrive. Collectors often seek out this species for its striking leaf shape and the unique vibrancy it brings to a collection.

Hoya ‘Wayetii’

Hoya ‘Wayetii’ is known for its stunning variegated leaves, which are typically a combination of dark green and creamy white. The leaves are waxy and smooth, making them stand out in any Hoya collection. This variety is highly sought after because of its contrasting leaf colors and the thick, strong vines that support its growth. Hoya ‘Wayetii’ produces small, star-shaped flowers that are white with a hint of pink, adding a delicate touch to its vibrant foliage.

It thrives in bright, indirect light and requires moderate humidity to perform its best. The plant is easy to care for and can tolerate a range of light conditions, making it an excellent choice for those new to Hoyas. Due to its rarity and attractive appearance, this Hoya is a prized addition to any collection.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.