Hoya amoena Java IML 1038 is a rampant grower! I had to literally cut it out of its summer greenhouse; it had entwined almost every plant in the space. Here are a couple of photos after I got it chopped out and all wrapped up:
Final Day with Hoya platycaulis
Hoya platycaulis is a very unique plant that I wish was more readily available. I have no experience growing it as of yet and will report back as the months go by as to whether I’m successful or not.
A Visit with Hoya platycaulis
Here is a video of Hoya platycaulis that I made after just receiving the plant along with a discussion of how much is too much to pay for a Hoya:
Flower Comparisons Between Hoya lockii and Hoya platycaulis
I’ve read that there are similarities between the flowers of these two species. Here are some flower comparison photos:
Hoya platycaulis is Very Difficult to Propagate
From my books and the internet, the one universal truth about Hoya platycaulis seems to be that it is extremely difficult to propagate, and my one attempt at it seems to bear that out.
Where Hoya platycaulis Got Its Name From
Hoya platycaulis got its name from Latin platys and caulis for “flat” and “stem,” respectively. The trait that all new stem growth is flat seems to be unique to this Hoya. As the growth matures the flat stems will become rounder in time.
Hoya platycaulis is a Native of the Philippines
Hoya platycaulis is a native of the Philippines and was published by Simonsson & Rhodda in 2005.
Hoya platycaulis Becomes Available and I Pounce!
Every once and awhile, you get lucky. I happened to check eBay a week ago to see what was new and low and behold, Gardino had listed a Hoya platycaulis plant in flower for sale, and miracle of miracles, it was a buy it now and not an auction. The price was $57 and while it was the most that I ever intentionally paid for a Hoya, I jumped on it. The plant arrived a week later with flowers still intact.
Let’s Talk About Hoya platycaulis
I first heard about Hoya platycaulis a number of years ago in a Hoya forum, and have wanted one ever since. I never pursued acquiring it seriously, because one, I almost never saw it available, and two, it was way too expensive when I did find one. A good Hoya friend had Ted Green send me a cutting of the plant over the summer, and despite my best efforts, I could not get it to root. More tomorrow – below the leaves of Hoya platycaulis:
Final Day with Hoya sp. Maenam IML 1420
Hoya sp. Maenam IML 1420 is most notable for it beautiful pubescent leaves. The plant is not too difficult to grow, and would make a worthy addition to any collection.
