Hoya microphylla was discovered by the German botanist Rudolf Schlechter in Northeastern New Guinea, on trees in the forests of the Bismarck Mountains, 1100 m. 2 November 1908.

Here is a teaser photo of Hoya microphylla; tomorrow we begin looking at this very sweet little plant.

Here is a rare set of Hoya sulawesiana buds that made it to term. I don’t seem to grow this species particularly well, or it just does not like my conditions. as most sets of buds fall off just before opening. It is just as well as this Hoya probably drips more nectar, in relation to the size of its flowers, than any other Hoya I have grown.

This is the most flowers I have had to date on a single peduncle on this species so I thought I should photograph it for posterity.

This is an interesting plant that has been around in the hobby since the early 2000’s. I wanted to grow it the first time that I saw its cute little yellow flowers, and am super happy that I got the chance give it a go. I don’t have anything bad to say about this plant; the flowers collect a little nectar, but not enough to drip. It is an easy grower that I think could make a somewhat unkept, but impressive looking hanging basket. If you have not tried this one yet I urge you to pick one up. I should also say that a very attractive variegated version has now been released that is quite striking.

If it were to do over again, I would grow this species in a hanging basket. It does not twine, is a rampant grower once it gets going, and is difficult to keep up with tying to a trellis. This plant would also do best where it could actually get less light. My grow tents are over lit and many species get sun stressed and Hoya tsangii is one of them. The leaves get red and blotchy from too much light. I believe they look best when kept nice and green. Below my plant in its entirety:

Here is a comparison photo of these two Acanthostemma Section Hoyas:

Unlike most Acanthostemma Section Hoya, this species flowers did not have a strong scent of caramel. The scent was light, fresh and almost imperceptible. The flowers are very small as can be seen in this photo comparing the entire umbel with a quarter for perspective.

Hoya tsangii is one of those rare Hoyas that open its flowers in the day light, and do not open them in the dark. The flowers opened over the course of three days; first two flowers, then six flowers and finally nine flowers.

This plant was not a quick bloomer that would flower withing a few months from cutting. I was beginning to wonder if it was ever going to bloom, but right around the two year mark it put out its first peduncle and began to bud up. Below the buds of Hoya tsangii: