Habitat and Ecology
Hoya amicabilis is a recently discovered epiphytic shrub that is endemic to the island of Java, Indonesia. It was found growing at a relatively high elevation in the pine forests of Purworejo, Central Java. This species is highly unusual for a Javanese Hoya, as it was found in an area where new plant discoveries are rare. It thrives in an intermediate, humid environment, likely requiring filtered light that penetrates the forest canopy and consistent air movement. The species name amicabilis (meaning "friendly" or "amicable") refers to its discovery and rapid distribution within the plant community, particularly via social media.
Description
This Hoya is a shrubby, upright-growing perennial, distinguishing itself from the long, trailing habit of many common Hoya species. It is a compact plant that maintains a bushy form. The leaves are thin-leaved, ovate to lance-shaped, and a dark green colour. A notable cultivated form is the 'Silver Splash', which features a beautiful silvery mottling or splash across the leaves. The flowers are produced readily in small, pendent clusters (umbels) of up to 15 blooms. The individual flowers are small (0.7 cm), cup-shaped, and pubescent (fuzzy), with both the corolla and corona typically being a bright yellow or greenish-yellow colour. The blooms are often subtly and sweetly fragrant and can last for up to ten days.
Cultivation
Hoya amicabilis is a relatively easy-to-grow, intermediate Hoya best suited for a bright indoor location, like a warm windowsill or conservatory. It needs bright, filtered light; strong filtered light will encourage better growth and enhance any silver variegation, but direct sun should be avoided. The thin leaves indicate a need for more frequent watering than thick-leaved Hoya species. Use an airy, very well-draining epiphytic mix of orchid bark, perlite, and a small amount of coir or synthetic peat. Allow the top half of the substrate to dry out slightly between waterings—it dislikes being overly dry or waterlogged. Moderate to high humidity (50-70%) is beneficial.
Optimal Daytime Temperature: 18-29 C (65-85 F)
Minimum Nighttime Temperature: Must be kept above 10 C (50 F).
Feed regularly (monthly during the growing season) with a balanced liquid fertiliser diluted to half strength. Avoid cutting the spent flower spurs (peduncles) as it will re-bloom from them repeatedly.
Unique Features
This rare Javanese endemic is uniquely valued for its compact, shrubby growth habit, which makes it ideal for small spaces without requiring a trellis. Its most appealing trait is its early and frequent flowering, often blooming even as a juvenile plant. The abundance of tiny, bright yellow, cup-shaped flowers provides a cheerful, rewarding display, giving it a unique character among the more traditionally trailing Hoya species.
Specifications
Plant Size: Flowering sized plants 12 cm tall
Plant Family: Apocynaceae
Plant Passport: A Hoya amicabilis B 140084 C [buyer input number from the plant label] D GB
