Hoya crassipetiolata ‘Splash Round Leaf’ — Compact Silver-Flecked Beauty with Rounded Charm
 
Among the most elegant compact Hoyas, Hoya crassipetiolata ‘Splash Round Leaf’ stands out for its shorter, rounded foliage covered in soft silver speckles. Each leaf feels almost sculpted — thick, leathery, and reflective — making this variety ideal for growers who love structure and texture. Native to humid forests of Southeast Asia, this resilient species thrives indoors with minimal effort, rewarding patient care with fragrant umbels of pale pink blooms.
 
 
Unique Traits of Hoya crassipetiolata ‘Splash Round Leaf’
Leaf shape and size: Broadly oval to round, 5–9 cm long and 3–5 cm wide, firm and glossy with irregular silver marbling.
Vining habit: Semi-compact, trailing or climbing; thick petioles give strong structure. Ideal for hoops or hanging planters.
Flowers: Star-shaped, 1–1.2 cm across, pale pink to creamy white with a glossy corona; light, sweet fragrance lasting several days.
Peduncles: Persistent and capable of reblooming; never remove them after flowering.
Growth tempo: Moderate, often producing 10–15 cm of new growth per season under good conditions.
 
 
Natural Origin and Ecology
Hoya crassipetiolata (Rodda & Simonsson, 2013) is native to Vietnam, Laos, and parts of Thailand, where it grows epiphytically on mossy branches in shaded, humid forests. The ‘Round Leaf’ form differs slightly from standard plants by producing shorter, broader leaves and thicker petioles — likely a natural response to slightly brighter canopy conditions in its habitat.
These forest origins explain its preferences: bright filtered light, steady humidity, and an airy root zone that mimics the way Hoyas anchor to bark and absorb moisture from humid air.
 
 
Care Guide for Hoya crassipetiolata ‘Splash Round Leaf’
Light
Bright, indirect light or gentle filtered sun. Target roughly 200–400 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹ PPFD (DLI 8–12) for compact, well-marked leaves. Avoid harsh midday rays behind glass.
Temperature
Daytime 18–26 °C, nighttime 15–20 °C. Tolerates brief dips to 13 °C if foliage remains dry.
Humidity
Keep ≥ 60 %, ideally 70–80 % for steady growth and flower initiation. Avoid sudden drops below 50 %.
Watering
Let the top 3–4 cm of substrate dry before watering again. Flush thoroughly, then allow excess to drain. Avoid waterlogging.
Substrate
Use a coarse, breathable mix:
40 % fine orchid bark · 25 % pumice or perlite · 20 % coco chips · 10 % horticultural charcoal · 5 % long-fibre sphagnum.
Never overpot — roots prefer tight spaces.
Feeding
Light, continuous feeding gives better results than heavy bursts. Apply 50–75 ppm N (EC 0.4–0.8 mS/cm) at every watering. Flush monthly with plain water to prevent salt accumulation.
Semi-hydro setups
Adapts well to inert or semi-hydro substrates if moisture and oxygen remain balanced. Keep EC below 1.0 mS/cm and flush regularly.
 
 
Common Problems and Quick Fixes
Yellowing leaves → Overwatering or poor drainage. Let substrate dry more thoroughly.
Faded silver pattern → Light too low. Move to brighter filtered conditions.
Brown leaf tips → Low humidity or salt buildup. Raise RH and flush mix.
Slow or stalled growth → Roots compacted or mix too fine. Repot one size up with fresh airy substrate.
Pests → Occasional mealybugs or spider mites. Remove early with mild soap or biological control agents.
 
 
Additional Tips for Collectors
Always keep old peduncles — they rebloom from the same point.
Best results when the plant is slightly root-bound.
Use a trellis or circular hoop for structured growth.
Propagate easily from 2-node cuttings in warm, humid air; roots in 2–4 weeks.
The silver splash varies with light and leaf age — higher light brings stronger contrast, but excessive sun can dull it.
 
Safety Information
Produces clear, non-toxic latex, but sap can irritate sensitive skin. Wash off promptly and keep out of reach of pets that chew leaves.
 
Etymology
The genus Hoya honours Thomas Hoy, 18th-century gardener to the Duke of Northumberland. The species name crassipetiolata means “thick-petioled,” referencing its robust leaf stalks — a feature exaggerated in the round-leaf form.
 
FAQs
How does ‘Round Leaf’ differ from standard ‘Splash’?
Its leaves are shorter, rounder, and thicker, creating a denser, more compact look.
Will the silver splash fade over time?
It’s light-dependent — strongest in bright filtered light and more subdued in shade.
Can it bloom indoors?
Yes, with bright light, stable humidity, and cooler nights. Peduncles may rebloom several times a year.
Should I cut the vines back?
You can trim for shape, but keep peduncles intact to avoid losing flower points.
Is it suitable for semi-hydro?
Yes, if kept airy, evenly moist, and flushed to prevent mineral buildup.
 
Bring home Hoya crassipetiolata ‘Splash Round Leaf’ — a compact, silver-flecked showpiece that pairs sculptural foliage with understated fragrance. Perfect for bright rooms, shelves, or hanging displays. Order yours today and enjoy the satisfaction of a low-effort Hoya that still looks like a collector’s prize.