Hoya finlaysonii 'Round Leaf' – Bold Foliage, Easygoing Growth


Hoya finlaysonii 'Round Leaf' is a striking, thick-leaved cultivar of Hoya finlaysonii Wight, a tropical epiphytic species native to Thailand and Peninsular Malaysia. This variant stands out with its nearly circular, leathery leaves featuring bold dark-green venation across a pale background. Perfect for both trellised and cascading displays, it combines rugged visual texture with slow, manageable indoor growth.


What Makes Hoya finlaysonii 'Round Leaf' Stand Out?



 
Chunky, round foliage: Unlike the narrower wild-type form, this cultivar produces compact, rounded leaves with a waxy surface and pronounced structure.
 
High-contrast venation: Prominent dark green veins create an almost geometric overlay on soft green leaves — especially visible in bright indirect light.
 
Structured vining habit: Naturally climbs or trails, ideal for training on supports or allowing to spill from hanging planters.


Native Habitat and Natural Growth


Hoya finlaysonii is found growing epiphytically in the lowland rainforests of Southeast Asia. In its native environment, it clings to tree trunks in warm, humid conditions with dappled light and excellent airflow — all of which can be recreated in bright indoor settings.


Care Guide for Hoya finlaysonii 'Round Leaf'



 
Light: Bright, indirect light is ideal. Morning or late afternoon sun is fine, but avoid harsh midday rays that can damage leaves.
 
Watering: Let the top 80 – 90% of the substrate dry out before watering. This Hoya prefers a drying cycle and dislikes constantly wet roots.
 
Humidity: Thrives in 60 – 70% humidity. Tolerates less but will benefit from a humidifier or pebble tray during dry periods.
 
Temperature: Performs best between 18 – 26°C. Avoid exposure below 12°C for extended periods.
 
Substrate: Use a loose, airy mix with orchid bark, perlite, and coco chips. Fast drainage is key — avoid compact or moisture-retentive soils.
 
Feeding: Apply a balanced houseplant fertilizer (NPK 3-1-2 or similar) monthly at half strength. Continue feeding year-round as long as the plant is actively growing.


Common Issues and How to Fix Them



 
Yellowing leaves: Usually a sign of overwatering or poor drainage. Always check the root zone and let soil dry more thoroughly.
 
Root rot: Prevent by using a fast-draining substrate and avoiding waterlogged conditions. Repot if roots turn mushy or black.
 
Pests: Check for mealybugs, spider mites, or scale — especially in dry air. Treat with neem oil, insecticidal soap, or beneficial insects.
 
Sudden leaf drop: Often linked to abrupt environmental changes. Keep temperatures stable and avoid repositioning too often.


Growth Tips for a Happy Hoya



 
Training: Use a moss pole or trellis for vertical growth, or let vines trail from shelves or planters for a wilder look.
 
Pruning: Cut back long stems to encourage branching. Avoid removing peduncles — these can rebloom.
 
Propagation: Take stem cuttings with 2 – 3 nodes. Let cut ends callous before rooting in water, perlite, or sphagnum moss.


Is Hoya finlaysonii 'Round Leaf' Toxic?


This cultivar, like most Hoyas, is not listed as toxic to pets or humans. However, the latex sap may irritate sensitive skin or mouths, so keep out of reach of curious pets and children.


Etymology: The Names Behind the Plant


The genus Hoya honors English botanist Thomas Hoy. The species name finlaysonii commemorates Scottish naturalist George Finlayson, who documented plants during early 19th-century expeditions in Southeast Asia. The 'Round Leaf' designation refers to the cultivar’s uniquely circular leaf shape.


Add Hoya finlaysonii 'Round Leaf' to your collection and enjoy slow-growing elegance, bold patterns, and low-maintenance structure in one spectacular vine.