Hoya lacunosa ‘Amarillo’ – golden-blossomed trailing Hoya with soft tropical fragrance
 
Hoya lacunosa ‘Amarillo’ is a compact, trailing cultivar of the Southeast Asian Hoya lacunosa, loved for its warm golden blooms and sweet evening scent. The name ‘Amarillo’ – Spanish for “yellow” – captures the delicate creamy-yellow hue that sets this plant apart from other lacunosa forms. Originating from humid lowland forests across Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia (100–900 m elevation), this small-leaved epiphyte is part of Hoya section Acanthostemma, known for its petite, recurved flowers and frequent blooming.
 
Hoya lacunosa ‘Amarillo’ combines manageable growth with tropical charm — perfect for collectors who want something refined yet low-maintenance.
 
● What makes Hoya lacunosa ‘Amarillo’ stand out
Golden tones: Each umbel carries 15–25 small, creamy-yellow flowers about 1 cm across, with a warm honey scent in the evening.
Compact habit: Produces fine, trailing vines with glossy, leathery leaves around 2–3 cm long.
Rare cultivar: Still limited in availability and prized for its colour shift and reliable bloom cycle.
Shipping size: Comes as a rooted plug (approx. ⌀ 2 cm, 10 cm tall).
 
● Getting the light and watering rhythm right
Light: Bright, indirect light is ideal; too much sun fades leaves, too little slows flowering.
Watering: Let the top 2 cm of substrate dry before watering again. Avoid dense or soggy mixes.
Routine: Keep watering consistent — stability encourages more blooms over time.
 
● Warmth, humidity, and the perfect substrate mix
Humidity: 60–80 % supports lush growth and frequent umbels.
Temperature: Prefers 18–27 °C, minimum 15 °C. Avoid sudden temperature drops.
Substrate: Loose, airy blend of bark, perlite, and coco coir or a mineral semi-hydro substrate.
Airflow: Gentle air movement helps prevent fungus and keeps leaves healthy.
 
● Feeding and repotting made simple
Fertilizing: Light feed every 4–6 weeks with a diluted, balanced fertilizer.
Repotting: Only when roots fill the pot — every 2–3 years is enough.
Tip: Slightly root-bound plants bloom more readily, so resist overpotting.
 
● Propagation and display inspiration
Cuttings: Root easily from one- or two-node segments in sphagnum, perlite, or water.
Display: Perfect trailing from a shelf or hanging planter, or climbing a small trellis.
Pairing: Looks stunning alongside white-flowering Hoya lacunosa cultivars for contrast.
 
● How to encourage flowering
Keep Hoya lacunosa ‘Amarillo’ in one bright, stable location — Hoyas dislike frequent moves.
Provide steady humidity and warm temperatures.
Never remove flower spurs; they rebloom from the same point.
Expect first flowers within 12–18 months under stable conditions.
 
● Common issues and simple fixes
Wrinkled leaves: Irregular watering or low humidity.
Yellowing: Usually a sign of excess water or compact substrate.
No blooms: Check light intensity and avoid changing position too often.
Pests: Occasionally mealybugs or spider mites — treat early with neem or insecticidal soap.
 
● Key care reminders
Bright, indirect light = compact, healthy growth.
Airy substrate prevents root rot and allows oxygen flow.
Humidity above 60 % keeps the foliage fresh and glossy.
For more detailed substrate and humidity tips, see our Hoya Care Guide.
 
● Etymology and background
Hoya: Named after 18th-century botanist Thomas Hoy, gardener to the Duke of Northumberland.
lacunosa: Refers to the faint depressions between the veins on the leaf surface.
‘Amarillo’: Spanish for “yellow,” describing the cultivar’s golden bloom tone and warm appearance.
 
● FAQs about Hoya lacunosa ‘Amarillo’
Is it beginner-friendly?
Yes — compact, tolerant, and ideal for bright indoor settings.
Does it need high humidity?
Moderate to high (60–80 %) keeps it at its best, especially during flowering.
Can it grow in semi-hydro?
Yes, once rooted, it adapts very well to mineral substrates.
Is it pet-safe?
Yes, non-toxic to humans and pets.
How long until it blooms?
Usually 12–18 months in warm, bright, stable conditions.
 
Bring Hoya lacunosa ‘Amarillo’ into your home
Add a touch of golden warmth to your collection with Hoya lacunosa ‘Amarillo’ — a rare, fragrant cultivar that thrives indoors and rewards patience with soft, honey-scented blooms. Easy to grow, beautiful to display, and gentle on care routines — a perfect match for any collector’s space.