Hoya lacunosa ‘Laos’ – silver-splashed leaves, cinnamon-scented blooms, naturally compact
 
Hoya lacunosa ‘Laos’ is a beautifully patterned, locality form of Hoya lacunosa originating from the tropical forests of Laos. Its teardrop-shaped leaves shimmer with fine silver mottling, and new growth often flushes soft pink to violet before maturing into a glossy deep green.
 
Native to Southeast Asia, this species grows as an epiphyte in the humid lowland and foothill forests of Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Laos (100–900 m elevation). The ‘Laos’ form was collected in Northern Laos and selected for its distinct silver patterning and subtle coloration.
 
When mature, it produces delicate, fuzzy, cream-white blooms with a sweet, cinnamon-like fragrance that fills the air at dusk — a signature scent of lacunosa Hoyas.
 
Comes as a rooted plug ca. ⌀ 2–3 cm, approximately 10 cm tall – ready to establish quickly in your collection.
 
● What makes Hoya lacunosa ‘Laos’ special
Silver-splashed foliage: Fine, natural speckling that stays visible even in moderate indoor light.
Colorful new growth: Fresh leaves often blush pink or violet before turning green.
Cinnamon-scented blooms: Umbels of 15–25 cream-white flowers, each about 1 cm across.
Compact growth habit: Trails neatly from pots or climbs small supports without tangling.
Collector’s origin: A distinct Lao selection known for reliable variegation and fragrance.
 
● Natural habitat & growth characteristics
In its native forests, Hoya lacunosa grows on tree trunks and branches under filtered light, where air movement and humidity stay constant year-round.

‘Laos’ keeps these preferences in cultivation — thriving in bright, indirect light, airy substrates, and consistent but moderate watering.
 
Unlike many variegated Hoyas, this form maintains its silver pattern even under typical indoor conditions, making it an adaptable choice for homes or smaller urban setups.
 
● How to care for Hoya lacunosa ‘Laos’
Light – Bright, indirect light keeps leaves compact and maintains the silver splash.
Watering – Let the top 2 cm of substrate dry before watering again; avoid soggy conditions.
Humidity – 60–80 % preferred; tolerates room humidity if watering is steady.
Temperature – Ideal range 18–27 °C; avoid drops below 15 °C.
Substrate – Open, breathable mix: bark, perlite, coco coir, or a mineral semi-hydro base.
Feeding – Apply a mild, balanced fertilizer every 4–6 weeks during growth.
Propagation – Easy via one- or two-node cuttings in water, perlite, or sphagnum.
Repotting – Every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; slightly root-bound plants flower best.
Growth speed – Moderate to fast once established in warm, bright conditions.
Toxicity – Non-toxic to humans and pets.
 
● Common issues and their causes
Yellowing leaves: Usually overwatering or compact soil; improve drainage and spacing between waterings.
Wrinkled leaves: Underwatering or dry air; adjust watering rhythm and raise humidity.
Pale foliage: Too much direct sun; move to softer filtered light.
No blooms: Keep stable position and high light; Hoya lacunosa dislikes frequent relocation.
Pests: Occasionally mealybugs or mites; remove early with neem oil or mild insecticidal soap.
 
● Additional notes for collectors
‘Laos’ combines the ease of classic lacunosa with visual flair. The silver-splashed leaves contrast beautifully with its creamy flowers and evening fragrance. Its growth stays compact and refined, making it ideal for small spaces, hanging planters, or bright plant shelves.
This cultivar adapts easily to semi-hydro substrates and shows steady growth under moderate humidity.

For detailed substrate and watering advice, see our Hoya Care Guide on the Foliage Factory blog.
 
● Etymology & background
Hoya: Named after the 18th-century botanist Thomas Hoy, gardener to the Duke of Northumberland.
lacunosa: Latin for “pitted” or “hollowed,” referring to the faintly sunken leaf surface between veins.
‘Laos’: Refers to the geographic origin of this selection, first noted from collections in Northern Laos, valued for its silver splash and colorful new leaves.
 
● FAQs about Hoya lacunosa ‘Laos’
Is it easy to grow indoors?
Yes — compact, forgiving, and perfect for bright indoor light.
Does it need high humidity?
Moderate to high (60–80 %) helps it thrive, but steady watering is more important.
How long until it blooms?
Usually 12–18 months after rooting under bright, warm, consistent conditions.
Can it grow in semi-hydro?
Yes — adapts well once roots are active and healthy.
What do the flowers smell like?
Sweet with a cinnamon-spiced note, most noticeable in the evening.
Will the silver splash fade indoors?
No — it remains stable; brighter light enhances contrast.
 
● Quick highlights
Compact trailing growth • stable silver pattern • cinnamon-scented blooms • perfect for bright interiors
 
● Bring Hoya lacunosa ‘Laos’ into your collection
Compact, fragrant, and beautifully speckled – Hoya lacunosa ‘Laos’ is a standout locality form that thrives in indoor conditions.

Its silver-patterned foliage, cinnamon-scented flowers, and low-maintenance nature make it a collector favorite for tropical plant lovers seeking elegance without fuss.