Hoya lacunosa 'Mint' – Silvery Vines with Fragrant Blooms
Hoya lacunosa 'Mint', a silver-flecked form of Hoya lacunosa Blume (1826), stands out for its delicate, heart-shaped leaves and soft, cascading vines. Native to Southeast Asia’s humid lowland forests, this compact epiphyte thrives indoors with minimal fuss. Its fuzzy foliage, spicy-scented blooms, and easy-care nature make it a must-have for any Hoya lover.
Hoya lacunosa 'Mint' at a Glance
- Leaf Texture: Small, pubescent, elliptic leaves with a silvery-mint overlay and sunken veins ("lacunose").
- Growth Habit: Compact, trailing stems with short internodes — ideal for shelves, macramé hangers, or trellises.
- Blooms: Umbels of 10 – 20 tiny, fuzzy, cream-white flowers with a strong clove-like fragrance, especially at night.
- Indoor Size: Reaches 30 – 60 cm in trailing length under typical home conditions.
How to Keep Hoya lacunosa 'Mint' Happy
- Light: Prefers bright, indirect light. Morning sun is fine; avoid harsh midday rays to preserve silver leaf tones.
- Watering: Let the top 2 – 3 cm of soil dry before rewatering. Leaves store some moisture — avoid soggy roots.
- Humidity: 60%+ is ideal. Use a pebble tray, group with other plants, or run a humidifier for best results.
- Temperature: Consistent warmth (18 – 24 °C) suits it well. Keep away from cold drafts and heaters.
- Soil: Use an airy, free-draining mix of orchid bark, perlite, and coco coir to mimic its natural epiphytic roots.
- Feeding: Apply a diluted liquid fertilizer every 4 – 6 weeks during spring and summer for steady growth.
Training and Display Ideas
- Trailing Display: Let vines drape from a high shelf or basket to showcase the silver-patterned foliage.
- Climbing Form: Use a mini trellis to guide new shoots upward and create structure.
- Pruning: Trim straggly growth to maintain a tidy shape and encourage denser vines.
Propagation Tips
- Stem Cuttings: Take a cutting with 2 – 3 nodes, root in water or moist sphagnum under high humidity.
- Timeframe: Roots typically develop within 2 – 3 weeks in warm conditions with stable moisture.
Common Issues and How to Fix Them
- Yellow Leaves: Often from overwatering — let the soil dry more before the next watering.
- Leaf Drop: Can happen after a sudden temperature shift. Stabilize placement and conditions.
- Pests: Check undersides for spider mites or mealybugs. Use neem oil or insecticidal soap as needed.
- Stretching (Leggy Growth): Caused by low light. Move closer to a window or use a grow light.
Encouraging Blooms on Hoya lacunosa 'Mint'
- Keep light bright but indirect year-round.
- Do not cut old peduncles — flowers rebloom from them.
- Limit repotting — blooming improves when rootbound.
Botanical and Name Background
Genus: Hoya, named after British botanist Thomas Hoy.
Species: Hoya lacunosa Blume, published 1826 in Bijdragen tot de flora van Nederlandsch Indië.
Cultivar: 'Mint' is a trade name for clones with stable silver-flecked foliage — not a formally registered cultivar.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does Hoya lacunosa 'Mint' bloom indoors?
Yes, with bright light and consistent humidity, it can flower even in low-light European homes. - Can I grow it in LECA?
Yes — it's semi-hydro compatible with stable humidity and light fertilizer use. - Is it pet-safe?
Not considered highly toxic, but always keep out of reach of nibblers to avoid irritation.
Bring Home Hoya lacunosa 'Mint' Today!
This compact, silvery beauty is ideal for small spaces, terrariums, or trailing setups. Order your Hoya lacunosa 'Mint' now and enjoy low-maintenance elegance and subtle fragrance, all year round.
Hoya lacunosa 'Mint'
Hoya lacunosa 'Mint' is approximately 15 cm tall/ long and comes in a ⌀ 6 cm pot.
