Hoya meredithii 'Black Cat' – Rare Climber with Bold Veining
Hoya meredithii 'Black Cat' is an uncommon, dark-leaved clone of Hoya meredithii, admired for its oversized, deeply veined foliage and fragrant star-shaped blooms. Native to the humid rainforests of Sabah (Borneo), this vigorous climber thrives indoors with bright light and consistent care. Perfect for collectors seeking bold foliage and a reliable bloomer.
What Makes Hoya meredithii 'Black Cat' Stand Out?
 
Striking Veined Leaves: Large, glossy leaves with dramatic sunken veins and dark green hues.
 
Fast-Growing Climber: Ideal for moss poles or trellises, this Hoya responds well to structured support.
 
Fragrant Starry Blooms: Umbels of pale yellow to greenish flowers with a soft, sweet scent.
 
Adaptable Indoors: Tolerates average humidity and bright filtered light, making it perfect for modern homes.
Essential Facts About Hoya meredithii 'Black Cat'
 
Natural Habitat: Grows epiphytically in lowland forests of Sabah, Borneo.
 
Growth Habit: Trailing or climbing vine with a semi-woody stem.
 
Leaf Size: Mature leaves can exceed 20 cm in length when grown in ideal conditions.
 
Toxicity: Generally safe, but latex may cause mild irritation if ingested or handled by sensitive pets.
Care Guide for Hoya meredithii 'Black Cat'
 
Light: Bright, indirect light encourages strong foliage and flowering. Avoid direct midday sun.
 
Water: Let the top 2 – 3 cm of soil dry out before watering again. Overwatering leads to root issues.
 
Humidity: Prefers over 60% humidity, but adapts to 45% with good airflow.
 
Temperature: Thrives between 18 – 28 °C. Avoid cold drafts and sudden drops.
 
Soil Mix: Use a loose, airy mix of orchid bark, perlite, coco coir or peat, and a bit of compost.
 
Fertilizer: Feed with a diluted balanced liquid fertilizer every 4 – 6 weeks when actively growing.
 
Propagation: Root stem cuttings in water, perlite, or sphagnum moss. High humidity speeds up rooting.
 
Pruning: Trim long vines to encourage bushier growth and blooms on older spurs.
Troubleshooting Tips
 
Yellowing Leaves: Usually caused by overwatering. Let the soil dry more between waterings.
 
Curling or Speckled Leaves: Often linked to low humidity or pests. Check for mites or mealybugs.
 
No Flowers Yet? Keep it root-bound, provide bright light, and avoid frequent repotting.
Extra Growing Tips
To replicate its natural conditions, give Hoya meredithii 'Black Cat' bright filtered light, high humidity, and let the roots fill the pot. Only repot if the plant stalls or roots circle excessively. Flowering improves with age and stability.
Botanical Background and Etymology
Hoya meredithii was described by T. Green in 1999 in The New Plantsman 6(2): 124. It belongs to the Apocynaceae family and is native to Borneo. The species is named after Mark J. Meredith, a botanist known for his work on Hoyas.
FAQs – Hoya meredithii 'Black Cat'
 
Is this a registered cultivar? No, 'Black Cat' is a collector’s name for a clone with darker leaves.
 
Does it need a trellis? Yes, structured support helps the plant climb and encourages blooming.
 
How long until it flowers? Usually 1 – 2 years under steady care with good light and minimal disturbance.
Add Hoya meredithii 'Black Cat' to Your Jungle Today
If you're after bold foliage and a fast-growing climber, Hoya meredithii 'Black Cat' is a standout. Order now and enjoy its rich texture and sweet-scented blooms!