Hoya verticillata 'Lampung' – Leaf Texture and Lavender Blooms


Hoya verticillata 'Lampung' is a tropical vining plant with richly textured leaves and occasional lavender-toned blooms. This locality-based form originates from Lampung province in southern Sumatra, Indonesia. Its ovate leaves feature pronounced midrib venation and subtle marbling when grown in bright light. Easy to maintain and compact in growth, this Hoya brings a balance of bold foliage and seasonal flowering to your indoor plant collection.
 
● Why Hoya verticillata 'Lampung' Stands Out


Leaf Form: Broadly ovate to heart-shaped leaves (5 – 8 cm), semi-glossy with textured veins and faint surface marbling in high light.
Foliage Detail: Not true variegation — leaf patterning appears as natural marbling or light speckling.
Flower Traits: Umbels of 15 – 25 pale lavender-pink flowers with pink coronas. Flowers last 3 – 5 days; fragrance is faint or absent indoors.
 
● Origin and Botanical Background


Species: Hoya verticillata (Vahl) G.Don, published in Gen. Hist. 4: 128 (1837)
Basionym: Sperlingia verticillata Vahl
Form: ‘Lampung’ is an unregistered locality clone known from cultivation, not a formally published cultivar
Native Habitat: Lowland rainforests of southern Sumatra, Indonesia
 
● How to Grow Hoya verticillata 'Lampung' Indoors


Light: Bright, indirect light preferred. Avoid intense midday sun to prevent leaf scorch.
Watering: Water when top 2 – 3 cm of soil is dry. Ensure fast drainage and avoid soggy mix.
Humidity: Prefers 60 – 70%. Boost with humidifier if needed.
Temperature: Thrives in 18 – 26 °C. Do not expose to temperatures below 12 °C.
Soil Mix: Use a breathable mix with orchid bark, perlite, and coco coir.
Fertilizing: Feed every 4 – 6 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10). Avoid excessive nitrogen.
Repotting: Every 2 – 3 years or when clearly root-bound. Slight root congestion may support flowering.
Support: Train on a trellis, moss pole, or let trail from a shelf or basket.
 
● Encouraging Blooms on Hoya 'Lampung'


Light and Maturity: Requires strong indirect light and plant maturity. Root binding helps but is not essential.
Season: Flowers typically emerge in late spring or summer indoors.
Peduncle Tip: Never remove peduncles — future blooms return to the same points.
 
● Common Problems with Hoya 'Lampung' and How to Fix Them


Yellowing Leaves: Usually caused by overwatering or low light. Improve drainage and light exposure.
Root Rot: Results from soggy soil. Repot using a well-draining substrate and water less frequently.
Pests: Mealybugs and spider mites may appear in dry air. Treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap as needed.
Faded Marbling: Caused by insufficient light. Move to a brighter location without direct sun.
 
● Extra Care Tips


Growth Rate and Size: Reaches 1 – 2 m indoors with support. Grows 5 – 10 cm/month during active periods.
Propagation: Propagates easily from stem cuttings in water, sphagnum, or perlite. Keep warm and humid for best success.
Pruning: Trim leggy growth to maintain shape. Avoid cutting peduncles or active growth tips.
Toxicity Warning: Contains latex sap that may irritate skin or pets if ingested. Keep out of reach of children and animals.
 
● Etymology


The genus Hoya honors 18th-century botanist Thomas Hoy. The species name verticillata means "whorled" in Latin, referring to leaf or floral arrangements. The name ‘Lampung’ refers to the Indonesian province from which this form originates.
 
● Order Hoya verticillata 'Lampung' Today


Add a rare and textural Hoya to your collection. Order Hoya verticillata 'Lampung' now and enjoy lush tropical foliage with occasional lavender-pink blooms.