Hoya shepherdii | String Bean Hoya

Hoya shepherdii, often referred to as the ‘String Bean Hoya’ due to its distinctive foliage, is an epiphytic vine belonging to the Apocynaceae family. It features long, narrow, succulent-like leaves that cascade gracefully, making it suitable for hanging baskets or trained on supports. When mature, it produces clusters of star-shaped flowers that are white or light pink with red centres, emitting a sweet, perfume-like fragrance.

Native to: Hoya shepherdii is native to the eastern Himalayas and the Assam region of India, where it thrives in tropical forests as an epiphyte.

Water: This plant is drought-tolerant and prefers to dry out almost completely between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it’s important to ensure the potting mix is well-draining.

Light: Hoya shepherdii thrives in bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, while low-light conditions may cause leaves to yellow and drop.

Humidity: This species grows best in high humidity, between 60-70%. Using a humidifier or placing the plant in a glass cabinet can help maintain these levels.

Temperature: Maintain indoor temperatures between 18-24C for optimal growth. Avoid exposing the plant to cold drafts or sudden temperature fluctuations, as these can cause stress and hinder growth.