The primary native origin of Hoya cinnamomifolia is Java, Indonesia. While some sources might mention the Philippines, the most authoritative botanical databases (like Plants of the World Online by Kew Science) confirm its native range as Java.
In its natural habitat, it grows as a climbing epiphyte in the wet tropical biome, typically found on trees within humid forests. This environment provides the high humidity and filtered light that it thrives on.
The name "cinnamomifolia" is Latin for "cinnamon-leaved," referring to the resemblance of its leaves to those of the cinnamon tree, particularly their shape, prominent parallel veins, and somewhat recurved (curled backward) margins.