Hoya endauensis is a charming and somewhat rare Hoya species, highly valued for its unique foliage and delicate, often fuzzy, blooms.
Hoya endauensis is native to Peninsular Malaysia, specifically the state of Johor. It was discovered in 1985 growing on the river banks of the Ulu Endau River in the Endau-Rompin National Park, after which it is named. It is found in the wet tropical biome, thriving in shaded areas.
This species was formally published in 1989 by the Malaysian botanist Dr. Ruth Kiew, who is well-known for her work on various plant groups, including Begonias and African violets. Hoya endauensis is still considered a rare and endangered species in its native habitat, primarily due to habitat loss and environmental pressures.
The original publication details are:
Kiew, R. (1989). Malayan Nature Journal, Vol. 42, No. 4, p. 261.
You can find references to this publication on botanical databases like the International Plant Names Index (IPNI): https://www.ipni.org/n/957969-1 and Plants of the World Online (POWO) by Kew Gardens: https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:957969-1.
Key Characteristics
Leaves: One of the most distinctive features of Hoya endauensis is its foliage. The leaves are typically small, round to ovate, and have a unique rippled, wavy, or slightly ruffled margin, giving them a somewhat "crinkly" appearance. They are usually dark green with a beautiful sheen, and new growth or leaves exposed to good light can sometimes exhibit reddish hues. The texture can be slightly fuzzy or lightly felted.
Growth Habit: It's a compact, vining, or trailing plant that can be grown in hanging baskets or trained on a small trellis or support. Its manageable size makes it suitable for smaller spaces or terrariums.
Flowers: The flowers are borne in parachute-like clusters (umbels) of up to 20 individual blooms. Each flower is relatively small, around 6mm in diameter, and has a star shape. The corolla lobes are typically a vivid orange or red, often described as slightly felted, while the corona (the central part) is usually purple-red, fading to yellow towards the center. The flowers are generally pleasantly perfumed, often with a sweet fragrance.
Rarity: Despite its beauty, it remains a relatively rare species in cultivation, reflecting its endangered status in the wild.
Care Requirements for Indoor Cultivation
Light: Prefers bright, indirect light. While it appreciates plenty of light to encourage blooming, direct midday sun should be avoided as it can scorch the leaves. A few hours of gentle morning or late afternoon sun can be beneficial and may enhance leaf coloration.
Watering: Allow the top third to half of the soil to dry out between waterings. It generally prefers consistent moisture but is highly susceptible to root rot if left in soggy soil. Reduce watering significantly in the cooler, darker winter months.
Humidity: Thrives in moderate to high humidity, ideally above 60%. Given its rainforest origin, higher humidity will promote healthier growth and can help prevent issues like bud blast. Regular misting is recommended.
Temperature: Prefers warm temperatures, ideally between 20−30∘C. Some sources suggest it can be quite sensitive to cold, preferring temperatures above 15∘C and not tolerating anything below 10∘C
Soil: Requires a very well-draining, airy potting mix.
Potting: Like many Hoyas, it generally prefers to be somewhat root-bound, which can encourage flowering. Repot only when truly necessary, moving up to a pot size slightly larger than the previous one.
Hoya endauensis is frequently confused with Hoya kanyakumariana due to their similar small, somewhat ruffled leaves. However, key differences include:
H. kanyakumariana: Typically has rounder, more circular leaves.
H. endauensis: Tends to have more ovate or slightly pointed leaves, and its ruffling or crinkling along the edges can be more pronounced. The flower colors also differ.
Conservation: Given its endangered status, acquiring Hoya endauensis from reputable nurseries that propagate it ethically is encouraged.
