Hoya piestolepis is native to New Guinea, specifically in Papua New Guinea. It was discovered by the renowned German botanist Friedrich Richard Rudolf Schlechter in 1909, during his extensive explorations of the region. He found it growing as a high-climbing epiphyte in trees in the forests of the Gomadjidji Mountains in the Waria Valley, at an altitude of approximately 450 meters above sea level. Schlechter formally described the species in 1913.
The original publication details are:
Schlechter, R. (1913). Die Asclepiadaceen von Deutsch-Neu-Guinea. Botanische Jahrbücher für Systematik, Pflanzengeschichte und Pflanzengeographie, Vol. 50, p. 123.
You can find scans of this historical botanical work on the Biodiversity Heritage Library (BHL) website. Volume 50 of "Botanische Jahrbücher für Systematik, Pflanzengeschichte und Pflanzengeographie" can be accessed via BHL: https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/bibliography/104529. You would then navigate to page 123 within that digitized volume.
Key Characteristics
Leaves: The leaves of Hoya piestolepis are ovate (egg-shaped) and typically vibrant green. A distinctive feature is the dimpling or puckering along the midvein and a unique, slightly raised or textured surface, giving them a captivating appearance.
Growth Habit: It's an epiphytic climber, forming trailing or twining vines that can reach considerable lengths. It's well-suited for hanging baskets or can be trained on a trellis or moss pole for support.
Flowers: The flowers are star-shaped and striking. They typically feature a soft pink outer corolla and a deeper pink corona at the center. What sets them apart is the "corona" (the central structure) that often resembles a long, pointed cap or has distinctive, outspread and compressed scales. They are borne in umbels (clusters) and often have a subtle, sweet fragrance, sometimes described as lightly of caramel, and importantly, they are generally non-dripping, which is a bonus for indoor growers.
Care Requirements for Indoor Cultivation
Light: Prefers bright, indirect light, similar to what it would receive under a forest canopy. Direct, intense sunlight should be avoided to prevent leaf burn. Good diffused light will encourage vibrant foliage and blooming.
Watering: Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. It enjoys a well-draining soil mix. Overwatering should be avoided to prevent root rot. It does not like to stay soggy.
Humidity: Ideally, this plant prefers moderate to high humidity (above 40-50%). While it can tolerate lower humidity levels, higher humidity generally promotes healthier growth and can be beneficial for bud development.
Temperature: Thrives in warm temperatures, typically between 18-29∘C It is not cold-hardy and should not be exposed to temperatures below 14∘C. Consistent temperatures are preferred.
Soil: Requires a very well-draining, airy potting mix.
Potting: Like many Hoyas, H. piestolepis prefers to be somewhat root-bound. Repotting should only be done when the plant has significantly outgrown its pot, usually going up by just one size.
