Hoya polyneura is a highly popular and visually striking Hoya species, affectionately known as the "Fishtail Hoya" due to its distinctive leaf venation. It's a favorite among collectors for its unique foliage and delicate blooms.
Hoya polyneura is native to a broad region spanning the Central Himalaya to China (NW Yunnan). Its native range includes Assam, East Himalaya, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, and Tibet. It grows as an epiphytic subshrub in subtropical biomes, often found in humid and shaded environments of forested regions.
The species was formally described by Joseph Dalton Hooker (Hook.f.) and first published in the Flora of British India in 1883. The name "polyneura" comes from Greek, meaning "many-veined," a direct reference to the prominent and intricate vein pattern on its leaves.
The original publication details are:
Hooker, J. D. (1883). Flora of British India, Vol. 4, p. 54.
You can find references to this publication on botanical databases like the International Plant Names Index (IPNI): https://www.ipni.org/n/98639-1. The Flora of British India is also often available in digitized form through historical botanical libraries and archives like the Biodiversity Heritage Library (BHL).
Key Characteristics
Leaves: The most defining feature of Hoya polyneura is its unique foliage. The leaves are light green, thin, elongated, and typically measure 6-8 cm long and 2.5-4 cm wide. They possess a striking network of darker green, prominent veins that resemble a "fishtail" pattern, hence its common name. There are also variegated forms, which have elegant white to cream margins.
Growth Habit: It's an epiphytic vining plant with a trailing or cascading habit. While its branches can grow quite long, they are somewhat stiff before they bend down, making it ideal for hanging baskets.
Flowers: Hoya polyneura produces clusters (umbels) of about 10 star-shaped flowers. The individual blooms are around 1.5 cm in diameter, typically creamy white or pale yellow with a contrasting red or burgundy corona (center). They produce a fair amount of nectar and often have a vague or subtle, sweet fragrance, and can last for more than one week.
Blooming: This Hoya is known to bloom relatively quickly under optimal conditions. To encourage flowering, it often benefits from cooler nighttime temperatures before bud development.
Care Requirements for Indoor Cultivation
Light: Prefers bright, indirect light. It needs a significant amount of light, ideally at least 6 hours a day, but direct afternoon sun should be avoided as it can scorch the thin leaves. An east-facing window or a spot with filtered light is ideal.
Watering: Hoya polyneura prefers consistent moisture but is highly susceptible to root rot if left in soggy soil. It often prefers a slightly denser medium that retains moisture a bit more than other Hoyas, so avoid letting it dry out completely for extended periods. Water thoroughly, ensuring good drainage. Reduce watering frequency in cooler months.
Humidity: Thrives in moderate to high humidity levels, ideally between 45-60% or higher. High humidity is crucial for lush leaves and can aid in bud development.
Temperature: Grows best in warm temperatures, ideally ranging from 18−27∘C. It should not be exposed to temperatures below 5∘C
Soil: Requires a well-draining, airy, and slightly more moisture-retentive potting mix compared to some other Hoyas.
Potting: Hoyas generally prefer to be a bit snug in their pots, which can encourage flowering.
