Hoya vitellinoides is native to the rainforests of Southeast Asia, specifically found in Sumatra, Java, Malaysia, and Borneo. It grows as an epiphyte on tree branches in these humid, warm environments, often under filtered light. Its robust leaves serve as a water reserve, a common adaptation for epiphytic plants.
 
The species was formally described by Rudolf Bakhuizen van den Brink Jr. (Bakh. f.) in 1950. The name "vitellinoides" is derived from the Latin word "vitellinus," meaning "egg-yolk yellow," 
 
The original publication details are:
Bakhuizen van den Brink Jr., R. C. (1950). Blumea, Vol. 6, p. 381.
You can find references to this publication on botanical databases like Plants of the World Online (POWO) by Kew Gardens: https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:98734-1. Digital versions of Blumea volumes are often available through scientific journal archives or the Biodiversity Heritage Library (BHL).
 
Key Characteristics
Leaves: The foliage is the most celebrated feature of Hoya vitellinoides. The leaves are oblong to ovate, firm, and can grow quite large, often up to 25 cm (10 inches) long and 12 cm (5 inches) wide. They exhibit a striking pattern of prominent, deep green veins against a lighter green background, giving them a unique textured, almost marbled, or even "prehistoric" appearance. Young leaves may display reddish hues, especially with good light.
Growth Habit: It's an epiphytic vine that can grow relatively quickly. It's well-suited for climbing on a moss pole or trellis, allowing its impressive leaves to fully develop, or can be grown in a large hanging basket.
Flowers: The flowers are borne in compact, spherical umbels. Individual blooms are star-shaped, waxy, and typically range in color from pale yellow to orange or creamy yellow, with a subtle, sweet fragrance, sometimes described as a faint lemon scent. While the flowers are charming, it is truly the foliage that makes this Hoya stand out.
Blooming: Flowers usually appear in spring or summer, especially when the plant is mature and well-established. They emerge from old flowering stems, so these should never be cut after blooming.
 
Care Requirements for Indoor Cultivation
Light: Prefers bright, indirect light. A few hours of gentle morning sun is generally well-tolerated and can enhance leaf coloration, but direct, intense afternoon sun should be avoided as it can scorch the leaves or cause the unique venation to fade.
Watering: Allow the substrate to dry out almost completely between waterings. Its thick leaves act as a water reserve, making it somewhat tolerant of drier conditions. Overwatering is a common cause of root rot. In winter, watering frequency should be reduced.
Humidity: High humidity (60% or more) promotes healthy growth and can increase the likelihood of flowering. While it can adapt to lower household humidity (around 40%), 
Temperature: Ideal temperatures range between 18−28∘C . It is not cold-hardy and should not be exposed to temperatures below 10∘C  to prevent stress or damage.
Soil: Requires an airy, fast-draining potting mix. 
Potting: Hoya vitellinoides will eventually become a large plant, but like many Hoyas, it appreciates being a bit snug in its pot. Repotting should be done when it's clearly root-bound, usually only moving up one pot size.
 
Hoya vitellinoides is sometimes mistakenly identified as Hoya meredithii due to similarities in leaf size and venation. While closely related, there are subtle differences in their leaf morphology and flower characteristics that distinguish them for experienced growers. The unique veining of H. vitellinoides is one of its most reliable identifiers.