Hoya megalasterproduces impressive flush and grows quickly when provided with ample passion and humidity .

Hoya megalasterWarb . ex K.Schum . & Lauterb .

Family : ApocynaceaeSubfamily : AsclepiadoideaeTribe : MarsdenieaeGenus : Hoya

Hoya megalaster

In cultivation, Singapore. Photo by Bun Tay. Used with permission. All rights reserved.

The specific epithet " megalaster " ( enunciate " meg - atomic number 13 - as - ter " ) means " large asterisk " and refers to the size and shape of the efflorescence of this species .

Hoya megalasteris indigene toPapua New Guinea . It grows as anepiphytein the primary forest .

Hoya megalasteris a climbing plant with slender stems that bear shiny , dark green leaves with lighter green venous blood system . The leaves are prolate and have dimples between the vein , measure up to 6.8 inch ( 17 cm ) long and 4 column inch ( 10 curium ) astray . New ontogeny emerges with a reddish hue .

Hoya megalaster

In cultivation, Singapore. Photo by Bun Tay. Used with permission. All rights reserved.

This works can bloom at any time of the twelvemonth . Its striking , star - form flowers are moody purplish - garden pink and can reach up to 1.8 inches ( 4.5 cm ) in diameter . Eachumbelcan have up to 12 flowers that last for about 7 days and emit a light , rose - like bouquet .

Light : Keeping this industrial plant indoors in shiny , indirect sunlight is better . Although it can tolerate lower light levels , it may become weak and leggy if the lighting is too abject , producing fewer leaves and bloom .

filth : Well - run out soil that provides excellent aeration and does not hold too much water is most important for growing a tidy plant .

Hoya megalaster

In cultivation, Singapore. Photo by Bun Tay. Used with permission. All rights reserved.

Temperature : Hoya megalasterthrives in hot and humid climate , so keep it forth from drafty window and door during the cold month . It grows best inUSDA Plant Hardiness Zones11a to 11b , with average minimum winter temperatures swan from 40 to 50 ° F ( 4.4 to 10 ° C ) .

lachrymation : As this works is sensitive to overwatering , soak the soil thoroughly during the leaping and summer , but allow it to dry out before watering again . Otherwise , you will increase the risk of infection of root rot , and your plant will not be happy . It is relatively dormant during the declension and wintertime and needs only temperate lachrymation .

Fertilizing : WhileHoya megalasteris not a particularly big affluent , it can do good from eminent - atomic number 19 plant food adulterate to one-half military posture every two weeks during the grow season .

Hoya megalaster

In cultivation, Singapore. Photo by Bun Tay. Used with permission. All rights reserved.

repot : As an air plant , this plant has shallow root systems and does need a rich container . It also does not require frequent repotting . It prefers to be more or less potbound , so repot it in spring only if it outgrow its container .

Propagation : Although layering is the easiest method , using bow cuttings is the most democratic propagation method forHoya megalaster . Using leaf cutting can be more challenging , while starting the flora from seeds is the simple but most clock time - consuming method . For best results , take cuttings only when the plant is actively growing and inseminate the seeds in outflow and summer .

Learn more atHow to Grow and Care for Hoya .

Hoya megalasteris considered non - toxic and safe around kids and pets .

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