Hoya carmelae

Hoya carmelae is a rare Philippine endemic Hoya native to Luzon, Philippines, where it grows in wet tropical forest at around 1,100 m elevation. It is a compact evergreen vine with short internodes and thick, leathery, glossy green leaves. New growth can develop attractive reddish-brown tones, while mature plants produce clusters of small, fragrant, star-shaped flowers. The flowers are typically white to creamy white with a contrasting pale pink to reddish corona, creating an attractive display against the dark foliage. Its compact growth, attractive new leaves, fragrant flowers, and limited natural distribution make H. carmelae an interesting collector species.

Care Tips:

• Provide bright, filtered light and protect the leaves from strong afternoon sun.
• Use a chunky, airy, fast-draining substrate such as orchid bark, perlite, and coco-based materials.
• Water thoroughly when the upper portion of the medium begins to dry, avoiding prolonged waterlogging.
• Maintain 60–80% humidity with good air circulation.
• Keep temperatures around 18–30°C (64–86°F), reflecting its warm, humid tropical habitat.
• Provide a small trellis or climbing support for its compact vining stems.
• Fertilize lightly with a balanced fertilizer during active growth.
• Avoid removing mature flower peduncles, as Hoyas can rebloom from established spurs.