Hoya imperialis White

Hoya imperialis White, sometimes called Hoya imperialis alba, is native to Southeast Asia, particularly Malaysia and the Philippines. It has very large, thick green leaves with a striking midvein, and as a natural climber or twiner, it benefits from having support to grow on. Its flowers are notably showy and fragrant, making this form especially appealing to collectors.

Care Tips:

• Light

  • Bright, indirect light is ideal.

  • Avoid harsh direct sunlight, which can damage the foliage or scorch the leaves.

• Temperature

  • Prefers warm conditions. Recommends between 60–85 °F (about 15–29 °C).

  • It’s not frost-hardy; avoid letting the temperature drop below ~14 °C (~57 °F).

• Watering

  • Let the soil surface dry out before watering again.

  • Use a well-draining mix — for example, orchid bark + perlite + coco chips.

  • Be careful of overwatering; standing moisture can be harmful.

• Humidity

  • High humidity is beneficial. 60–80% humidity as ideal.

  • If your home is dry, consider using a humidifier, pebble tray, or grouping with other plants.

• Support / Growth Habit

  • It’s a vine / twining plant — give it a trellis or something to climb.

  • New vines can be delicate, so be careful when handling.

• Propagation

  • Can be propagated from cuttings.
    

• Flowering

  • Flowers appear in umbels (clusters).

  • The large, fragrant blooms are a major reason people collect this form.