Hoya lockii

Hoya lockii V.T.Pham & Aver. is a rare Hoya species native to central Vietnam, where it grows as an epiphyte in wet tropical evergreen forests at around 1,000 m elevation.

Unlike many climbing Hoyas, Hoya lockii has upright, non-climbing stems reaching about 40–80 cm. It has slightly succulent, leathery elliptic to narrowly obovate leaves with prominent veins. The plant produces umbels of approximately 8–25 flowers, with fleshy, glossy white to opalescent corollas. One of its most distinctive characteristics is its strong chocolate-like fragrance at night, while the flowers are almost scentless during the daytime.

Care Tips:

• Light: Provide bright, filtered or indirect light. Gentle morning sunlight is beneficial, while strong midday sun should be filtered.
• Watering: Allow the growing medium to partially dry between waterings, then water thoroughly. Avoid keeping the roots constantly wet.
• Growing Medium: Use a chunky, airy, fast-draining mix such as orchid bark, perlite, and organic material. Excellent drainage is important for this epiphytic species.
• Humidity: Moderate to high humidity is recommended, ideally around 60–80%, with good airflow.
• Temperature: Keep warm to moderately warm conditions. Avoid prolonged exposure to temperatures below 15°C (59°F).
• Airflow: Provide gentle, consistent airflow, especially when growing in high humidity.
• Fertilizing: Feed lightly with a diluted balanced fertilizer during active growth. Avoid heavy fertilization.
• Potting: Use a relatively small pot with an airy medium. Avoid oversized containers that retain moisture for too long.
• Flowering: Keep conditions stable once flower buds appear. Leave old peduncles intact, as Hoyas can rebloom from established flower spurs.