Hoya megalaster

Hoya megalaster is an epiphytic climbing vine native to Papua New Guinea, distinguished by its very showy, large, star-shaped flowers in dense umbels, typically deep purplish-pink to dark red in color.

Features:

• Leaves:

  • Thick, leathery (succulent) leaves.

  • Glossy, dark green with a smooth surface.

  • Large size: according to the German wiki, leaves range from ~8–14 cm long (some very large specimens to ~20 cm)

• Stems: Thin climber vines, about 2–3 mm in diameter; can twine or hang.

• Flowers:

  • Star-shaped umbels (clusters) of ~8–12 flowers.

  • Flower color: deep purplish-pink / dark red.

  • Size: up to ~4.5 cm in diameter for a single flower.

  • Scent: a light, rose-like fragrance.

• Blooming Frequency: Tends to flower more readily than many large-flowered Hoya species.

Care Tips:

• Light: Provide bright, indirect light. Avoid prolonged harsh direct sun, especially in hot afternoons.

• Watering:

  • Use a “soak and dry” approach — water thoroughly, then let the top portion of the soil dry out before watering again.

  • Be careful with overwatering — this species is sensitive to root rot.

• Humidity: Likes high humidity, ideally around 60–70%.

• Temperature: Prefers warm conditions that mimic its native tropical habitat. Avoid cold drafts or temperatures below ~10 °C.

• Soil / Potting Mix:

  • Use a well-draining, airy mix — something like orchid bark + perlite is good.

  • Because it's epiphytic, it doesn’t like dense, waterlogged soil.

• Fertilizing: Feed during its active growth (spring/summer) with a diluted balanced fertilizer.

• Potting / Repotting: Repot every few years when necessary, using the same airy medium.

• Flower Encouragement: Adequate light and consistent warmth + humidity help promote blooming.