Hoya burtoniae Ø7cm

Hoya burtoniae is a compact wax plant from the Apocynaceae family, native to the Philippines, prized for its small, velvety leaves that take on warm copper-red tones. Its flowers, grouped in umbels of fuzzy burgundy-red stars with a cream centre, give off a sweet caramel fragrance that grows stronger in the evening. Fast-growing and beautifully trailing, it blooms generously and adapts with ease, making it a rewarding choice for hanging pots and beginners alike. Growth and development Hoya burtoniae has fast growth and a trailing habit, making it one of the most rewarding trailing plants for hanging pots. In good conditions it produces new vines throughout the warm season and fills out before your eyes. It can be left to hang freely for a cascade effect, or trained on a support hoop for a compact, tidy look. Compared with the more demanding montane species, burtoniae adapts easily to ordinary apartment conditions and happily forgives the occasional slip in care. Like all epiphytic wax plants, it needs above all a very airy substrate and balanced watering that mimics the alternation between rain and dryness of its natural habitat. With these two conditions met, the rest of the care is simple. Here are the essential requirements: Light: bright indirect light; a few hours of gentle morning sun intensify the leaf colours and encourage flowering. An east- or west-facing window is ideal. Avoid strong midday summer sun, which can scorch the leaves. Temperature: optimal range 18-27°C. Avoid exposure below 12°C and cold draughts from windows or air conditioning. Watering: let the substrate dry out 70-80% between waterings - usually every 7-10 days in summer and every 14-21 days in winter. Water thoroughly, then let the water drain completely; never leave the pot standing in water. Humidity: 50-70% is ideal, but it also tolerates normal household humidity well. A humidifier or a tray with damp gravel helps produce a richer bloom. Substrate: very airy and well-draining - a mix of pine bark, perlite and a little sphagnum is ideal. You can use a specialised mix for Hoyas and aroids. Fertilising: diluted liquid fertiliser for green or flowering plants, once every 2-3 weeks during the growing season (spring-summer); stop fertilising in winter. Propagation: very easy, by vine cuttings with 2-3 nodes, rooted in water, in moist sphagnum or directly in airy substrate at 22-25°C; roots usually appear in 3-4 weeks. With these simple conditions, Hoya burtoniae becomes a long-lived, generous plant that rewards patience with ever denser foliage and fragrant blooms that come back faithfully every year.