Hoya Caudata Sumatra

HOYA CAUDATA SUMATRA

Hoya Caudata Sumatra is a vining epiphyte belonging to the Apocynaceae dogbane family.

It is also called a wax plant due to the presence of a waxy layer covering the foliage with its sweet-smelling blooms.
This hoya is a tropical and terrestrial plant that uses other plants and trees to grow long and spread.

The Caudata prefers in-direct sunlight where the temperature ranges between 60 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit (15 to 35 degrees Celsius) and loves well-draining soil. Hoya Caudata is fond of high humidity (more than 60%), but it can also withstand low moisture for a limited time.

It is native to southern Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, Sumatra, and Borneo, where it usually grows on rocks and stream beds. The word Caudata in the plant name refers to ‘having a tail or caudate’; it also describes the long pointed foliage and the anther appendage.

Hoya Caudata was one of the last species of Hoya to be discovered in 1883 by Thomas Hoya.

Toxicity
Hoya Caudata sap is poisonous, and it can cause stomach problems. It can also cause skin irritation, so it’s better to place Hoya Caudata in a hanging basket.

Flowers
Hoya Caudata flowers look like ornaments as they cluster together in umbel (8-15) flowers. The flowers are mostly peachy-white as well as red and have purple star-shaped centers. Each flower is about 1 inch (2 cm) in size, but Hoya Caudata bloom lasts for 3-4 days.

They bloom only during the spring and the summer season. Hoya Caudata usually blooms mature in 3—4 weeks during the growing season, and their fragrance is quite strong. Don’t prune the peduncle because the flower will bloom multiple times from it!

Leaves
Hoya Caudata grows up to be 8-10 feet (2.4-3m) in length, but when they fully mature in an outdoor location, their height can reach 40 feet (12m). Hoya Caudata leaves are lush green with silver spotting on them, and their underside is red when in sunlight. Their appearance overall looks red, not green.

The leaves have wavy edges while some foliage is stiff, the new fresh ones are soft and have a wax covering them. The leaves grow up to be 4-7 inches long (9-18 cm), while in width, they are 2-3 inches (4-8 cm), and the stem is about 0.1 inches (0.3 cm) thick.

Hoya Caudata is a slow-growing plant, so it takes over all ten years to reach maturity.

Care
Hoya Caudata preferably grows in a hanging basket as it tends to grow in length and trail up the windows. This plant has gorgeous, exotic blooms, but it tends to bloom less frequently and that too for a few days.

Soil
Hoya Caudata loves moist soil and would highly appreciate it if the soil has good drainage capabilities.

I would recommend using a soil mixture consisting of 1/3 perlite, 1/3 orchid mix, and 1/3 peat, but more items like fir bark or charcoal should also be added. You cannot afford the soil to be wet for very long; otherwise, Hoya Caudata would rot quickly.

Your preferred soil should provide sufficient airflow to the roots. The perfect soil pH ranges from 6.1 (mildly acidic) and 7.5 (neutral). Hoya Caudata would thrive outdoors in USDA Hardiness zone 11 efficiently.

Water
Hoya Caudata will need average watering but make sure to water it regularly, specifically in summer and spring. Ensure not to over-water it; allow extra water drainage. Otherwise, the Hoya Caudata would fall prey to root rot.

This Hoya is highly sensitive to waterlogged soil, so choosing a well-drainage soil also matters.

First, check the soil is dry or not, then when you start watering, do provide gaps in between watering so that the soil can adequately absorb the water and prevent extra water from sitting on the soil surface. When in winters, water only about once a month or when the soil is dry. Misting can be often done to keep Hoya Caudata moist and hydrated.

Light
Hoya Caudata, just like other Hoya, grows best in in indirect or filtered light. Although it can withstand the full sun for a short time, leaves would burn. Mostly, the morning or the evening light is fine but do avoid the hot midday sun.

Hoya Caudata must be grown under 50%-80% shade outside. The most suitable environment in the house for them would be the south-facing windows and the north-facing windows. But if there are no windows to keep Hoya Caudata healthy, I would suggest you use fluorescent lighting to make sure Hoya Caudata blooms without interruption.

Temperature
Hoya Caudata thrives in temperature ranges between 60 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit (15 to 35 degrees Celsius). The temperature should not go too much below the lower limit, as it would fall prey to frost damage. It would help if you also avoided higher temperatures because that would lead to scorched leaves and a burnt Hoya Caudata.

Hoya Caudata should be kept away from doorways and drafty windows, especially in winter. Make sure to choose a spot where the temperature is constant.

Humidity
Hoya Caudata enjoys high humidity ranging from 60%-80% in the morning and the night. Hoya Caudata also has low humidity resistance abilities. However, being from a tropical region, this plant shows proper growth when it receives sufficient humidity. But if there is variation in the humidity level, it’s better to use a humidifier or fill a tray with water and add pebbles to it; place it under the Hoya Caudata for constant humidity.

Fertilizer
Hoya Caudata would love to feed on liquid fertilizer with high nitrogen content for healthy and lush green foliage growth.
When it is time for blooming, switch to a fertilizer with high phosphorous content as this would help the plant produce more blooms. Make sure you provide the fertilizers in the growing season that is from spring to summer, monthly.

But when it is fall or winter, withdraw feeding Hoya Caudata because it is resting time. We would also recommend adding worm castings or compost as these provide nutrients to your Hoya Caudata.

Repotting
Hoya Caudata doesn’t love to be repotted every year; it loves to stay root-bounded. So, let Hoya Caudata be in the same pot for a few years; this will also lead to extra blooms. If you want to repot, then the best time would be early spring to summer. When repotting a Hoya Caudata, it’s best to increase the pot size 2-4 inches from the previous pot and use a good potting mixture or even a charcoal mixture for planting for healthy growth.

Allow the Hoya Caudata to settle in the soil for 2-3 days. Then water it once every week and provide bright indirect sunlight. While in winters, water every 2-3 weeks to prevent waterlogged soil.

Pruning
It’s unnecessary to prune Hoya Caudata until they become bushy or have dead stems or infected parts. Make sure you prune the stem area but be careful not to cut the blooms; otherwise, the Caudata won’t blossom. Prune to the nodes and avoid removing the peduncles for future blooms.

Tips for Growing
Don’t over-water Hoya Caudata; provide it as much as the soil can take.
Ensure to provide a high level of humidity for its adequate growth.
Prune only the dead leaves and stem, not the buds or the blooms.
Don’t expose to high environment or frost; it would wilt and die.
Place in indirect sunlight for healthy foliages and blooms.
If the stems are all vigorous and outgrown, let them be or put them near a trellis so that the stems can grow with their support.

Summary
Hoya Caudata is a fresh and attractive plant with its fragrant flowers and patterned foliages that show-off its beauty. The vines of the Caudata grow enough to provide a mini-greenhouse environment in your own house and don’t take up too much space as well. Hoya Caudata’s over-all appearance makes it look like it’s made out of wax and has been shaped for a calming, nature-fresh atmosphere.

The foliage mesmerizes you with its color-changing ability and makes you admire the plant throughout the year.