Blanco Merr
Family
Apocynaceae
Origin
Philippines
Description
Hoya meliflua is an epiphytic trailer or climbing plant that can reach lengths up to about 4 meters, but has a strange growing habit as it doesn't twine well and the branches quickly turn hard. It has stiff succulent-like, dark green, and glossy leaves with a very clean look to them.
The flowers on the Hoya meliflua are pink to reddish-orange and have 5-nectaries near the base of the central column from which a dark-colored sap is produced that drips very easily. The flowers last a long time and they smell like chocolate! It blooms in the spring, summer, and fall on mature plants. The leaves are succulent-like, dark green, and glossy.
Environment
Easy to grow & don"t require much attention. Hoya do best in filtered light or with lots of artificial light in indoors.
Hoya plants don't ask for much, beyond the well-draining soil and the warm humid conditions ((similar to bromeliads and orchids)
They are epyphite, can be grown in orchid medium or light potting mix with lots of bark conditioner. Hoya like the security of a snug pot, and plants that are a bit root bound will flower more prolifically than those that are swimming around in a giant pot.
This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds .
Landscape Use
It makes a nice hanging basket, but also does really well as a mounted plant
