6 SEEDS - Hoya (EPC301 - Black leaves) x Hoya ‘Elephant’ (AH027)

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If you’ve been following my Hoya journey for a while, you probably already know that I have a soft spot for sunstressed foliage. The deeper the colors get, the happier I am. So when I had the opportunity to use Hoya (EPC301 - black leaves) as the seed parent, I knew I had to take it.

I chose Hoya (EPC301 - black leaves) because of its incredible ability to develop leaves that become so dark under the right conditions that they can appear almost black. On top of that, it’s a vigorous grower that’s been incredibly forgiving in my greenhouse, handling temperature fluctuations without missing a beat.

At the time, Hoya ‘Elephant’ (AH027) happened to be one of the few plants in bloom, but I also thought it was the perfect pollen parent for another reason. It produces absolutely massive leaves. While Hoya ‘Elephant’ is also capable of developing beautiful sunstress colors, it doesn’t reach those deep burgundy or nearly black tones like Hoya (EPC301 - black leaves) does.

Of course, no specific trait can ever be guaranteed. Every seedling will have its own unique combination of genetics, and that’s what makes growing Hoya from seed so much fun. Even seeds from the same pod can grow into noticeably different plants. Some may resemble the seed parent, others the pollen parent, and some may surprise us with combinations that neither parent fully expresses.

I have a picture in my head of what I’d love to see from this cross, but genetics always have a way of keeping us humble. Maybe it’ll be the giant leaves. Maybe it’ll be the dark foliage. Maybe, if we’re lucky, we’ll get both in the same plant. Either way, I think this is going to be a really fun one to grow out.

Every seedling is a brand-new plant that has never existed before.

Open Pollinated vs. Hand Pollinated

Open Pollinated Seeds

Open-pollinated seeds have an unknown pollen donor. While we know the seed parent, we don’t know which nearby plant contributed the pollen. This creates an element of mystery and often results in exciting surprises.

Hand Pollinated Seeds

Hand-pollinated seeds have both parents intentionally selected and documented. The goal is not to create exact copies of the parents, but to increase the likelihood that desirable traits may appear in the offspring.

Neither method is better than the other. Open-pollinated seeds offer mystery and discovery, while hand-pollinated seeds provide a more intentional breeding direction. Both can produce extraordinary plants.

What If You Grow Something Phenomenal?

One of my favorite things about releasing seed is knowing that the next incredible Hoya might not be discovered in our greenhouse. It might be discovered in yours.

If one of your seedlings grows into something truly special, here’s what I recommend:

1. Add Your Own Accession Number

Take the UPT accession number assigned to this cross and add your own identifier to the end.

For example:
UPT2604-AM01

Many growers use their initials followed by a numbering system.

This creates a permanent record showing that you were the grower who selected and developed that particular seedling. If it is ever shared, traded, propagated, or sold in the future, others can trace its history back to you.

2. Give It a Name

Found something unique? Give it a name!

For example:
Hoya ‘Venice’ (UPT2604-AM01)

Single quotation marks should be used for cultivars.

3. Share It With Us! (Optional)

We would absolutely love to see what you grow.

If one of your seedlings develops into something extraordinary, send us a photo! We’d be honored to feature it on our page and give proper credit to you as the grower.

After all, one of the best parts of this hobby is celebrating each other’s successes. We get excited seeing what comes out of these crosses, and we’d love the opportunity to be excited right alongside you.

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