Hoya sp. (Menak Sopal, silver)

Origin and Description:

Hoya sp. Menak Sopal ‘Silver’ is a rare, unofficially named Hoya originating from East Java, Indonesia, specifically the Trenggalek district. It was discovered by Bolang Plant Garden on August 17, 2023, where it was reportedly found growing on a single tree with only one known plant at the time. The original plant had just a handful of leaves and was later divided into a few cuttings that made their way into the hands of collectors in Indonesia and Thailand.

This Hoya is still not widely known in habitat and has not been formally described, making it one of those true collector pieces with a bit of mystery behind it. Its defining feature is its stunning silver coloration, which isn’t just a surface splash but appears evenly distributed throughout the leaves, giving it a soft, almost frosted look. Paired with its vibrant blooms that feature warm orange tones with deep pink to red centers, this plant easily stands out in any collection.

Natural Habitat:

Believed to originate from the forests of East Java, this Hoya likely grows epiphytically along trees in warm, humid environments with filtered light and consistent airflow. Due to its rarity, very little is documented about its exact growing conditions in the wild.

Care Instructions:

Since there’s very limited information on how this plant grows in cultivation, here’s what has been working really well for us at Unsolicited Plant Talks:

• Light:
  Thrives in bright, indirect light and shows strong, steady growth in this environment.

• Watering:
  We allow it to dry between waterings. It does not like staying wet for too long.

• Humidity:
  Grows fastest in higher humidity, but we’ve had great success even in the 50–60% range.

• Temperature:
  Performs well between 65–85°F with consistent warmth.

• Soil:
  A chunky, well-draining mix works best to keep roots healthy and aerated.

Fun Fact:

The name ‘Menak Sopal Silver’ was given to honor its origin and highlight its rare silver foliage. At the time of discovery, it was believed to exist as a single plant in the wild, making it one of those Hoyas that feels as special as it looks.