Trellised Hoya polypus (splash)

Disclaimer:

This plant is currently trained on a 12-inch (≈ 30 cm) clear acrylic trellis. Many plants in circulation under the name Hoya polypus are actually Hoya ruthiae. Our plants have bloomed and been confirmed as the true Hoya polypus, so you can be assured that you are receiving the authentic species.

Origin & Description

Hoya polypus is a rare and critically endangered species formally described by S. Rahayu & Rodda. It originates from Kalimantan (Borneo), where deforestation and logging severely threaten its natural habitat. The species is instantly recognizable for its unusual floral form, which inspired the name polypus — a nod to its octopus-like appearance.

Its foliage is glossy with a soft sheen, often showing subtle anthocyanic ridges on the leaf undersides and producing clear sap. Several clones are now in cultivation, with slight differences in leaf shape and bloom tone. Notably, a silver-leafed form has also appeared on the market.

Bloom Characteristics

 (as described by My Hoya Conservatory, Facebook)

• Octopus-like Appearance:
  The blooms are unlike any other Hoya, with multiple “maws” that open gradually, giving the flowers a tentacled, octopus-like look.
• Fragrance:
  In the evenings, the flowers release a sweet honeysuckle-like fragrance that enhances their charm.
• Visual Appeal:
  Blooms often appear golden-tinted or in a greenish asparagus hue (RGB 0, 255, 0) with a dusty splash and soft shimmer, similar to Hoya pimenteliana.
• Pollinarium:
  Large and conspicuous, making the flowers especially fascinating to collectors and taxonomists alike.

Cultural & Conservation Significance

According to My Hoya Conservatory (Facebook), Hoya polypus represents not just rarity but resilience. First circulated as sp. Kalimantan before its formal description, it has been safeguarded by conservation-focused collectors like @umar.saha.7165, who risked personal safety to rescue specimens from forests under threat. These plants were shared with taxonomists as both live specimens and herbarium sheets, ensuring the species’ survival in cultivation.

Owning Hoya polypus is both a joy and a responsibility — it is a plant of beauty, but also a living reminder of biodiversity worth protecting.

Care Guidelines

• Light: Bright, indirect light. Protect from prolonged harsh sun.
• Watering: Allow the top layer of medium to dry before rewatering. Avoid waterlogging.
• Humidity: Prefers moderate to high humidity (60 %+).
• Temperature: Ideal range is 18–28 °C. Protect from temperatures below 13 °C.
• Medium: Use a chunky, well-aerated mix of bark, coco husk, and perlite.
• Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer at half strength during the growing season.