Hoya krohniana 'Silver' - Silver Hoya

Hoya krohniana 'Silver': The Silver-Splashed Stunner

Hoya krohniana 'Silver' is a striking cultivar celebrated for its heart-shaped leaves dusted with a silvery sheen. This shimmering effect, which varies from plant to plant and even from leaf to leaf, is caused by epicuticular wax crystals that scatter light and give the foliage a metallic or frosted look. The amount of silver can be inconsistent depending on growing conditions, plant maturity, and even genetic variation within the cultivar—adding to its charm and uniqueness.

Native to the humid forests of the Philippines, this semi-succulent vining Hoya thrives in bright, indirect light and adapts well to typical indoor conditions. With proper care, it will produce clusters of star-shaped, fragrant flowers, usually white to pale pink with red centers, often blooming in the warmer months.

Its trailing growth makes it ideal for hanging baskets or trained along a trellis. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned collector, Hoya krohniana 'Silver' is an elegant, low-maintenance addition to your indoor jungle.

Plant Profile

• Botanical Name: Hoya krohniana ‘Silver’
• Common Names: Hoya krohniana, Silver Hoya
• Family: Apocynaceae
• Native Range: Philippines

Hoya krohniana 'Silver' Care

• Care Level: Moderate
• Light: 6–8 hours of bright, filtered light daily. Too much direct sun may scorch the silver-dusted leaves.
• Water: Allow the top 1–2 inches of soil to dry before watering. Overwatering can lead to root rot—err on the side of underwatering.
• Humidity: Prefers average indoor humidity (50–75%). Can tolerate lower levels but thrives with occasional misting or use of a humidity tray.
• Temperature: Optimal range is 55–85°F (13–29°C). Protect from cold drafts or sudden temperature changes.
• Pruning: Light pruning to remove dead leaves or control length. Avoid cutting off flowering spurs, as blooms return on old wood.
• Feeding: Use a diluted, balanced houseplant fertilizer once monthly during spring and summer.
• Propagation: Readily propagated from stem cuttings. Rooting in water or sphagnum moss is common.
• Growth Habit: Trailing and vining with a relatively fast growth rate. Can be trained upward or left to cascade in a hanging pot.
• Soil: Use a chunky, well-draining soil mix, such as orchid bark blended with perlite and cactus soil.
• Pests: Monitor for mealybugs, spider mites, aphids, and scale insects. Neem oil or insecticidal soap can help with early infestations.
• Toxicity: Hoyas are generally non-toxic to humans and pets, though ingestion may cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals. Always keep plants out of reach of curious pets and children as a precaution.

Fun Fact: Why Is It Silver?

The silvery appearance on Hoya krohniana 'Silver' leaves is due to natural wax production, which helps reduce water loss and protect the plant in its native tropical habitat. The intensity of silver can fluctuate based on genetics, light levels, and overall plant health—making each specimen a one-of-a-kind beauty.

A Cultivar with Collector Status

Hoya krohniana was first collected in the Philippines, and the 'Silver' variant quickly gained popularity in the 1990s among collectors for its dazzling foliage. While its exact origin remains unrecorded, it's believed that growers selected and propagated silvery clones from wild or cultivated populations, eventually making 'Silver' a staple in specialty plant shops and private collections worldwide.