My Hoya imperialis Red first flowering

I was really eager to see this plant blooming, and I’m happy to share this update. It exceeded my expectations!

I got this Hoya imperialis Red first toward the end of my time in Vietnam. When it was time to go, it was among the plants I just had to bring with me back to Sweden. The journey hasn’t been easy, but the rewards are more than worth it.

From Vietnam to Sweden

After bringing the Hoya imperialis Red cutting to Sweden, it spent the winter of 2021-2022 carefully nurtured into a new beginning. To help it root, I placed a bag with perlite around its cut on a heating element in our living room. This setup provided the necessary warmth and moisture, encouraging the roots and new growth to finally emerge the following spring.

Climbing to New Heights: Providing Support

I knew that Hoya imperialis is a vigorous climber, so I had to come up with a suitable support system. The solution? A piece of cat net (intended to safeguard your cats on a balcony) stretched over our living room’s window. This not only provided ample climbing space but also allowed the plant to receive optimal sunlight. With a bit of guidance from me, it thrived and made already a few loops.

The First Signs of Bloom

The first peduncle formed last summer (2023), followed by a few more. However, it wasn’t until this winter that I noticed the buds developing. Despite a few false starts, with buds dropping off before fully developing, I remained hopeful. This spring, my patience was rewarded with only one, but stunningly large and gorgeous flower.

But the story doesn’t end there. Shortly after, another peduncle started to develop buds, and this time, a whole cluster of eight flowers bloomed! The sight was breathtaking, and I share it with on this video here.

Thoughts and Care Tips

For those considering growing this beautiful Hoya, here are a few tips:

1. Heat for Rooting: Hoya imperialis needs warmth to root effectively. Initially, using a heating mat or placing the cutting in a warm spot can help encourage root development.
2. Good Light, Especially in Winter: Once rooted, the plant requires plenty of light, particularly during the winter months. I use a 50W, 1.5m daylight LED-lamp shared with other plants I grow in the window.
3. Support for Climbing: Provide a sturdy structure for the plant to climb, such as a trellis or netting. This helps the plant grow more vigorously and allows it to reach its full potential.
4. Patience with Blooms: Don’t be discouraged if the plant drops its buds at first. It may take some time for it to acclimatize and start blooming.

A few forms of Hoya imperialis are available in our online store.

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