BellinaMy Hoya Obovata Variegata Journey from Vandermeer Plant Drops to Years of Rewarding Blooms
There is a certain thrill that comes with plant shopping during a Hoya release, and my most memorable experience was at Vandermeer many years ago. At that time, Hoya obovata variegata was still considered quite uncommon. Whenever Vandermeer announced a Hoya drop, I would set aside everything I was doing, hop in the car, and head straight for the store. There was always a buzz of excitement, and on one of those mornings, I was lucky enough to bring home my very own Hoya obovata variegata.
It has since become one of the most rewarding plants in my collection. This particular Hoya is fuss free and blooms reliably year after year. The flowering is not limited to one season either. I enjoy clusters of blooms in spring, summer, and even well into the fall. The flowers are charming, but even when not in bloom, the foliage alone is reason to keep this plant. The leaves are thick and almost succulent like with striking white, yellow, and cream variegation. Some even have subtle splashes that make each leaf unique.
My plant lives in a south facing window where it enjoys bright light and about four to five hours of direct sun daily. I water once a week, though the terra cotta pot it is in dries out quickly. Terra cotta is not always ideal for Hoyas since they often prefer a bit more consistent moisture, but this plant does not seem to mind drying slightly between waterings. For newer Hoya collectors, I usually recommend a self watering pot to avoid the stress of underwatering. I also add a small amount of fertilizer with each watering, which helps fuel steady growth during the warm months. In spring and summer, the vines lengthen and often reward me with new umbels of blooms.
Back then, Vandermeer plant drops were an event. I remember arriving early one Saturday morning after they announced the release late Friday night. To my surprise, there were already several people in line before opening. We passed the time laughing, chatting about our wish lists, and comparing notes on Hoya care. Some of the friends I met that day I still follow on Instagram, which makes the memory even sweeter. Those moments of community and excitement are what make plant shopping so special.
Hoya obovata variegata care summary:
Bright indirect light with several hours of direct sun.
Water: Weekly, allow soil to dry slightly between watering.
Pot: Terra cotta works but self watering pots are beginner friendly.
Fertilizer: Light feed with every watering in spring and summer.
Growth: Vigorous during warm months, blooms multiple times a year.
Placement: South facing windows are ideal.
