Hoya shepherdii

stringbean plant
Stringbean hoya is an easy charmer for a moderate to bright room. Nice hanging. Also can twine and vine on support. Fragrant white blooms recur on cob-like stubs. Tolerates drafts, neglect.
height 4–14in
width 6–18in
tolerates Fog
water
needs		 When soil surface is dry.
water
info		 This plant likes to get nearly dry before getting water. GIve it an ample drink if you find only slight dampness when you push your finger two or three knuckles into the soil. In habitat it grows as an epiphyte, perched in a tree, where it cycles regularly between getting wet in the rain and drying out. Lean towards too dry rather than loving it to death with frequent watering. If the leaf show wrinkles and easily bends, it’s time to water it.
hardy
to		 35F
exposure Moderate Indirect – Bright Indirect
indoor
outdoor		 Indoor
drainage In Pots: Cactus Mix, Orchid Bark, Requires Perfect Drainage
fertilizing Acid 1/2 Strength
origin E Himalayas, E India (Assam)
california
native		 No
sunset
zones		 17, 21, 23–H2

Sunset Zones Map

Indoor Exposure Guide

Growing Notes

Worth trying in pots outdoors in mild, coastal areas, especially if it can be protected from winter rain and temperatures below 40F. Use a cymbidium mix or another good epiphyte medium, even cactus mix with a little added orchid bark, perlite, or pumice to increase aeration.
Try using orchid fertilizer at 1/4 strength once or twice a month to encourage vigorous growth and support blooming.
Will tolerate some neglect of watering but growth slows down and flowering becomes unlikely.
Twining, vine-like growth may climb up the wires or cords on which its container hangs; it will also twine around a dowel or stick.

Special Interest

Domes of perfumed white flowers emerge quickly from cob-like spurs repeatedly over the years. Do not remove the spurs lest you lose your future flowers.

More Info

One of the most potent fragrances of hoya flowers, delightful to many people but excessive to some. Mostly emitted at night.