{"product_id":"hoya-imbricata","title":"Hoya imbricata","description":"\u003ch2 data-start=\"387\" data-end=\"410\"\u003eAbout Hoya imbricata\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"412\" data-end=\"673\"\u003eNative to Southeast Asia — including the Philippines, Borneo, and parts of Malaysia — \u003cem data-start=\"498\" data-end=\"514\"\u003eHoya imbricata\u003c\/em\u003e was first described in the early 19th century. In the wild, it grows as an \u003cstrong data-start=\"590\" data-end=\"602\"\u003eepiphyte\u003c\/strong\u003e, attaching itself to tree trunks and branches in tropical rainforests.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"675\" data-end=\"1070\"\u003eUnlike most trailing Hoyas, this species adapts to a very specific niche: it climbs and then flattens its leaves tightly against bark or other vertical surfaces. Beneath each leaf, it creates a hollow pocket — a microhabitat that often houses ants. This fascinating plant–ant relationship (a form of mutualism) helps protect the plant from herbivores and may even assist in nutrient acquisition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"1072\" data-end=\"1075\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"1077\" data-end=\"1087\"\u003eFoliage\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1089\" data-end=\"1322\"\u003eThe leaves are large, round to oval, and shield-like, often mottled green with subtle patterning. When mounted properly, they overlap in an imbricating pattern (hence the name), creating a dramatic shingled effect across the surface.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1324\" data-end=\"1476\"\u003eIf grown in a standard pot without a vertical surface, the plant may produce more typical vining growth — but its most iconic look happens when mounted.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"1478\" data-end=\"1481\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"1483\" data-end=\"1493\"\u003eFlowers\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1495\" data-end=\"1776\"\u003eClusters of small, star-shaped flowers emerge from the edges of leaves or in the crevices between leaf and mounting surface. Blooms are typically white to pale yellow and lightly fragrant. Like most Hoyas, flowers grow from persistent peduncles — do not remove them after blooming.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"1778\" data-end=\"1781\"\u003e\n\u003ch1 data-start=\"1783\" data-end=\"1811\"\u003eHow to Grow Hoya imbricata\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1813\" data-end=\"1824\"\u003eLight\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1825\" data-end=\"1931\"\u003eBright gentle light. Think dappled rainforest canopy. Avoid harsh direct sun, which can scorch the leaves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1933\" data-end=\"1944\"\u003eWater\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1945\" data-end=\"2117\"\u003eKeep evenly moist but never soggy. Allow the top layer of your medium to dry slightly between waterings. Mounted specimens will dry faster and need more frequent attention.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"2119\" data-end=\"2133\"\u003eHumidity\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2134\" data-end=\"2350\"\u003eHigh humidity is essential — ideally 70% or higher. This species thrives in greenhouses, grow cabinets, or naturally humid coastal climates. In places like coastal San Francisco, ambient humidity is often sufficient.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"2352\" data-end=\"2369\"\u003eTemperature\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2370\" data-end=\"2464\"\u003eWarm conditions are best: 65–85°F. Protect from cold drafts and avoid temperatures below 60°F.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"2466\" data-end=\"2486\"\u003eGrowing Medium\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2487\" data-end=\"2744\"\u003eBecause it’s epiphytic, it prefers a chunky, airy mix such as orchid bark, perlite, and a small amount of sphagnum or peat. Many growers mount it on cork bark or wood to replicate its natural growth habit — which also encourages the iconic shield formation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"2746\" data-end=\"2749\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"2751\" data-end=\"2768\"\u003eBloom Season\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2769\" data-end=\"2923\"\u003eBlooms intermittently in warm, stable conditions. Flowering is more likely once the plant is well-established and receiving consistent humidity and light.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"2925\" data-end=\"2928\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"2930\" data-end=\"2945\"\u003ePet Safety\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2946\" data-end=\"3028\"\u003ePet safe. (Hoyas are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs according to the ASPCA.)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Plant Lady SF","offers":[{"title":"4\"","offer_id":43380229931214,"sku":null,"price":30.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0574\/2280\/7246\/files\/Screenshot2026-02-20at4.47.00PM.png?v=1771636253","url":"https:\/\/theplantladysf.com\/products\/hoya-imbricata","provider":"The Plant Lady SF","version":"1.0","type":"link"}