Hoya (memoria x collina IR26, small leaves)

Origin and Description:
Hoya memoria x Hoya collina (IR26) is a hybrid known for its slender, veined leaves that can develop silver speckling in the right conditions. While it does not sunstress as easily as other Hoyas, it may display subtle stress patterns based on its environment. The most intriguing aspect of this hybrid is its flower, which closely resembles that of Hoya lacunosa. In my opinion, based on personal observation, the blooms are so similar that I speculate whether Hoya lacunosa could be involved in the hybrid's parentage. This is purely speculative and only based on what I've observed, but in today's plant world, it's difficult to track open-pollinated plants accurately, and many hybrids are released with "possible pollen father" information without definitive confirmation.

Natural Habitat of Parent Species:
The parent plants of this hybrid thrive in tropical regions:

• Hoya memoria is native to Southeast Asia, where it grows as an epiphyte in humid, forested environments, clinging to trees and absorbing moisture from the air.
• Hoya collina is also native to tropical rainforests in Southeast Asia, where it enjoys similar conditions, growing in filtered light with consistent moisture.

Care Instructions:

• Light: Prefers bright, indirect light. Too much direct sunlight can damage the leaves.
• Watering: Allow the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot.
• Humidity: Prefers moderate to high humidity (60-80%).
• Temperature: Ideal temperatures are between 60°F to 80°F (15°C to 27°C). Protect from cold drafts.
• Soil: Use a well-draining mix, such as orchid bark, perlite, and peat moss, to replicate its natural epiphytic habitat.

Fun Fact:
While the official cross is said to be between Hoya memoria and Hoya collina, my own speculation, based on the flower's appearance, suggests that Hoya lacunosa could potentially be involved. This uncertainty reflects the difficulty in tracking open-pollinated plants, where pollen sources are often approximated but not definitively confirmed​