The practice of hybridization has proved invaluable to the houseplant trade, with hybrids almost always displaying characteristically accelerated growth that boasts a perfect blend of the parents’ best qualities. Of course, when Hoya carnosa and serpens were crossed, the potential was undeniable; and the best selections from this crossing (‘Mathilde’ and ‘Chouke’) are now hallmarks of the distinguished Hoya grower’s collection. With speedy growth, charming, scalloped leaves, and a well-rounded flower umbel of fuzzy, pinkish white blossoms that land right between the best of serpens and carnosa. Though serpens, as a pure species, is a fickle, slow-growing plant, ‘Chouke’ surpasses even green carnosa in growth rate, a vine that could rival ivy in speed. As with most small-leaved Hoya, ‘Chouke’ should be grown on a trellis or trained to vine properly, as gentle management is a key element of producing a mature specimen with straightened vines that spill elegantly over the rim of a well-chosen pot. ‘Chouke’ should be watered frequently, and benefits from a soil composition with moisture retentive ingredients like sphagnum, though ‘Chouke’ is remarkably hardy nonetheless.
