Hoya cumingiana is a perfect example of how plants can subvert a collector’s expectations, though in an incredibly positive way. While most hoyas grow thick, large, waxy leaves on vines that hang and grow downwards, cumingiana grows vines at a breakneck pace, straight upwards, pairs of matte, scalloped, thin green leaves sprouting at a very regular interval along the stem. Flowers, too, are quite pleasant; umbels of recurved lemon-yellow flowers with beautiful, violet-purple coronas emit a light, but detectable odor of sweet honey, a scent that’s quite unique to this species when compared to other Hoyas. Of course, difference is a good thing-it’s these traits that make Hoya cumingiana stand out above the competition, a plant that deserves a category unto itself. Hoya cumingiana also likes conditions not aligned with most other hoyas; a small-grain soil, something that can be produced with grit and regular houseplant soil, and the species shows a surprising affinity for trellising. As long as the stem is affixed properly to a trellis, it can be gently shaped and formed to grow up and alongside it, a firm, living fence styled lattice that makes an incredible statement piece, and one that no other Hoya could conform to. The upright stems of this species can become rather gangly, sometimes having troubles with top-heaviness, which are quite easily remedied. Any oversize stems can be cut between nodes, and efficiently rooted in either soil or water, Growth will resume from both ends, and will make the plant fuller as a result.
