Named for the botanist that originally discovered the species, Hoya merilli is a sole endemic to the Philippines, a true epiphyte with massive, glossy leaves. Clearly fine-tuned to a life in the treetops, these thick, succulent leaves are meant to absorb and dampen direct sunlight, unfiltered, for hours on end; which gives this large species more than enough energy to grow. When in cultivation, Hoya merilli can be sun-stressed with some effort; an endeavor that will result in huge, thick leaves tinged a bright crimson; one of the most beautiful colors that can be achieved through anything in the genus Hoya. Flowers are a footnote of this species,though they aren’t bad, or lacking; the tightly clustered, sweet-scented white flowers tend to fall second place to the incredible leaf patterns displayed. As with most epiphytic plants, soil should be composed of tree bark chunks, as well as an aerator like pumice or perlite to give the needy roots a holdfast to ensnare. As long as ample light, space, and nutrients are provided, there is nothing stopping Hoya merilli from becoming a true show-stopping centerpiece amongst any collection.
