Hoya australis Tricolor - New South Wales wax flower

The Hoya australis ‘Tricolor’ or Variegated Wax Flower is a particularly attractive tropical houseplant for its beautiful variegated foliage. This climbing plant which also forms very beautiful hanging displays produces flexible stems adorned with opposite, ovate to elliptical leaves. Tough and glossy, their surface highlights the blend of yellows and various shades of green that makes each leaf unique. Its flowering can be unpredictable and requires patience but it is exquisitely beautiful, with white umbels reminiscent of fine porcelain. This lovely exotic thrives in warm, humid conditions and enjoys bright light.

The Hoya belongs to the Apocynaceae family which includes around 5,000 species mainly found in subtropical and tropical regions worldwide, though some representatives exist in temperate climates, such as the Periwinkles, so useful as a ground cover in our gardens. There are between 100 and 300 species of Hoya depending on botanical classifications, mostly shrubs or lianas, native to regions stretching from Southeast Asia to Oceania. These plants were popularised in Europe by the Scottish botanist Robert Brown in the late 19th century. 
The Hoya australis is a species native to Australia, growing in the states of Queensland (warm to tropical climate) and New South Wales (subtropical to oceanic). In these regions, this epiphytic plant climbs up other vegetation, using it as a support to reach heights of several metres (up to 10 m). While it can occasionally tolerate cooler temperatures, it absolutely cannot withstand frosts and prefers areas where temperatures exceed 15°C. It particularly thrives in warm, humid, tropical-like conditions.
The Hoya australis 'Tricolor' is a highly ornamental variegated cultivar. Its tough, ovate leaves grow up to 7 cm long and 5 cm wide. The lamina displays a harmonious blend of colours. The centre of the leaves ranges from yellow to chartreuse green, forming a large maculate area with irregular edges bordered by a light green margin, itself outlined by a dark green edge. However, this distribution is purely theoretical as each leaf presents a unique and original arrangement of hues, making it a highly attractive plant. Additionally, young leaves emerge in pinkish tones, further enhancing its appeal.
If it thrives in your home, this plant will reward you with truly fascinating flowering in autumn. Fragrant inflorescences develop in the leaf axils, taking the form of umbels formed of small white flowers with pink or purple centres. Grouped in clusters of 15 to 20 or more, borne on long floral peduncles and forming bunches about 5-6 cm in diameter, they resemble delicate porcelain.

The Hoya australis 'Tricolor' is easy to care for and requires minimal maintenance as long as it enjoys warm, humid conditions, such as in a well-lit bathroom. A sheer curtain or frosted glass will allow enough light in while protecting it from direct sunlight. You can choose to train it to climb up a support, such as a simple stake or small trellis, or alternatively, grow it as a hanging plant, letting its flexible stems cascade down. Unlike many other members of the Apocynaceae family which are toxic, this plant is safe to keep indoors without any concerns.