Hoya krohniana Eskimo - Wax plant

The Hoya ‘Eskimo’ is a stunning cultivar with silver-speckled leaves. Derived from the Hoya krohniana species, it develops small, ovate, and pointed leaves variably speckled with silver, sometimes to the point of appearing almost entirely silver. This tropical houseplant creates an elegant cascade of lush lianas, perfect for placing on a shelf or in a hanging basket. Its gorgeous and fragrant flowering, which gives it the nickname "Porcelain Flower," is exquisitely beautiful. It rewards patient gardeners with white umbels that resemble fine porcelain and last for several weeks.

The Hoya ‘Eskimo’ is also known as the Wax Flower. It is a cultivar from the Hoya krohniana species native to Southeast Asia, particularly the Philippines. In these regions, this epiphytic plant climbs up other vegetation, using it as a support to reach several metres in height. The 'Eskimo' develops slightly thick, heart-shaped leaves with a moderate growth on lianas that can grow up to 90 cm long and 50 cm wide. Its spring or summer flowering indoors, once the plant reaches maturity, appears as umbels of star-shaped, creamy-white flowers with a remarkable texture reminiscent of porcelain. Grouped in clusters of 15 to 20 or more, they are borne on long floral peduncles forming a cluter 5-6 cm in diameter.

The Hoya genus belongs to the Apocynaceae family and comprises around 400 species native to the warm, humid regions of Southeast Asia, Australia, and Polynesia, where they thrive in tropical forests. Primarily shrubs or epiphytic lianas, they often anchor themselves to tree trunks and branches using aerial roots that enable them to grow towards the light. This unique climbing habit has made them popular as ornamental houseplants, ideal for climbing up supports or cascading down in hanging baskets.

The Hoya krohniana 'Eskimo' thrives in bright, indirect light—preferably for 10 hours a day to encourage flowering—but can also tolerate some gentle direct morning or evening sun. Use an epiphytic plant substrate such as an orchid mix and allow it to dry out completely between waterings, except in summer or warm periods when you may water your plant several times a week. The 'Eskimo' prefers temperatures between 18°C and 26°C with a minimum humidity level of 60%. You can train it to climb up a support or, alternatively, grow it in a hanging basket, letting its flexible stems drape freely.