Hoya 'Patricia' is a spectacular hybrid wax plant created by American hybridizer Antone Jones, resulting from a cross between Hoya darwinii (seed parent) and Hoya elliptica (pollen parent). This cultivar has quickly earned a reputation among collectors as one of the finest Hoya hybrids ever produced – combining the extraordinary flower form of the notoriously difficult H. darwinii with the robust, easy-growing nature of H. elliptica. The result is a plant that delivers stunning blooms without the heartbreak of its temperamental parent.

The foliage is ovate to elliptical, light green with delicate paler veining that recalls the beautiful venation patterns of H. elliptica. When exposed to bright light conditions, the leaves develop striking sun-stress coloration in shades of red, adding a dramatic secondary display. The stems are wiry and the growth habit is climbing or trailing, reaching 60-90 cm in indoor conditions, making 'Patricia' well suited for hanging baskets, small trellises, or mounted displays.

The flowers are the undeniable star of this hybrid. Dense clusters of 10-20 individual blooms appear on short peduncles from spring through summer. Each flower features reflexed (curled-back) corolla lobes ranging from white to pinkish, covered in fine hairs, and erect corona lobes in striking red to wine-red. The umbels measure 5-8 cm across and produce a heady, sweet fragrance that can fill an entire room. Flowers last 3-4 days longer than those of H. darwinii, and the plant is a reliable, repeat bloomer once established.

Care Requirements:

• Light: Bright, indirect light. Tolerates a few hours of gentle morning sunlight, which enhances leaf coloration and encourages blooming. East or west-facing windows are ideal. Low light causes leggy growth and prevents flowering.
• Water: Allow the top half of the soil to dry between waterings. Water thoroughly and let excess drain completely. Reduce watering in autumn and winter. Overwatering is the primary cause of problems – this plant is far more tolerant of underwatering than soggy roots.
• Soil: Well-draining, airy mix. Combine potting soil with perlite and orchid bark (equal parts) or use a dedicated epiphyte mix. Excellent drainage and aeration are critical to prevent root rot.
• Temperature: 18-28°C (65-82°F) during the day. Avoid temperatures below 10°C (50°F). Does not tolerate cold drafts or sudden fluctuations.
• Humidity: Average to high household humidity (50-70%). Tolerates moderate conditions but benefits from occasional misting or a pebble tray. Unlike its H. elliptica parent, 'Patricia' is remarkably resilient to foliar sprays – fertilizer, neem oil, or water sprays that would damage H. elliptica leaves are well tolerated.
• Feeding: Balanced liquid fertilizer (10-10-10 or 20-20-20) at half strength, once monthly during spring and summer. No fertilizer needed during winter rest. Apply only to moist soil.

Botanical Info: Family: Apocynaceae | Genus: Hoya | Hybrid: H. darwinii × H. elliptica (Antone Jones) | Common Name: Patricia Wax Plant | Type: Epiphytic Vine (climbing/trailing) | Zone: 11-13 | Flowering: Reflexed, fragrant, pendulous clusters in spring–summer