Hoya latifolia sp. 'Sarawak Cream' – A show of tropical elegance and majestic foliage

About names and identification

Hoya 'Sarawak Cream' is known by several names in the international plant trade, which can be confusing. The full and correct botanical name is Hoya latifolia sp. Sarawak (cream flower), but you will frequently encounter the abbreviated variants: Hoya Sarawak Cream, Hoya latifolia Sarawak, or simply Hoya Sarawak.

In specialized cataloging systems, this plant is identified by the code GPS 10073 (Gerard Paul Shirley – famous Dutch collector of Hoya) – and sometimes by IML (International Multilocation) codes used for the geographical tracking of botanical collections. The name "Sarawak" comes from the Sarawak region, located – in the northwest of the island of Borneo, Malaysia – the place of origin of this spectacular plant.

The distinction 'Cream' is essential: it refers to the creamy-white flower color with pale pink hues, unlike the Hoya latifolia sp. Sarawak 'Pink' which has more intense pink flowers. Recently, many Hoyas have been reclassified under the Hoya latifolia umbrella, but growers and collectors continue to use the name 'Sarawak' to differentiate this subspecies with distinctively rounded leaves. heart-shaped, compared to the classic Hoya latifolia which has more elongated and narrow leaves with sharp tips.

Botanical description and characteristics

Hoya latifolia sp. 'Sarawak Cream' is a rare and extremely decorative tropical epiphytic plant from the Apocynaceae family, immediately recognizable by its large, thick, perfectly rounded heart-shaped leaves. The spectacular leaves can reach 10-20 cm in length, have a vibrant deep green color and a thick, waxy texture, with a glossy surface that reflects light, giving the plant a lush and permanent appearance.

What makes this Hoya truly remarkable is the prominent venation of the leaves - the midrib and the secondary veins form a distinct decorative pattern, often accentuated by fine silvery-pink droplets that add visual depth. The leaves have a stiff, almost succulent texture, giving the plant a sculpted, artistic presence in any space.

The blooms are a fragrant, ephemeral spectacle

The flowers are one of the main attractions of this spectacular Hoya. The mature plant produces dense, spherical umbels of 15-35 small, waxy, pearly flowers. Each flower has creamy-white corollas (outer petals) that fade to a deep purple. gradually towards the tips in shades of pale pink or delicate lavender, while the corollas (floral center) are pearly creamy white. The flowers have a perfect, symmetrical structure, characteristic of the Hoya genus, with five reflexed petals that create a charming three-dimensional effect.

The fragrance is memorable: the flowers emit a sweet, intense aroma, with notes of vanilla, honey and subtle spices, more pronounced in the evening and at night. Flowering usually occurs in late spring and summer (April-August) on mature 2-3 year old plants. A special feature is the abundant nectar production - the flowers literally drip sweet nectar, so they protect furniture and surrounding surfaces during the flowering period!

Growth habit and decorative use

Hoya latifolia sp. 'Sarawak Cream' has semi-woody, flexible stems that tend to It spreads and climbs, reaching 1-3 meters in length in optimal conditions. This characteristic makes it ideal for:

• Hanging baskets – where the stems form dramatic cascades of spectacular foliage
• Vertical supports – trellises, hoops, coconut poles, where it can be guided to create sculptural compositions
• High shelves – leaving it alone