What condition is the plant shipped in?
This is sold as 2-3 node cuttings without pot. The nodes will be carefully packaged to maintain their health during transit and the long import process from Indonesia. As this is a pre-order item, delivery may take up to 2 months while we import the plant. Photos shown are real specimens from our Indonesian supplier from the Tabalong region.
What should I do if the plant arrives damaged?
It is very rare for couriers to mishandle parcels, even though we label them as "FRAGILE".
In the unfortunate event that the plant or package arrives damaged, please contact us and we will solve the situation together.
We assure you of our full cooperation.
Note: Plants are shipped without soil, using sphagnum moss or tissue to keep the roots moist during the long import journey from Indonesia.
Can I choose the exact plant I order?
You can contact us via WhatsApp or by phone to receive photos of the available specimens before shipping. Please note that as this is a pre-order item, specific selection may be limited to available stock from our Indonesian supplier.
Does it have flowers?
Hoya forbesii 'Splash' Tabalong is shipped as 2-3 node cuttings without flowers. However, this species is exceptional for its fast flowering ability – it can bloom from cutting in less than 6 months under optimal conditions!
Check the "Flowering stage" for each product to see whether the plant is:
- Without flowers (typical for cuttings)
- With formed peduncles
- With flowers
Hoya forbesii flowers are fragrant, star-shaped, and appear in yellow and cream colors. They display the characteristic waxy texture of hoya flowers and can last 5-7 days under stable conditions.
After the flowers fade, do not cut the peduncles, as they can produce new inflorescences multiple times.
Blooming period
- Under optimal conditions, can bloom from cutting in 6 months or less (exceptional for hoyas!)
- With proper care, can flower multiple times per year
- Flowers more frequently with bright light (6-10 hours daily) and high humidity
Flower description
- Star-shaped, waxy flowers
- Yellow and cream coloration
- Fragrant blooms
- Typical hoya umbel formation on permanent peduncles
Fragrance of the flowers
- Sweet, pleasant fragrance
- More noticeable during evening hours
- Typical of hoya species with honey/vanilla notes
Why is Hoya forbesii known for fast flowering?
Hoya forbesii is exceptional within the genus for its rapid maturation and willingness to bloom:
1. Can flower from cutting in 6 months or less
2. Doesn't require years of maturity like many hoyas
3. Blooms readily with proper care (light, warmth, humidity)
4. Multiple flowering cycles per year possible
5. This makes it ideal for collectors wanting faster gratification
6. Still produces beautiful foliage while maturing
How can I encourage flowering?
To promote the fast flowering this species is known for:
1. **Bright light** – 6-10 hours daily of bright indirect light
2. **Warmth** – Maintain 22-28°C consistently
3. **High humidity** – 60-80% significantly helps
4. **Proper watering** – Allow to dry between waterings
5. **Balanced fertilizer** – During growing season, switch to phosphorus-rich when buds form
6. **Don't move frequently** – Stability promotes blooming
7. **Keep peduncles** – They rebloom from the same spots
8. **Be patient** – Even "fast" can mean 6+ months from cutting
How large do the leaves get?
The leaves of Hoya forbesii are notably large compared to many hoya species:
- Substantially sized foliage creates visual impact
- Large enough to display prominent vein patterns clearly
- Silver splash variegation more visible on larger leaves
- Perfect for dramatic hanging displays
- The size adds to the plant's exotic appearance
Why is it called "Splash" Tabalong?
The designation indicates:
- "Splash" refers to the silver splashes/variegation on leaves
- "Tabalong" refers to the Tabalong region in South Kalimantan, Indonesia
- This identifies the specific geographic variant/collection location
- Plants from Tabalong may have distinctive characteristics
- Helps collectors identify the exact provenance
Can I propagate this easily?
Yes! Hoya forbesii is relatively easy to propagate:
1. Take stem cuttings with 1-2 nodes
2. Root in water, sphagnum moss, or LECA
3. High humidity helps rooting success
4. Warmth (25-28°C) speeds root development
5. Roots typically develop within 2-4 weeks
6. Once rooted, grows vigorously
7. Can flower from cuttings in 6 months with good care
To encourage healthy growth and flowering of Hoya forbesii 'Splash' Tabalong:
1. **Bright indirect light** – 6-10 hours daily for flowering
2. **Warmth** – Minimum 20°C, ideally 22-28°C
3. **High humidity** – 60-80% for vigorous growth
4. **Proper drainage** – Aerated epiphyte mix essential
5. **Dry between waterings** – Allow substrate to dry
6. **Balanced fertilizer** – Regular during growing season
7. **Support or hanging basket** – Allow vining growth
8. **Stable environment** – Avoid frequent changes
9. **Keep peduncles** – They rebloom multiple times
10. **Good air circulation** – Prevents fungal issues in high humidity
Is it toxic for pets or children?
Hoya forbesii 'Splash' Tabalong is an ornamental plant not intended for consumption. Like most hoyas, it contains a milky latex (whitish sap) that appears when leaves or stems are damaged. This latex contains irritating compounds which can cause:
- For humans: skin or eye irritation, especially in sensitive individuals; if ingested, it may cause nausea, vomiting, or digestive discomfort.
- For pets (cats, dogs, rabbits, etc.): excessive salivation, oral irritation, mild vomiting, or temporary loss of appetite – symptoms are usually mild but unpleasant.
Although not considered "highly toxic", it belongs to the category of ornamental plants with irritating latex.
It is recommended to:
- avoid handling with bare hands if you are sensitive to the sap,
- keep the plant away from children and pets,
- wash your hands immediately after cutting or propagating.
Where should I place it indoors?
Ideally near a bright window (east or west-facing) with 6-10 hours of bright indirect light daily. A location with good humidity (bathroom with window, near humidifier, or grouped with other plants) is perfect. Consider a hanging basket or high shelf where the vines can trail dramatically. Once positioned and showing good growth, avoid moving frequently as stability promotes flowering.
Why is this a pre-order item?
Hoya forbesii 'Splash' Tabalong is imported directly from the Tabalong region in South Kalimantan, Indonesia, which requires:
- Coordination with specialized Indonesian nurseries
- Phytosanitary certification for international plant trade
- Careful packaging for long-distance shipping without soil
- Import permits and plant quarantine inspections
This process can take up to 2 months, but ensures you receive an authentic specimen from the specific Tabalong collection location with proper documentation. The wait is worthwhile for this fast-flowering, large-leafed beauty!