Propagation is possible but challenging: - Take stem cuttings with 2-3 nodes - Requires constant very high humidity to root - Best done in sealed containers or propagation boxes - Rooting can take 2-3 months or longer - Success rate is lower than most Hoyas - Use sphagnum moss or well-draining mix - Keep warm (24-26°C) during rooting - This species is notoriously difficult to propagate

Hoya imbricata is generally considered safe: - Not listed as toxic by major pet safety organizations - Like all Hoyas, contains milky sap that may cause mild irritation - Ingestion of large quantities may cause digestive upset - Generally much safer than many common houseplants - The large leaves aren't typically attractive to pets - As with any plant, discourage chewing - Monitor pets if they show unusual interest

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Hoya imbricata 'Splash' - rooted cutting with 3 nodes

Hoya imbricata 'Splash' - rooted cutting with 3 nodes

399,00 RON

Hoya imbricata 'Splash' features extraordinary dome-shaped leaves (up to 25 cm) with silver-grey splash variegation that overlap like roof tiles, creating a unique shingling growth pattern – known as the "Ant Plant" from the Philippines and Indonesia.

📌 Note: This plant is imported from Indonesia only on a pre-order basis with advance payment. The plants are shipped the next day as soon as we receive them, they have well-protected roots in sphagnum moss, they are without a pot and without soil and may have small defects due to the longer transit time.

Flowering state: No flowers

Country of origin: Indonesia

Pot diameter: (no pot)

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Product Code: 677 Do you need help? 0724.394.887

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🌿 Hoya imbricata 'Splash' – extraordinary shingling ant plant with silver-splashed leaves

General description

Unique shingling growth: Extraordinary dome-shaped leaves (up to 25 cm diameter) that press flat against surfaces and overlap like roof tiles, creating a sculptural "shingling" effect unlike any other Hoya – one leaf per node.
Silver splash variegation: Large, decorative cup-shaped leaves mottled with dark green, purple tones, and distinctive silver-grey splashes, creating a striking variegated appearance.
Fascinating myrmecophyte: Known as the "Ant Plant" – the concave leaves create natural cavities that shelter ant colonies in the wild, representing a unique symbiotic relationship found in nature.

How to care for Hoya imbricata 'Splash'

Light: Prefers bright indirect light typical of tropical forest understory. Adequate light enhances the silver splashing.
Mounting: Best grown mounted on wood, cork bark, or moss poles to allow natural shingling behavior. Without support, leaves fold closed like "little purses."
Watering: Keep mount moist but not waterlogged. As an epiphyte, prefers to dry slightly between waterings.
Humidity: Requires high humidity (60-80%) for optimal growth and leaf development. Essential for this species.
Important: Do not remove flower peduncles after blooming, as they will flower again from the same spot.

Why choose Hoya imbricata 'Splash'?

If you're looking for one of the most unique and architecturally stunning Hoyas in existence, Hoya imbricata 'Splash' is the perfect choice. This extraordinary species from the Philippines and Indonesia is completely unlike typical vining Hoyas – it's a "shingling plant" that grows flat against surfaces with overlapping dome-shaped leaves creating living sculptures. The 'Splash' form features beautiful silver-grey variegation that enhances the already dramatic foliage. In nature, it's a myrmecophyte (ant plant) where the cup-shaped leaves shelter ant colonies in a fascinating symbiotic relationship. Ideal for experienced collectors who want a true botanical conversation piece and are willing to provide the specialized care this rare plant requires.

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Are there multiple stems/plants in the pot?

This plant is sold as a rooted cutting with 3 nodes, without soil and without pot

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 one or more plants, or the package, arrive damaged, please contact us and we will solve the situation together.
We assure you of our full cooperation.

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.

Does it have flowers?

Most of the Hoya plants we sell are not in bloom when shipped. However, mature plants can bloom under the right conditions. The flowers are cream-white to yellow, fuzzy, 0.8-1 cm diameter, in umbels of 8-30 flowers.
Check the "Flowering stage" for each product to see whether the plant is:
- Without flowers
- With formed peduncles
- With flowers

Hoya imbricata flowers last approximately 5 days and emit an intense, pleasant fragrance primarily from dusk to early morning.

After the flowers fade, do not cut the peduncles, as they can produce new inflorescences in subsequent blooming cycles.

Blooming period
- Mature plants (several years old) can bloom when conditions are optimal.
- Flowers appear primarily in warmer months.
- Nocturnal fragrance attracts moth pollinators.
- It may take 2-4 years or more for plants to reach flowering maturity.

Flower description
- Flowers are cream-white to yellow, approximately 0.8-1 cm diameter.
- Corolla has 5 triangular lobes with pointed, reflexed tips.
- Inner surface is fuzzy with thick, short hairs; outer surface is glabrous.
- Corona and corolla have glossy, waxy appearance.
- Forms umbels of 8-30 flowers on 10 cm peduncles.
- Umbels dangle downward (positively geotropic).

Fragrance of the flowers
- Intense, pleasant fragrance released primarily from dusk to early morning.
- Nocturnal scent pattern attracts night-pollinating moths.
- Fragrance can sometimes be detected during day in optimal conditions.
- Lasts approximately 5 days per bloom cycle.

Why is Hoya imbricata 'Splash' so special?

Hoya imbricata 'Splash' is special for several reasons:
1. **Unique shingling growth** – completely unlike typical vining Hoyas
2. **One leaf per node** – rare characteristic among Hoya species
3. **Massive leaves** – up to 25 cm diameter, largest in the genus
4. **Architectural sculpture** – creates living art when mounted properly
5. **Silver splash variegation** – beautiful grey-silver markings on leaves
6. **Myrmecophyte** – shelters ant colonies in nature (ant plant)
7. **Cup-shaped leaves** – dome-like structures press flat against surfaces
8. **Symbiotic relationship** – fascinating example of plant-animal co-evolution
9. **Nocturnal fragrance** – intense scent attracts moth pollinators at night
10. **Collector's challenge** – requires specialized care and mounting

What does "shingling" mean?

"Shingling" refers to the unique growth pattern where leaves overlap each other like roof shingles or tiles. In Hoya imbricata:
- Each successive leaf grows overlapping the previous one
- Leaves press flat against a vertical surface
- Creates an imbricate pattern (like roof tiles)
- Only works when plant has a flat surface to climb
- Without support, leaves fold closed instead of shingling
- This growth habit is extremely rare among Hoyas
- The name "imbricata" comes from this shingling pattern

What is a myrmecophyte?

A myrmecophyte is a plant that has a symbiotic (mutually beneficial) relationship with ants. Hoya imbricata is a true myrmecophyte:
- The concave inner surface of leaves creates cavities against tree bark
- These protected spaces shelter ant colonies
- Ants defend the plant from herbivores and threats
- Ants provide CO2 for photosynthesis
- Ant waste may provide nutrients to the plant
- This is called a "domatium" – a plant structure that houses ants
- In cultivation indoors, no ants will colonize the plant
- The leaf structure remains the same without ants

Do I need to provide ants for my plant?

No! When grown indoors, Hoya imbricata does not need ants:
- The plant grows perfectly well without them
- Indoor conditions don't support ant colonies anyway
- The symbiotic relationship is only relevant in natural habitat
- The leaf structure and growth pattern remain the same
- You're growing it for its architectural beauty, not the ants
- The cupped leaves are simply a fascinating evolutionary adaptation

How do I mount it properly?

Proper mounting is essential for Hoya imbricata:
- Use cork bark, wood boards, or tree fern plaques
- The surface must be flat and vertical for proper shingling
- Attach the stem gently with soft ties or fishing line
- Keep the mount in a humid environment (cabinet or terrarium recommended)
- Mist regularly or keep mount consistently moist
- The plant will attach itself with aerial roots
- Be patient – shingling development takes time
- Never grow in regular hanging basket without flat support

Why are my leaves folding closed?

Leaves fold closed when the plant lacks proper mounting:
- Without a flat vertical surface, leaves can't shingle
- They fold in half and look like "little purses"
- This is the plant's response to not having a tree trunk to grip
- Solution: mount the plant on cork bark or wood
- Once mounted, new growth will begin to shingle properly
- Existing folded leaves may not unfold but new growth will be correct

Is it difficult to care for?

Yes, Hoya imbricata 'Splash' is one of the most challenging Hoyas:
- Requires high humidity (60-80%) constantly
- Must be properly mounted for characteristic growth
- Slow growing and requires patience
- Not tolerant of dry air or inconsistent conditions
- Propagation is difficult
- Best suited for experienced collectors
- Often grown in terrariums or plant cabinets
- Rewards dedicated care with spectacular unique growth
- Not recommended for beginners

Can I grow it in a regular pot?

Not recommended for normal growth:
- In a pot without flat support, leaves fold closed
- Won't display the characteristic shingling pattern
- The plant evolved to grow flat against tree trunks
- For the true Hoya imbricata experience, mounting is essential
- Some growers keep young plants potted until large enough to mount
- But the architectural beauty only appears when properly mounted

What humidity level does it need?

Hoya imbricata requires very high humidity:
- Optimal: 60-80% humidity
- Will struggle below 60%
- Often grown in terrariums, plant cabinets, or greenhouses
- Regular home humidity (30-50%) is insufficient
- Use a humidifier near the plant
- Frequent misting helps but isn't enough alone
- Grouping with other humidity-loving plants helps
- This is the #1 challenge with this species

How fast does it grow?

Hoya imbricata is a slow grower:
- Much slower than typical vining Hoyas
- May produce only 2-4 new leaves per year
- Takes 2-4 years or more to develop impressive shingling
- Patience is absolutely essential
- Growth rate depends heavily on humidity and mounting
- Once established and happy, growth becomes more consistent
- This is a long-term project plant, not instant gratification

Will it damage my wall/surface?

The plant attaches with aerial roots:
- Roots can adhere firmly to rough surfaces
- May leave marks on very soft wood
- Generally doesn't damage cork bark or most woods
- Much less aggressive than English ivy
- The attachment is necessary for the plant's growth
- Consider this when choosing mounting surface
- Cork bark is ideal as it can be replaced if needed

What makes the 'Splash' form special?

The 'Splash' cultivar features enhanced variegation:
- Beautiful silver-grey splashes across the leaf surface
- Adds extra visual interest to already dramatic leaves
- Variegation appears as speckles and splashes
- Combined with natural purple/grey mottling
- Each leaf has unique splash patterns
- Variegation is stable and doesn't revert
- More rare and sought-after than non-variegated forms
- Light conditions can enhance the silver tones

Can I propagate it?

Propagation is possible but challenging:
- Take stem cuttings with 2-3 nodes
- Requires constant very high humidity to root
- Best done in sealed containers or propagation boxes
- Rooting can take 2-3 months or longer
- Success rate is lower than most Hoyas
- Use sphagnum moss or well-draining mix
- Keep warm (24-26°C) during rooting
- This species is notoriously difficult to propagate

Is it toxic to pets?

Hoya imbricata is generally considered safe:
- Not listed as toxic by major pet safety organizations
- Like all Hoyas, contains milky sap that may cause mild irritation
- Ingestion of large quantities may cause digestive upset
- Generally much safer than many common houseplants
- The large leaves aren't typically attractive to pets
- As with any plant, discourage chewing
- Monitor pets if they show unusual interest

Why is it called "Ant Plant"?

The common name "Ant Plant" refers to the myrmecophytic nature:
- In the wild, ant colonies live under the cupped leaves
- The plant provides shelter; ants provide protection
- This symbiotic relationship is fascinating
- Multiple plant families have "ant plants"
- Hoya imbricata is one of the most striking examples
- The Filipino name "paui-pauikan" also references this relationship
- It's a living example of co-evolution in tropical ecosystems

Where does it grow naturally?

Native habitat includes:
- Philippines (widespread in humid forests)
- Sulawesi, Indonesia
- Also found in Borneo, Malaysia, and other parts of Southeast Asia
- Grows as an epiphyte on tree trunks
- Found at low to medium altitudes
- Prefers humid tropical rainforests
- Grows in shaded understory areas
- Natural population is declining due to habitat loss