Hoya lacunosa ‘Amarillo’ is a compact and attractive form of Hoya lacunosa, named for its warm yellow-green tones (“amarillo” meaning yellow). It combines delicate foliage with the classic, highly fragrant flowers that make lacunosas so popular, while staying neat and easy to manage.

Appearance & Growth Habit

This variety has small, oval leaves with a softer yellow-green hue compared to standard lacunosa forms. In brighter light, the foliage can take on warmer, golden tones, giving the plant a lighter, fresher appearance. Growth is naturally compact and trailing, making it ideal for hanging pots, shelves, or small hoops.

When mature, it produces clusters of fuzzy, star-shaped flowers, usually creamy white with a pale yellow centre. The scent is strong and sweet, often described as spicy or cinnamon-like, especially noticeable in the evening.

Light

Bright indirect light is ideal. Good light helps maintain the lighter foliage colour and encourages flowering. It will tolerate medium light, but growth will slow and blooming may be reduced. Avoid direct sun, which can scorch the small leaves.

Watering

Allow the compost to dry slightly between waterings. Water thoroughly, then let excess drain away. Like other lacunosas, this plant dislikes sitting in wet soil and prefers a gentle dry-down between waterings.

Humidity

Prefers moderate to high humidity (around 50–70%), though it adapts well to normal household conditions. Higher humidity supports healthy growth and more reliable flowering.

Temperature

Best kept between 18–26°C. Protect from cold draughts and temperatures below 14–15°C, which can slow growth and stress the plant.

Compost & Potting

Use a very free-draining, airy hoya mix, such as houseplant compost combined with orchid bark and perlite. Hoya lacunosa forms enjoy being slightly root-bound, which often helps trigger flowering. Repot every 2–3 years, moving up only one pot size.

Feeding

Feed lightly during spring and summer with a diluted balanced fertiliser every 4–6 weeks. Avoid heavy feeding, as it can lead to soft growth and fewer flowers. No feeding is needed in winter.

Flowering Tips

• Keep the plant slightly root-bound

• Provide bright, consistent indirect light

• Maintain warm, stable temperatures

• Do not remove old flower spurs — hoyas rebloom from the same peduncles

Maintenance

Very low maintenance. Trim lightly if needed to control length or encourage branching. Avoid frequent repositioning, as hoyas prefer stable conditions once established.

Common Issues

• Yellowing leaves: Overwatering

• Wrinkled leaves: Inconsistent watering or root stress

• Few flowers: Insufficient light or plant still establishing

• Leaf scorch: Too much direct sun

Pet Safety

Like most hoyas, Hoya lacunosa ‘Amarillo’ is generally considered pet-friendly, making it suitable for homes with cats and dogs.