Hoya 'Eliptica'

Turtle Shell Hoya (Hoya elliptica), also known as Wax Plant or Porcelain Flower, is native to the lowland rainforests of Thailand, Malaysia, and Borneo. It grows epiphytically along tree trunks and branches where filtered light meets persistent humidity. The air remains warm and still, and brief daily rains wash over the foliage before evaporating into mist.

Its leaves, small and elliptical—three to five centimeters long—form in neat pairs along slender vines. Each is deep green and marked with bold, white veins that resemble the patterning of a turtle’s shell. The undersides are lighter, and the surface holds a glossy finish that reflects stray beams of light moving through the canopy.

In season, clusters of creamy-white, star-shaped flowers appear, each centered with pink and carrying a soft, sweet fragrance strongest at dusk. The blooms last several days, drawing small night pollinators.

In cultivation, Hoya elliptica prefers bright, indirect light and well-draining soil, thriving when allowed to climb or trail freely. Its compact form, patterned foliage, and luminous blooms make it a favored specimen among collectors—a plant of precision and quiet distinction.