A truly eye-catching twist on the much-loved Fishtail Hoya, Hoya polyneura ‘RC Mutation’ is a rare collector’s form prized for its broad, marbled foliage. Unlike the classic Hoya polyneura, this unusual clone produces wider leaves with striking lime-green and deep green variegated patterning, while still retaining the distinctive veining that gives the species its famous fishtail appearance. Its elegant trailing vines make it perfect for displaying in a hanging pot or cascading from a shelf, where the unique foliage can really shine. Given bright, indirect light and careful watering, this easy-going Hoya may even reward you with clusters of sweetly fragrant cream and red flowers once mature.
Scientific Name
Hoya polyneura ‘RC Mutation’ (mutated form of the Fishtail Hoya)
Common Name
Wax Plant, Porcelain Flower, Wax Vine, Honey Plant, Fishtail Hoya
Origin
Hoya polyneura is native to the Central Himalayas and Yunnan Province in China. ‘RC Mutation’ is a cultivated collector’s clone selected for its distinctive marbled foliage.
Light
Thrives in bright, indirect light, and will benefit from a splash of morning or evening sun. Make sure it gets 1-2 hours of direct sunlight in autumn and winter, throughout its dormant period.
Water
Allow the top third of the soil to dry out between waters, and reduce watering in winter and in dimmer spots. Make sure you don't leave any water sitting in the foliage (or flowers) as this can cause damage.
Humidity
Used to a rainforest environment, this plant likes it humid; introduce a humidity tray if possible, and hose down the leaves regularly to keep them free of dust. If the leaves start to brown and curl, this is a sign that the air is too dry.
Soil
Use an anthurium mix and repot every three years in spring as the plant grows. If it's flowering, keep it pot-bound a little longer to prevent it getting shocked by the move and losing flowers.
Food
Feed every four waters throughout the year. To tailor your feeding even more, look for a Nitrogen-heavy fertiliser when the foliage needs to develop more, and to encourage flowers once it's mature look for one with higher Potassium (K) content, like tomato feed.
Temperature
Ideal temperature is between 15-25°C; make sure it does not get colder than 15°C in winter or for longer periods.
Pet-safe
Hoya are not toxic but can have bad reactions for your pets, including vomiting/ diarrhoea.
Sprouts Top Tips
While this plant likes it humid, it does not like soggy soil- make sure not to over-water it. Keep an eye out for yellowing leaves, especially those closer to the soil, to spot this early and reduce the frequency of your waters before the roots are damaged.
