I would definitely recommend pubicalyx. Its got such gorgeous leaves and is very free flowering. It is a strong grower though, but I keep mine in check by constantly winding the tendrils around the basket wires.

X minibelle is another great grower for me. Very ornamental.

If you like kerii you'll love obovata. I think obovata has the nicest perfume too. Like oriental lilies. Attractive foliage too.

Adam mentioned some great ones. I would add all the Carnosa varieties and Fungii. I think all of these have beautiful foliage as well as flowers.

I second fungii and you don't have to wait long for blooms with this one.

My pubicalyx varieties have done great for me too, and I'm fairly new to hoyas. Carnosa also, as Monica mentioned. They're tough. I also agree about Fungii. Mine has grown quite a bit. I am also having luck with Fitchii. I think these would be good confidence builders.

Obovata! I love the big round leaves.

Thank you everybody for all the suggestions. Got my work cut out for me, lol.

Yes. Fungii! Mine hasnt flowered yet, but it will soon. I bought mine on my birthday on Dec 17 last year, and it has grown like crazy. I really like the foliage on this one too.

That's the side mine was when I got it last summer. Aren't they fun :) mine threw a vine into my haworthias and wrapped around it's flower stock lol even grew a couple peduncles while at it.

I love that bamboo screen, Adam! I need some privacy in my back yard.

Lydia your Fungii is huge and gorgeous!

triffidmoss I love your Obovata. It's beautiful (and big) :-)

For easy, early bloomers, I always recommend fungii and DS-70.

DS-70 (blooms smell like caramel):

My fungii is budding up again now. Just days after it lost it's old flowers, it began the bud up process:

Old flowers

Very pretty aurorawa. I'm guessing it will take years for my EA DS-70 to bloom. I'll probably kill it before it ever blooms.

If this description isn't enough to convince somone to try fungii, I don't know what will.

"Thick petioles, velveted like new antlers, support flat downy leaves, swelling into generous discs. Thin, they filter light readily, giving their green a warm hue and exposing an elegant latticework of veins. Their flowering umbels form huge sweet balls, like something a princess would toss into a frog’s well." ~ JLD

Pubicalyx all the way!! Such an easy plant to grow and bloom

thank you everybody for the suggestions. Before I go ordering any online, I am leaving for Florida very soon and will hold out to see what I might find down there first. Last trip I picked up some awesome airplants at a flea/farmers market, maybe I will find some Hoyas. I do have to do my home work though. I was reading about a DIY potting media? My Kerri is in high quality potting soil from Fox Farms. I had no idea Hoyas should be in something different.

They love a well-draining, well aerated mix. In a pinch, Gubler Fine Orchid mix (Lowes sells it) works great! Remember to soak it overnight, and rinse thoroughly before use.

My mother gave me a H. obovata when I moved into my new house, and despite knowing absolutely nothing about houseplants at the time it thrived under my care. They are lovely, easy plants that tell you when to water them by puckering their leaves.