So many choices and so many opinions! My first Hoya was a simple Hoya Carnosa. I was gifted a cutting by a friend whose bloomed like crazy! From there I was lured in by the beauty of the variegated Krimson Princess and Krimson Queen. I also love the unique hearts of the Kerrii (lots to choose from there) and the round leaves of Obovata. When space became an issue, I was drawn to the tiny round leaves of the Hoya Serpens (still one of my favorites). Oh, and I can't forget Chelsea hanging in the window. These are all pretty common ones, but they are also very hearty vigorous growers. If you are a facebook person, you can browse on the many Hoya sites to your hearts content. I'm a foliage first girl too. Since it sometimes takes years to get one to bloom, I need to like the plant as well.

Carolyn,

I pretty much started out the same way. Purchasing any Hoyas I seen at Lowe's or Walmart. I have Krimson Princess, compacta and a lot of the common ones. However, I want to place an order from overseas this spring. With that order I am going to concentrate on purchasing plants with unusual or interesting leaves or ones that have a strong, pleasant fragrance. You are so right...there are so many to choose from. :)

Any of the pubicalyx trio (Pink Silver, Royal Hawaiian Purple, and Red Buttons), shepherdii/shepherdell/Minibelle, finlaysonii, lacunosa (and all varieties of it-also a great one for early blooms), fungii, and limoniaca. Obscura can get a red blush if grown in higher light.

Brad AKA Moonwolf

Brad thank you so much for all the suggestions. I will do some investigating. I've been going back thru the older posts and looking at everyones photos and conversations about their experiences with the plants.

You're welcome! Good luck and happy Hoya shopping! One more I would have to add is verticillata. Oh, and merrillii.

Brad AKA Moonwolf

I'm a pattern & texture person, so I started growing Hoyas w/ Compacta, then Krinkle 8, & Lacunosas, beautiful unusual leaves.

An old pic to show what I mean.

Almost like a mini-Krinkle 8. I'd love to get this back if anyone has some than can spare a piece.

This is another one that I love-Hoya Parasitica. I love the color and feel of the leaves. They are very think and strong.

Hoya parasitica · More Info

Mike, Thank you for being so kind. I would feel bad just having you send cuttings and instead I would love to work out a trade with you this spring. Looking forward to that. You have gotten me into more trouble with your fragrant plants selections than you are aware of. LOL

Karen, I am a texture and pattern girl as well. In addition, with being so far north it takes me a bit longer to get bloom. While fragrance and blooms are nice, I enjoy the entire plant and look for things that are unique and interesting and I don't always prioritize the bloom. I will do some research on the plants you listed. Thank you.

Lady Lotus, I love interesting and pretty leaves too!

Hoya wayetti

Same as Carolyn's parasitica (I like your variegated pattern more, I hope mine grows a little more inner green for plant strength)

One of my all time favorites... Australis 'lisa' after rooting cuttings this summer, it has very shiny new grown!

-Nancy

Karen I have several lacunosa and krohniana types I can send you in the spring if you like.

Ldylotus you might look up incrassata moonshadow, beautiful leaves and nice citrusy scent

Oh thanks Dee, that would be delightful. Sorry, I haven't anything to offer in return other than some Ceropegia woodii or Rhipsalis elliptica.

Remind me in the spring Karen, old memory is not what it used to be. I don’t have ceropegia so that would be nice to try. Do you prefer rooted cuttings or fresh cut?

Hi Dee, will try to remember myself about Lacunosa & Krohniana, ;>), same true here, but less so for plants.

Well can I show a non-Hoya? I just posted these pix at C&S & realized I'll have this to offer as well.

If you like Euphorbia milii types, this is a variant, milii x marlotti, or something like that. The parent.

Its former arm, now blooming, will need a new home come Spring.

I'll hold some Ceropegia aside for you, I even see tubers.

On lifting up the foliage look what I just found.

Rather than grow it hanging down, I tend to wind the stems around my hand & place the clump on top of the pot. Closer up,

It'll probably love being outside, hopefully bloom up a storm for ya!