Hoya ‘Mathilde Splash’ is a popular hybrid houseplant, a direct cross between Hoya carnosa and Hoya serpens. It features small, rounded, slightly fuzzy, succulent-like leaves, typically green with eye-catching silver or white splash markings that become more prominent with ample indirect light. This plant grows as a compact vining epiphyte, naturally drawing moisture and nutrients from the air in its native Southeast Asian environment. While primarily grown for its foliage, mature Hoya ‘Mathilde Splash’ can produce clusters of fragrant, star-shaped flowers, typically white and fuzzy with a pink center, though blooming is less common indoors.
Essential Care for Mathilde Splash
Light Requirements
Hoya ‘Mathilde Splash’ thrives in bright, indirect light, mimicking its natural habitat where it receives filtered sunlight. Placing it near an east or west-facing window is ideal, or a south-facing window with a sheer curtain to diffuse intense light. Too much direct sun, especially harsh afternoon sun, can scorch its leaves, while insufficient light may lead to slower growth and less pronounced silver variegation.
Watering Techniques
Watering Hoya ‘Mathilde Splash’ involves allowing the soil to dry out significantly between waterings, typically when the top 80-90% of the soil feels dry. Overwatering is a common issue that can lead to root rot, so ensure excess water drains completely from the pot. Underwatering, on the other hand, can cause the leaves to become thin, wrinkly, and limp, though the plant often recovers once watered.
Soil Mix
A well-draining, airy potting mix is important for Hoya ‘Mathilde Splash’ to prevent waterlogging and ensure good aeration for its roots. As epiphytes, their roots benefit from an environment that allows for proper gas exchange. A suitable mix often includes ingredients like orchid bark, perlite, and coco coir, which provide the necessary drainage and air circulation. Some growers also add a small amount of worm castings for a nutrient boost.
Temperature and Humidity Needs
This Hoya prefers temperatures between 65-85°F (18-29°C) and enjoys moderate to high humidity levels, ideally between 50-70%. While it can adapt to average indoor humidity, providing higher humidity can encourage more vigorous growth and flowering. Ways to increase humidity include using a humidifier, placing the plant on a pebble tray, or grouping it with other plants.
Fertilization
During its active growing season in spring and summer, Hoya ‘Mathilde Splash’ benefits from regular fertilization. A balanced liquid fertilizer, diluted to half strength, can be applied monthly. Reducing or stopping fertilization during the cooler winter months is recommended, especially if the plant is not actively producing new leaves.
Propagating Mathilde Splash
Propagating Hoya ‘Mathilde Splash’ is commonly done through stem cuttings. To take a cutting, select a healthy stem several inches long with a few sets of leaves, making a clean cut below a node. The bottom-most leaves can be removed to expose the node, which is where roots will emerge. Cuttings can be rooted in various mediums, including water, moist perlite, or a well-draining soil mix. Providing high humidity, such as in a propagation box, can help accelerate the rooting process.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Yellowing leaves on Hoya ‘Mathilde Splash’ often indicate overwatering, especially if accompanied by mushy stems, or sometimes underwatering. Ensuring the soil dries out between waterings helps prevent root rot. Browning leaf tips might suggest low humidity or consistent underwatering. If growth is stunted or leaves appear faded, the plant may not be receiving enough bright, indirect light.
Pests like mealybugs and spider mites can occasionally affect Hoya ‘Mathilde Splash’, appearing as small, white, fuzzy insects or tiny spider-like creatures, respectively. Sticky residue on leaves can be a sign of sap-sucking pests. Isolating the affected plant and treating with insecticidal soap or a neem oil solution can help manage these issues.