Hoya carnosa ‘Nova Ghost’ NG005

Hoya Carnosa 'Nova Ghost'

The Hoya carnosa 'Nova Ghost' has the same easy maintenance requirements as a regular Hoya carnosa and is a rare and stunning silver Hoya. This is actually a reverted version of the even more coveted Hoya carnosa “Argentea Princess.”

Hoya carnosa produces smooth, pale gray, bare shoots that are barely succulent and twine and climb. The stalked perennial leaves have stems that are between 1 and 1.5 cm long. The blade may be longitudinally oval, wide oval, or heart-shaped. The leaves have a fleshy, slightly succulent texture and a glossy, waxy surface. The ovate or elliptical leaves have a petiole that is about 1-1.5 cm long and 3-5 cm wide. Fruits are spindle-shaped and range in size from 6 to 10 0.5 to 1.5 cm.

Flower

Numerous hanging or more upright flowers are arranged in an umbel to form the inflorescence. The flowers are star-shaped and borne in clusters that resemble tiny wax figurines. They are typically light pink but can also range from near-white to dark pink. The flowers have a fuzzy sheen due to the tiny hairs that cover their surface. They may produce excess nectar that drips from the flowers and has strong scents. The flower crown is whitish to slightly pink in color and has a diameter of 1.5 to 2 cm.

Like the majority of Hoya species, Hoya carnosa produces flowers from specialized perennial peduncles, also known as spurs. These emerge from the axils of the leaves and stem; they may not bear flowers at first, but eventually, buds will appear from the tips of the spurs. These same spurs bear flowers each year, so they shouldn’t be removed.

The plant blooms from spring until late summer; on the same peduncle, it can bloom in 2 to 3 weeks, gradually forming umbels of 10 to 50 tiny star-shaped flowers. The scent has a pheromonal tendency and is nocturnal.

Summary:

• Very easy to maintain
• Requires little water
• Adapts well to its environment 
• Thrives in plenty of indirect sunlight and high humidity.