Hoya latifolia Varieties: MRH, Watermelon, Queensy & Jabar Compared

If you like Hoyas with presence, Hoya latifolia is hard to beat. Its leaves are large, thick and leathery, and the many named forms on the market range from silver-splashed to boldly variegated. Here we compare four latifolia forms we grow in Indonesia, so you can see what makes each one different.

What makes Hoya latifolia special?

Hoya latifolia is a vigorous, large-leaved species found across Southeast Asia. Compared with small-leaved Hoyas it:

• grows bigger, thicker leaves that make a statement even on a young plant,
• builds a strong root system and long, twining vines,
• comes in many collector forms — silver, splash, inner variegated and more.

On the market you will also see names like 'Pot of Gold', 'Snow Queen', 'Sarawak' or 'Dinner Plate'. Below are the four forms we currently offer.

1. Hoya latifolia 'MRH' Silver — the silver classic

• Look: broad, rounded leaves boldly painted with white-silver splash; stems often reddish
• Best for: collectors who want maximum silver
• Shop: Hoya latifolia 'MRH' Silver

2. Hoya latifolia 'Watermelon' — marbled splash

• Look: pointed leaves with a marbled silver-and-green pattern, like watermelon rind
• Best for: a bold, graphic look on a trellis or in a large basket
• Shop: Hoya latifolia 'Watermelon'

3. Hoya latifolia 'Queensy' — inner variegated

• Look: long leaves with a bright creamy-yellow centre and deep green edges
• Often compared with: 'Pot of Gold'
• Shop: Hoya latifolia 'Queensy'

4. Hoya latifolia 'Jabar' Inner Variegated — from West Java

• Look: wide creamy-yellow centres with green margins, carried on red stems; new growth can blush pink
• Name: "Jabar" is short for Jawa Barat, West Java
• Shop: Hoya latifolia 'Jabar' Inner Variegated

Quick comparison

Variety	Pattern	Colour	Feel
'MRH' Silver	Heavy splash	Silver-white on green	Bold, bright
'Watermelon'	Marbled splash	Silver & deep green	Graphic
'Queensy'	Inner variegation	Cream-yellow centre	Sunny, tropical
'Jabar'	Inner variegation	Cream-yellow, red stems	Warm, colourful

How to grow Hoya latifolia

• Light: bright, indirect light. Variegated and silver forms keep their colour best with plenty of light.
• Water: water thoroughly, then let the mix dry about halfway — the thick leaves store water, so overwatering is a bigger risk than underwatering.
• Mix: very chunky and airy: orchid bark, perlite and coco chips.
• Space: latifolias grow long vines with big leaves; give them a sturdy hanging pot or trellis.
• Variegated forms: pale areas have less chlorophyll, so inner-variegated plants such as 'Queensy' and 'Jabar' can grow a little slower than fully green ones. Good light helps.

Which one should you choose?

• Want silver? Go for 'MRH' Silver.
• Want pattern? 'Watermelon'.
• Want colour and contrast? 'Queensy' or 'Jabar'.

All four ship bare-root with a phytosanitary certificate. See every latifolia in our Hoya collection, and read our splash Hoya guide for more silver forms.