Hoya polyneura ‘Fishtail Hoya’ — Veined Trailing Wax Plant
Add delicate texture to your Hoya collection with Hoya polyneura, affectionately known as the Fishtail Hoya or Mermaid Tail Hoya. This elegant trailing epiphyte features thin, elongated light-green leaves etched with prominent dark-green veins, creating a distinctive fishbone or fishtail pattern.
Its refined foliage looks beautiful cascading from a hanging basket, climbing a small trellis, or spilling over a shelf. With maturity and the right conditions, Hoya polyneura can produce clusters of fragrant, waxy, star-shaped blooms in creamy yellow tones with rosy-red centers.
Plant details
• Botanical name: Hoya polyneura
• Common names: Fishtail Hoya, Mermaid Tail Hoya
• Plant type: Tropical epiphytic vine
• Foliage: Narrow, pointed light-green leaves with bold dark-green veining
• Growth habit: Trailing or climbing; lovely in hanging baskets or trained on a trellis
• Bloom potential: Fragrant, waxy flower clusters may develop on mature plants
• Pet safety: Commonly considered pet friendly, though it is best to prevent pets from chewing any houseplant.
Care guide
• Light: Bright, indirect light is ideal. Avoid hot direct sun, which may scorch the thin leaves.
• Water: Water thoroughly when the potting mix is mostly dry. Do not let it remain constantly wet, as its epiphytic roots need airflow.
• Humidity: Average indoor humidity is generally suitable, though moderate-to-high humidity encourages lush growth.
• Temperature: Prefers warm, stable conditions and should be protected from cold drafts and frost.
• Soil: Use a fast-draining, airy Hoya mix—such as potting soil or coco coir blended with orchid bark, perlite, and pumice.
• Feeding: Fertilize lightly during active spring and summer growth.
• Blooming note: Do not remove old flower spurs (peduncles), as Hoyas can rebloom from the same point.