This is one of the first hoya cuttings I bought last year, Hoya Verticillata (Parasitica) Heartleaf . The spots/splashes are turning a violet color. I put it outside this summer. It is not getting direct sunlight. I’m wondering what’s driving the color change of the markings.
My H. verticillata (heart leaf/splash) does the same thing! Some Hoyas, even some clones of some Hoyas, have a higher presence of anthocyanins. They will produce these compounds as a light response and to attract pollinators 🐝. One Hoya may get very dramatic colors in high light while another does not. When exposed to direct light, one Hoya will get spots while another blushes or gets a deep shade of red. When you put your H. Verticillata outside, although not in direct sun, the level of light is still many many times our indoor environment. Hope this helps 😊
2 Mi piace Thank you so much. I didn’t realize it would sun stress in bounce light. I do love the color change. 😆
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it’s a beautiful plant. i’m sure the color is sunstress pigmentation, like herektty mentioned. there is an air pocket underneath the leaf’s epidermis that creates the “splash” (aka structural variegation). as far as i know that is what makes the pink more vibrant like a little window in the leaf. it’s quite noticeable on these obovata cuttings’ uppermost leaves since they are only a few inches away from the grow light. these leaves have also grown in more lime-green than other, older leaves from when it was in my south-facing window.
Very cool! My Obovata does not sun stress cute. It looks bloody. Probably operator error.😬 We’ve missed your comments Plant Father. But, they are always insightful. Thank you.
