Hoya 'Mathilde Splash'

Hoya ‘Mathilde Splash’ is a beautifully compact trailing Hoya with small, rounded leaves scattered with delicate silver splash markings. The deep green foliage has a slightly succulent texture, while the irregular silver flecking gives every plant and every leaf its own individual appearance.

Supplied in a 9cm diameter nursery pot, this is a lovely small Hoya for a shelf, plant stand or hanging display. Its naturally compact growth and petite foliage make it particularly appealing for Hoya collectors, while its relatively straightforward care makes it equally enjoyable for anyone discovering the genus for the first time.

What Makes ‘Mathilde Splash’ Special?

‘Mathilde’ is a documented hybrid between Hoya carnosa and Hoya serpens, combining the resilience of Hoya carnosa with the smaller, rounded foliage and compact habit associated with Hoya serpens.

The term “Splash” is commonly used for plants selected for particularly noticeable silver markings. The amount of silver varies naturally from leaf to leaf, with some foliage showing a light scattering of flecks and other leaves developing much heavier metallic-looking splashes.

Flowers

Mature Hoya ‘Mathilde’ can produce attractive clusters of small, star-shaped flowers, typically pale cream to soft pink with deeper pink or reddish centres. The blooms have the characteristic waxy appearance associated with Hoyas and can also be pleasantly fragrant.

Flowering is most likely on mature, well-established plants receiving plenty of bright filtered light. Once a Hoya has flowered, avoid removing the short flower spur or peduncle, as future flower clusters can develop from the same point.

Light & Position

Hoya ‘Mathilde Splash’ grows best in bright, indirect light. Good light encourages healthy, compact growth and helps show off the silver markings particularly well.

Gentle morning or evening sunshine can be beneficial, but avoid prolonged intense midday sun through glass, which may scorch the foliage.

Watering

Allow the compost to partially dry between waterings. The slightly fleshy leaves store some moisture, so the plant is generally more tolerant of being a little too dry than remaining continuously wet.

Water thoroughly when required and allow excess water to drain freely. Never leave the nursery pot standing in water, as prolonged waterlogging can quickly damage Hoya roots.

Reduce watering during autumn and winter when growth naturally slows.

Humidity & Temperature

Hoya ‘Mathilde Splash’ appreciates moderate humidity but usually adapts well to normal household conditions. Avoid placing it directly beside radiators or in exceptionally dry air.

Keep the plant warm, ideally around 16–24°C, and protect it from cold draughts and sudden temperature changes.

Feeding

Feed approximately once a month during spring and summer with a balanced liquid houseplant fertiliser at a moderate dilution.

Avoid overfeeding, particularly when the plant is growing slowly, and reduce or stop feeding during winter.

Trailing or Climbing?

Hoya ‘Mathilde Splash’ produces slender vining stems that can be allowed to trail naturally from a shelf or hanging pot, or gently trained around a small hoop or trellis.

Its relatively compact growth and small foliage make it particularly well suited to smaller indoor spaces compared with some larger Hoya varieties.

Repotting

Hoyas generally prefer being relatively snug in their pots and do not require frequent repotting. Repot only once the existing nursery pot has become substantially root-filled.

Use an airy, free-draining compost, ideally incorporating materials such as orchid bark or perlite to maintain good airflow around the roots.

Why You'll Love It

• Small, rounded deep green leaves
• Beautiful irregular silver splash markings
• Compact trailing or climbing growth
• Excellent for shelves and hanging displays
• Highly attractive even when not flowering
• Can produce fragrant star-shaped flowers when mature
• A lovely choice for Hoya collectors

Pet & Child Safety

Hoya are generally regarded as non-toxic to cats and dogs. As with any houseplant, however, it is still sensible to discourage pets and young children from chewing or eating the foliage.

Plant Details

Botanical Name: Hoya carnosa ‘Mathilde’ (Splash form)
Common Name: Wax Plant
Parentage: Hoya carnosa × Hoya serpens
Family: Apocynaceae
Nursery Pot Size: 9cm diameter
Fits Decorative Pot Size: 11cm+
Foliage: Deep green with variable silver splash markings
Growth Habit: Compact / trailing / climbing
Position: Bright, indirect light

Please note: The amount and distribution of silver splash varies naturally from leaf to leaf and from plant to plant. Some specimens may be more heavily silvered than others and new growth is not guaranteed to reproduce exactly the same pattern as existing foliage. As this is a living plant, overall size, shape and number of stems will also vary.