Day 185: If you say "Hoya" or "Wax Plant," most indoor gardeners will visualize Hoya carnosa, the species most commonly found in plant shops. Some may also think of Hindu Rope (H. carnosa "crispa") with its curled and tightly massed leaves. A smaller number may call to mind H. bella, the "miniature Hoya" which I refer to as "the world's most satisfactory houseplant" (certain friends' ability to kill it notwithstanding...yes, I'm talking about you, Di). That said, there are a large number of Hoya species which are less well known, five of which hang beside the old standards in my living room windows. There is a reason they remain relatively obscure, that being that for the most part, they are more difficult to bring into bloom than the popular ones. Take Hoya fitchii, for example. I've had the plant for four or five years now, and this is the first time it has flowered, bearing exactly two -count them!- blooms. Not exactly a spectacular showing, but the colour is stunning. The supplier refers to it as "coppery." It is definitely neither pink nor yellow, but has elements of both. If copper could turn pale, it would fade to this hue. Perhaps some day, Fitch's three flower spurs will put on a more lavish display. For now, this will suffice to reward my patience.
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