Hoya ‘Aramelon’ (UPT012) is an unusual open-pollinated seedling of Hoya aff. burtoniae selected for foliage that can develop a distinctly melon-like appearance under the right light. The leaves retain green margins while their centers can blush reddish-pink with sunstress, creating a striking two-tone effect.
Even the name tells part of its story: Unsolicited Plant Talks explains that “Ara” honors the friend who made the plant’s discovery possible, while “melon” refers to its colorful, melon-like foliage. Add fragrant flowers with a faint watermelon-like scent, and this is a Hoya with both an interesting provenance and features you won’t find on the typical Hoya aff. burtoniae.
Hoya ‘Aramelon’ Care & Details
Origin: Hoya ‘Aramelon’ (UPT012) originated as an open-pollinated Hoya aff. burtoniae, meaning its mother plant is known, but its pollen parent is not. Unsolicited Plant Talks (UPT), the nursery associated with this selection, identifies it with the UPT012 designation. According to UPT, the name combines “Ara,” honoring the friend who helped make its discovery possible, with “melon,” inspired by the plant’s coloration when sun-stressed.
Leaves: The foliage is what makes Hoya ‘Aramelon’ especially distinctive. Its thick leaves are almost translucent and can develop green margins surrounding reddish or pink-blushed centers when grown under brighter light. UPT notes that the inner portion may initially appear slightly off-green before the blush develops. The amount of light affects the pattern: too little can prevent the characteristic blush, while very intense light may sunstress the entire leaf rather than preserving the contrasting green margin.
Flowers: Hoya ‘Aramelon’ produces fragrant clusters of small Hoya flowers. UPT describes their fragrance as faintly reminiscent of sweet watermelon, adding another melon connection beyond the foliage. Bloom size and duration have not been documented in the information available for this selection.
Watering: Allow the growing medium to dry between waterings rather than keeping it continually wet. UPT recommends watering sparingly and providing excellent drainage to reduce the risk of root rot. Its thick foliage also makes it easier to avoid treating this plant like a moisture-loving thin-leaved tropical.
Light: Bright indirect light helps Hoya ‘Aramelon’ develop the coloration that makes it so distinctive. UPT recommends moderate to bright indirect light and notes that the amount of light affects the balance between its green margins and colorful centers. My mother plant grows about 8 inches below two Barrina T5 lights for 14 hours per day. Under sufficient light, the centers can develop their beautiful reddish blush while the margins remain green.
Temperature & Humidity: UPT recommends temperatures of 65–85°F (18–29°C) and moderate to high humidity of about 60–80%. My mother plant is grown at approximately 80°F and 70% humidity, right within those ranges. UPT recommends avoiding temperatures below 50°F.
General Hoya Care: Give Hoya ‘Aramelon’ an airy, well-draining growing medium, bright light, warmth, and good airflow, and avoid leaving its roots continually wet. For more information about growing Hoyas successfully indoors, see our complete Hoya care guide.
Why Customers Love It
Hoya ‘Aramelon’ (UPT012) offers more than unusual foliage. Its open-pollinated origin, distinctive UPT012 identity, green-edged leaves that can develop watermelon-like reddish centers, and subtly watermelon-scented flowers give this Hoya a story that carries through from its origin to its name. Your plant is a rooted cutting with new growth growing in a 2-inch pot, so you can enjoy watching that distinctive foliage develop as it matures.
