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Plant Profiles / Hoya (wax plant)
Photos: Wikimedia Commons
Hoya (wax plant)
Hoya carnosa; H. kerrii · Wax plant, porcelain flower, sweetheart hoya
A trailing or climbing plant with thick, waxy leaves and clusters of star-shaped, sweetly scented flowers. Includes the popular heart-leaf Hoya kerrii.
Bright indirectLight
Every 1–2 weeksWater
EasyCare level
Care at a glance
Light
Bright indirect
ShadeFull sun
Bright, indirect light encourages flowering. A little gentle morning sun is fine.
Water
Every 1–2 weeks
DryWet
Let the soil dry almost completely between waterings.
Humidity
Average to high
LowHigh
Higher humidity helps, but they tolerate average levels.
Temperature
15–29°C (59–85°F)
CoolWarm
Keep above 10°C (50°F).
Growth
Moderate, trailing
SlowFast
Vines reach 1–3 m. Single-leaf H. kerrii cuttings may never grow.
Soil
Chunky, airy
LeanRich
Orchid bark, perlite and potting mix in equal parts.
Fertiliser
Monthly, spring–summer
RarelyOften
A bloom-boosting fertiliser at half strength in the growing season.
Pet safety
Non-toxic
SafeToxic
Non-toxic to cats and dogs.
About this plant
Hoyas are epiphytes from tropical Asia and Australia. Their succulent leaves store water, so they're forgiving of missed waterings. Mature plants produce flower clusters (umbels) from spurs; don't cut these off, as they rebloom from the same spot.
Best spots
Hanging baskets, bright windowsills, shelves and trellises indoors.
Plant facts
| Botanical name | Hoya carnosa; H. kerrii |
| Family | Apocynaceae |
| Origin | Tropical Asia & Australia |
| Plant type | Evergreen epiphytic vine |
| Mature size | 1–3 m vines |
| Growth rate | Moderate |
| Foliage | Thick, waxy leaves |
| Flowers | Fragrant star-shaped clusters |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic to pets |
| Propagation | Stem cuttings |
Seasonal care calendar
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Active growth
Flowering
Fertilise
Water less
Active growthFloweringFertiliseWater less
Based on Southern Hemisphere seasons.
Troubleshooting
| No flowers | Not enough light or plant too young. Move brighter. |
| Yellow, soft leaves | Overwatering. |
| Wrinkled leaves | Thirsty. Water thoroughly. |
| Sticky residue | Normal nectar from flowers, or mealybugs. Check for pests. |
| Single heart leaf not growing | Leaf cuttings without a node rarely grow vines. |
Common questions
Should I cut off old flower stalks?
No. Hoyas rebloom from the same spurs.
Why won't my hoya flower?
It needs maturity and bright light.
Will my heart-leaf hoya grow?
Only if the cutting includes a piece of stem with a node.
Is it safe for pets?
Yes, hoyas are non-toxic.
