Hoya
Scientific Name
Hoya carnosa
AKA
Hindu Rope Plant, Porcelain Flower, Wax Plant
Origins / Hardiness Zones
Asia, Australia / 10-12 USDA
About
This semi-succulent, perennial, vine-like species is known for its lush, waxy foliage, that come in a variety of forms and variegations. Native to East Asia and Australia, they are most commonly kept as houseplants in North America and are regarded as being easy to care for, slow-growing, long-lived, and great for novice plant lovers.
Light Needs
Water Schedule
Temperature
Humidity Levels
Toxicity
Low humidity levels can result in a loss of the waxy, glossy appearance that the plant's foliage is known for. If your home environment is dry, you can use a humidifier to ensure lush green foliage and beautiful flowers. An alternative option is to stand the plant pot on top of a pebble-filled tray. This allows drained water to sit under the plant without touching the roots.
Generally considered pet safe, but can cause vomiting or nausea if consumed in huge quantities (like the whoole plant).
Bright, indirect light is ideal for your Hoya. Susceptible to leaf burn in long stretches of direct light. Can tolerate lower light conditions, but be sure to adjust watering and expect the plant to take on an elongated, sparse look.
This semi-succulent stores water in their foliage. During its active growth period in the spring and summer, it will need more regular watering, but this should only be once the top few inches of the soil are fully dried out. At this point, your plant will appreciate a deep watering, but you need to make sure it is growing in a pot with decent drainage holes.
Hoya plants appreciate consistent and warm temperatures. Anything below 50°F will be a problem. Given most indoor temperatures are well above this, however, this species tends to do well as a houseplant. Just be sure to protect it from sudden temperature changes. Positioning your plant beside a radiator or on a drafty windowsill should be avoided.
These hardy plants aren't prone to attracting pests. A stressed plant, however, might fall prey to mealybugs, scale, or aphids. Better care and the use of horticultural oil can help.
You can propagate this Hoya with a vine cutting. Select a healthy looking vine and cut a section with at least two leaves. Make the cut just below the lowest leaf. Remove the lower leaves to ensure a clear stem before rooting. You can root directly in a moistened potting mix suitable for cactus or succulents. Try to press only the cut stem into the soil, allowing the remaining leaves to stay exposed with good air circulation to avoid rotting. Once the roots are a few inches long and you've spotting some new growth, you can properly pot up the whole plant!
Try to repot every 2-3 years in the spring, especially when tending to a younger plant. These plants are very slow-growing and like to be pot-bound, so they won't need regular repotting. Potting them in a small container is usually recommended. They won't grow out of it quickly, and the smaller size will reduce the risk of overwatering. Just make sure that whatever pot you select has sufficient drainage holes to prevent soggy conditions from developing.
If you're not already planning to repot, you can fertilize during the spring and summer months. Once to every two months should be plenty. No fertilizer is necessary during the winter when plant growth naturally slows down. You can try a balanced liquid or water-soluble fertilizer—always diluted more than the recommended strength. Try something with more potassium (K) if you're specifically looking to see blooms.
Waterlogged conditions are a big problem for this species and can result in flower drop and root rot. The need for careful watering of this plant cannot be overstated. Fungal diseases are the usual culprit for yellowing leaves. To help avoid this, make sure you aren't watering the plant too much.
If your plant begins to wilt, it might be too large for its container. Though these plants love to be root-bound, they can get too cozy in there. If that happens, repot the plant in a new container that is just a few inches bigger than the last one.
While you can happily tend to a Hoya just for their foliage, if you'd like to encourage your Hoya to bloom, you can actually let the plant to get a little rootbound. A bit of stress is a trigger for the plant to flower more vigorously.
Repotting
Propagation
Pests / Diseases
Common Problems
Pro-Tip
Fertilizer
