The Hoya plant is a popular choice for both indoor and outdoor gardens. It’s known for its beautiful clusters of star-shaped flowers and foliage that can provide an attractive look in any garden.
The Hoya Carnosa, or wax plant, is one of the most common species of this tropical plant. It grows to heights between 60 cm and 2 metres tall and has thick, waxy leaves with sweetly-scented blooms throughout the year.
Hoyas are easy to care for and bloom best in indirect sunlight with moderate watering. They thrive indoors at temperatures above 55F degrees but should be kept out of direct sun during the summer months when temperatures are high. These plants require well-draining soil that’s slightly acidic to help keep their roots healthy.
Hoya at a glance
| Common Name | Hoya |
| Scientific Name | Hoya Carnosa |
| Growth Rate | Slow to Average |
| Full maturity | 2-3 years |
| Height (max) | 60–120 cm |
| Width (max) | 30–60 cm |
| Pet safe? | Yes |
| Sunlight | Bright, indirect |
| Soil Ph | 5.0–7.0 (acidic to neutral) |
| Native to | Southeast Asia and Australia |
Growing Hoya indoors in Australia
Growing indoors in Australia offers a range of diverse and exciting possibilities. House plants are becoming increasingly popular, giving the home interior a splash of nature and colour.
One house plant that has become particularly widespread is Hoya (Hoya Carnosa). This evergreen climber is native to Southern Asia, but can be grown successfully in Australian homes.
It’s known for its beautiful fragrant flowers which bloom from mid-summer to early autumn, making it an ideal choice for gardeners who want something that looks great year round. This attractive species is hardy and low maintenance, meaning it can thrive with minimal care if grown indoors. It prefers an indoor environment with plenty of bright light – preferably near a south facing window or balcony – but not direct sunlight as this can burn the foliage.
Quick care tips
Do you want to grow a beautiful Hoya carnosa, nicknamed the wax plant? If so, you need to know how to care for it properly. With the following quick tips, you can ensure that your Hoya carnosa stays healthy and blooms with vibrant flowers.
To begin with, give your Hoya carnosa plenty of indirect sunlight – too much direct sun will scorch its leaves. Watering should be done every 1-2 weeks during the growing season and once a month in winter when it’s dormant.
While over-watering is not recommended, make sure that soil does not dry out completely as this can cause leaves to drop off or even kill the entire plant.
Hoya (Hoya Carnosa) (Source)
Caring for your Hoya
Plant care is essential for any gardener looking to keep their plants healthy and in top condition. Hoya, sometimes known as wax plant, is an easy-care houseplant that flourishes with minimal attention.
Growing hoya (Hoya carnosa) can be a rewarding experience for any level of gardener. With proper care, this low-maintenance plant will quickly become a vibrant addition to any indoor space.
To properly care for hoya, provide it with bright indirect sunlight throughout the day and water it only when its soil is completely dry. This tropical evergreen prefers temperatures between 18-27 degrees Celcius, so make sure your home’s temperature stays within those limits. fertilise your hoya every two weeks during the growing season using a balanced liquid fertiliser diluted at half strength to promote vigorous growth and flowering potential.
Light
Light is an essential element for growing the beautiful Hoya (Hoya Carnosa) plant. This evergreen vine, also known as Wax Plant, originated in Southeast Asia and is becoming increasingly popular with houseplant enthusiasts around the world.
While this plant can tolerate low light levels, it will thrive when given bright indirect sunlight. When kept in a south-facing window or outdoors during the summer months, Hoya plants will reward you with beautiful flowers that have a sweet fragrance as well! Growing Hoya indoors can be a rewarding experience if you provide it with enough natural or artificial light to keep your plant happy and healthy.
In order to get maximum blooms out of your wax plant, providing adequate light is key. If growth starts to slow down or leaves become yellow then add more light but avoid direct sunlight which could potentially burn the delicate foliage of the Hoya Carnosa.
Water
Water is a vital component of all life on Earth, and that includes houseplants. Growing Hoya (Hoya Carnosa) is no different – proper hydration is key to success in keeping this tropical vining plant alive and thriving.
It’s important to understand the unique water needs of Hoya Carnosa when first starting out as a gardener, so learning the best practices in watering will help ensure your plant stays healthy and vibrant. In general, Hoyas prefer warm temperatures and moderate to high humidity levels while they are actively growing during the warmer months of spring and summer.
During these periods, it will be necessary to water more frequently – about once every 7-10 days or so depending on how quickly your soil dries out.
Fertiliser
Fertiliser is an important part of growing hoya (Hoya Carnosa) plants. While these plants do not require a lot of fertiliser, it can help them to thrive and produce more blooms.
For best results, it is recommended that gardeners use a balanced fertiliser with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. During the active growth period from spring to summer, apply the fertiliser every two weeks.
During the winter months when hoya carnosa are dormant, reduce the amount of fertiliser or skip fertilising altogether. When applying fertiliser, be sure to follow instructions as too much can cause damage to the roots or leaves. It’s also important to water your plant before applying any type of fertiliser as this will help ensure it is absorbed properly.
Temperature
Temperature is a key factor in the successful growth of any plant, and Hoya (Hoya Carnosa) is no exception. This tropical climbing vine enjoys temperatures between 15-27 degrees Celcius during its growing season and slightly cooler temperatures during the winter months.
When temperature drops below 10 degrees Celcius, it’s best to move your plant indoors or to an area where they can be protected from colder weather. It’s also important to keep humidity levels at around 70% for these plants that originate from Southeast Asia; misting them daily will help maintain optimal conditions for their growth.
If you live in a dry climate with less than 40% humidity, you may need to invest in a humidifier or place bowls of water near your plant as additional moisture sources. With proper temperature and humidity control, your Hoya plants should thrive for years!.
Humidity
Humidity is one of the most important factors to consider when growing Hoya (Hoya Carnosa). This tropical plant loves high humidity levels, so it’s important to keep an eye on the humidity level in your home or greenhouse.
In fact, all Hoyas benefit from higher humidity and can struggle if the air is too dry. To ensure optimal growth and flowering, aim for a relative humidity of at least 50%.
This can be achieved through regular misting, grouping plants together, or using a humidifier. When growing Hoya indoors, keeping up with watering schedules is also key. Make sure to check your soil often and water when the top 2–3 cm or two are dry. Overwatering will cause root rot and make it difficult for this low-maintenance houseplant to thrive.
Learn more about how humidity can affect indoor plants.
Flowering
Flowering is an exciting part of growing hoya (Hoya Carnosa). This tropical species of evergreen vine, native to India and China, produces fragrant clusters of star-shaped blooms in shades ranging from white to pink.
The flowers are often highly scented and can be enjoyed for many weeks in the summer and early fall months. However, getting your hoya to flower requires a bit of extra care on your part.
If you want to get your Hoya Carnosa bloom, the plant needs bright light but not direct sunlight; this will cause the leaves to burn. During the summer months when plants tend to require more water than usual, make sure you avoid overwatering; this can cause root rot which may prevent flowering.
Pests
Pests can be a difficult problem to tackle when it comes to growing Hoya (Hoya Carnosa). The most common pests that can cause problems for this plant include aphids, mealybugs, spider mites, and scale.
All of these pests suck the sap out of the leaves and can cause significant damage if left untreated. To prevent pest infestations, it’s important to inspect your plants regularly and take steps to keep them healthy.
Pruning away any damaged or discoloured foliage as well as providing adequate air circulation are all important measures that should be taken. Additionally, a regular application of insecticidal soap or neem oil will help control existing pests and discourage new ones from taking up residence in your garden. Taking these simple steps will help you enjoy beautiful blooms from your Hoya Carnosa without having to worry about pesky pests!.
Find out more about common indoor plant pests in Australia.
Diseases
Diseases can be a troublesome issue for gardeners, especially when it comes to growing Hoya (Hoya Carnosa). This beautiful, climbing vine is native to tropical regions and can suffer from various fungal, nematode and virus problems.
It’s important to inspect the plant regularly for signs of disease or damage so you can take corrective measures as quickly as possible. Common diseases that affect Hoya Carnosa include powdery mildew, fusarium wilt, root rot and rust.
These diseases have different telltale signs that should be looked out for if you plan on growing this species of houseplant. Powdery mildew appears as white spots or patches on the plant’s leaves and stem, while fusarium wilt causes wilting in both stems and leaves.
Soil
Soil is an important factor to consider when growing Hoya (Hoya Carnosa). This species of the genus Hoya is a tropical, evergreen flowering plant that requires good drainage and loose soil.
A general potting mix or cactus blend will usually suffice; however, this plant does best in well-draining soil with additional organic material such as bark chips or compost. Providing ample amounts of organic matter allows for better aeration and quicker water absorption.
Additionally, it should be noted that too much moisture can lead to root rot, so make sure to water sparingly and let the soil dry out before irrigating again. Furthermore, applying a slow-release fertiliser once per month during the spring and summer can help ensure healthy growth and blooming. Finally, if any repotting is required be sure to use a slightly larger container with fresh soil.
Learn how to lower your soil PH.
Pot size
Growing Hoya, also known as wax plant or porcelain flower, is a popular choice for many houseplant enthusiasts. Although the process of growing Hoya is relatively straightforward, one of the most important considerations when caring for your plant is pot size.
The size of the pot you select should accommodate both the current and anticipated growth of your Hoya Carnosa. Generally speaking, these plants prefer to be slightly root bound in small containers that are only slightly bigger than their root system.
Make sure to select a pot with plenty of drainage holes at the bottom so excess water can escape, preventing it from drowning your prized possession. In addition to selecting an appropriate sized container, ensure that it has wide enough opening for easy transplanting when needed and repotting annually with fresh soil mix.
Pruning your Hoya
Pruning is an essential part of growing Hoya (Hoya Carnosa), a flowering evergreen vine. Pruning will help keep the plant healthy and encourage it to produce more flowers.
If the Hoya Carnosa is not pruned, it can become dense and tangled, making it difficult for light to reach the lower parts of the plant. To ensure that this does not occur, regular pruning should take place throughout the year.
When pruning a Hoya Carnosa, make sure that you are using clean tools as any bacteria or disease could spread quickly between plants. Additionally, avoid cutting back too much of the growth as this can stunt or even kill your plant. Start by removing any dead leaves or flowers then shaping and tidying up any branches that have become too long or untidy.
Propagating your Hoya
Propagation is an important part of growing any plant, but it is especially helpful when growing Hoya (Hoya Carnosa). Propagation helps to ensure that the plant remains strong and healthy over time, as it allows for new growth to occur without having to start from scratch.
It also gives gardeners the opportunity to create additional clones of their beloved Hoya plants with various characteristics they desire. When propagating a Hoya Carnosa, there are several steps involved in the process.
The most successful method involves taking cuttings from existing plants and potting them up in soil or water. If a cutting has been taken correctly, roots should begin to form within two weeks and then can be transplanted into soil after one month’s time.
Is Hoya poisonous?
When it comes to houseplant safety, many people are unaware of the potential risks posed by certain plants. One of these is the Hoya carnosa, also known as a wax plant due to its waxy leaves.
While generally considered safe, this flowering vine can be poisonous if ingested and should be kept away from curious cats, dogs and children. Given the right conditions and care, hoyas are easy to propagate by stem cuttings or leaf cuttings.
As they grow they will produce clusters of white flowers with yellow centers that have a pleasant scent in bloom. They require bright indirect light but can tolerate some shade and do best when watered once per week in well-draining soil with moderate humidity levels or misting every other day during summer months.
Featured Image: Source
