Indoor houseplants of wax plants (hoyas) are flowering tropical succulents. Waxy evergreen leaves, porcelain-like blooms, and lengthy trailing stems are all characteristics of Hoya plants. Wax plant, waxi flower, porcelain flower plant, wax vine, and honey plant are some of the other names for hoyas. Houseplants are simple to take care of. Wax plants need very little care and thrive in ordinary room temperatures.
The Hoyas family, Apocynaceae, has around 300 species. These slow-wormging vine plants are native to Asia and Australia, where they thrive in tropical and subtropical rainforests. The roots of today’s hayas cling to the tree surface, and they typically grow up trees.
Most hoya species thrive in hanging baskets as indoor plants. Their trailing vines, which deliver beautiful, juicy greenery to your décor, offer a hint of nature.
How to care for hoya plants (wax plants): Place your hoya in a bright location, but away from direct sunlight. Hoyas grow best They prefer high humidity and temperatures of 60 to 80°F (16 – 27°C). They only need watering when the soil gets somewhat dry, so it should be well-draining.
Hoyas produce bunches of tiny colorful star-shaped blooms that are white, pink, red, purple, or lavender in color when they bloom. Hoyas with yellow or orange flowers with black or dark red centers are a few species that have flower colors. A thorough guide on how to care for these “waxi plants” may be found in this article, starting with some of the most popular hoyas varieties.
Hoya Plant Types
If you want to create stunning evergreen wax plants at home, here are a few types of hoyas to consider.
Hindu rope plant (Hoya carnosa compacta)
This hoya has trailing leafy stems and produces pink flowers in spring and summer, also known as Krinkle Kurl due to its twisted green leaves.
Tricolor hoya (Hoya carnosa ‘Variegata’)
The variegated green, white, and pink leaves of this lovely houseplant are stunning. Hoya krimson queen and hoya krimson princess are the two most well-known hoya tricolor plants.
Narrow-leaf hoya (Hoya kentiana)
The long, thin leaves and bushy look of this indoor plant set it apart.
Shooting stars (Hoya multiflora)
This plant has large lanceolate glossy leaves and gorgeous star-shaped blooms, making it a stunning focal point in any room.
Variegated rope plant (Hoya carnosa ‘Crispa Variegata’)
Succulent twisted green and yellow variegates leaves characterize this houseplant with long creeping stems. A Hindu rope plant is another name for this variety.
Wax plant (Hoya linearis)
Hoya hoya has long, hairy, dark green leaves with lovely clusters of pure white star-shaped blooms.
Hoya obovata
The most appealing characteristics of this flowering succulent are thick green waxy leaves with white and pink speckles.
Hoya Flowers
Hoya bella, Hoya carnosa, and Hoya pubicalyx are featured in the photograph from left to right. The star-shaped flowers that make up the flower heads create a stunning dome. Hoya plants are also known as porcelain flower plants because of the delicate white blooms on many hoya species.
A stunning array of vivid colors can be seen in images of hoya flowers. The most popular colors are vivid hues of pinks and reds. on the other hand, come in a variety of dark reds, oranges, greens, and purple. Hoya pubicalyx, for example, has varieties that produce flowers in practically every color imaginable.
Hoya Plant (Wax Plant) Toxicity
Hoyas are inoffensive and non-toxic, therefore they will not endanger pets, animals, or children when cultivated indoors.
Hoya Pests
Hoyas are a tough houseplant that is resistant to insects and is included on the list of easy-to-care-for plants. Mealybugs, scale insects, and whitefly are all pests that can affect your plant, as they do with most houseplants. Most hoyas, such as Hoya carnosa and Hoya calycina, are flowering plants that create a significant amount of nectar.
You might see an increase in aphid problems when the plants bloom. The majority of insect pests on your evergreen plants are usually eliminated by applying a natural organic neem oil spray twice a month.
Propagating Hoya Plants
Growing hoyas at home is a breeze since they are simple to reproduce. Vine types like Hoya carnosa, Hoya curtisii, and hoya rope plants are the simplest kinds of hoyas to reproduce. You can take cuttings with two or three nodes on them when trimming your hoya. Stick the cuttings in a tiny jar of water to keep them hydrated. You’ll begin to see new roots develop after a few weeks.
You’ll find out what type of soil is best for growing hoyas later in the article. You may also direct the cutting into potting soil. To promote humidity and keep the soil moist, seal the pot with a plastic bag. After four weeks, you should be able to pull the plastic cover off.
How to Prune Hoya
Hoyas may grow into leggy vines and appear unkempt if they are not attended to. Pruning helps to promote hoya vine development and increase the bushiness of the plant. Cut away any brown or dead branches from your hoya. You should prune them at the node with leggy, vigorous stems. The stem will ooze a white milky latex substance since hoyas are a kind of milkweed plant.
This is a common occurrence. When trimming, make sure you don’t cut the peduncle off. The blooms are on this stem. Your houseplants will produce brilliant blooms year after year if you leave this flowering stem behind.
How to Care for a Hoya Houseplant
There are a few things to consider when growing wax plants, regardless of how straightforward they are to develop. Hoyas live in tropical rainforests throughout Asia, where they evolved. Thankfully, growing wax plants doesn’t necessitate turning your room into a humid, wet environment. Read on to learn the finest care measures for hoyas to thrive inside.
Hoya Light Requirements
Hoyas prefer bright, indirect sunlight to grow. They need at least 6 hours of sunlight every day. Hoyas will only bloom in moderate light or shadier settings, and they prefer to bloom in those settings. A south- or west-facing room is the optimum location for your hoya.
Keep an eye on the hue of your hoya’s leaves while caring for it. If there is too much direct sunlight, you may observe that the leaves on the sunny side appear more healthy or begin to yellow. Then, every few months, rotate your plant to give it the best care if this is the case.
Your hoya may be placed outdoors during warm summers. Your wax plant should not be harmed in any way as long as the temperature does not fall below 50°F (10°C). Just make sure to place the plant in a partially shaded area where it will be shielded from direct sun.
How to Water a Hoya Wax Houseplant
Wait until the top 1″ (2.5 cm) of the soil has dried out before watering a hoya, according to the experts at Aldrich. The air temperature and humidity determine how often you should water a hoya. Pour enough water to fill the bottom of the pot until it drains out.
Over-watering a hoya plant is the worst thing you can do for it. Root rot and death due to fungal diseases are common problems for hoya plants grown in moist, soggy soil. Make sure that there are holes in the bottom of your pot or container. The addition of pebbles will aid drainage and air circulation.
Yellowing leaves that feel mushy are a tell-tale sign that you are over-watering a hoya. Wait until the soil is mostly dry before watering if you see yellow foliage and the soil is very wet. To preserve your hoya from dying entirely, you may have to repot it in certain instances. Never allow hoyas to sit in a tray or saucer of water, which is one important watering tip for them.
Waterlogged soil, diseased roots, and fungus problems will all result from this.
Best Temperature for Growing a Hoya
Temperatures of 60 to 80°F (16 to 27°C) are ideal for growing and thriving Hoyas. As a result, hoya vines prefer moderate room temperatures. Avoid sudden temperature changes to prevent a hoya from being stressed. Keep cold drafts or hot radiators away from your indoor plants.
At cooler or warmer temperatures, your hoya carnosa and other hoya species will thrive. The lowest temperature is 50°F (10°C), while the highest is 95°F (35°C).
Humidity Requirements for Hoya Plants
In order to flourish indoors, Hoyas require high humidity levels. For optimum hoya plant development and foliage, humidity levels of 60 to 80% are recommended. Spray a light mist of water on the leaves every day to maintain humidity, use a humidifier, or put in a pebble tray with water.
You don’t have to worry too much about humidity if you have succulent hoyas like Hoya carnosa ‘Crispa,’ ‘Regalis,’ (rope plants), or a small wax leaf hoya (Hoya lacunosa). Plenty of moisture is retained by the thick, waxy leaves. You must pay greater attention to humidity levels if you have thin-leafed hoyas such as Hoya bilobata, Hoya kentiana, Hoya curtisii, or a tricolor hoya.
The air quality also plays a role in keeping humidity just right for your hoya. The air is dried more often when it is used in a home. As a result, you’ll want to spray your plants twice a day throughout the winter. Consider this if you’re looking for a challenge in caring for some hoyas species.
Withering leaves or feeble development are two indicators that you need to raise humidity. Give the leaves a good misting to help promote humidity, and make sure the soil is somewhat moist.
The Best Soil for Hoyas
For optimum growth, Hoyas need well-drained soil, sphagnum moss, or orchid substrate. One-part peat, one-part perlite, and one-part orchid mix is the ideal potting soil for hoyas. This kind of soil protects the roots from drying out and provides plenty of airflow to keep them healthy. Hoyas are epiphytic plants that may grow on the surface of other plants, such as trees, big shrubs, and bushes. Nutrients are taken in by the roots of the host plant or from the air.
Hoyas may also be grown in Coco Chips, Bark Chips, or Sphagnum Moss. To prevent the roots of your hoya from becoming too dry, you’ll need to water it more frequently in this case. A cactus blend or succulent potting medium is another excellent kind of soil for growing hoyas.
Repotting/Transplanting a Hoya Plant
Because Hoyas aren’t particularly fast-growing, you don’t need to repot them often. When grown alone in the same pot, Hoyas thrive. As a result, just when your hoya stops developing or there are drainage issues due to being rootbound, repot it. Pick a pot that is 1″ to 2″ (2.5 – 5 cm) bigger than the current one if you need to repot your wax plant.
Remove the plant from its old container and let loose any excess soil. Prune any soggy, dead, or shriveled roots as necessary from the root system.
With a new potting medium, repot your hoya. To help the plant thrive, thoroughly water it and place it in a bright, sunny spot. Hoya should be repotted in the spring or early summer, when it is at its healthiest.
How to Feed a Hoya Plant
When it comes to fertilizer, wax plants don’t need a lot of attention. Fertilize every 2 or 3 weeks with an organic fertilizer in the growing season (spring and summer). Since the plant growth becomes nearly dormant in the fall and winter, you may delay feeding. A nitrogen-rich fertilizer will encourage healthy growth as your hoya matures. Switch to a phosphorus-rich fertilizer when you see that your plant is about to bloom to get healthy, vibrant flowers.
Flush the soil between feedings to care for your hoya properly and prevent root burn. By regularly watering your succulent plant and allowing all excess moisture to drain, you may accomplish this. Mineral salts in the soil may limit plant development, so this flushing prevents them from building up.
Hoya Plant Problems
When it comes to caring for wax plants, they are usually forgiving. Yet, all types of hoyas may be afflicted by a few common difficulties.
Hoya leaves turning yellow or brown color
The leaves should be a rich, healthy green color unless you have a variegated hoya or a tricolor hoya. Leaf burn and excessive sunlight might cause the leaves to turn brown or red. Move your hoya away from a window orcover it with shade to prevent it from being exposed to direct sunlight. A yellowing leaf might be an indication that it is aged. There’s nothing to be concerned about if you only have a few yellow leaves here and there.
It is, however, likely that you are watering the plant too much if numerous leaves start to yellow. Repot your hoya and only water it when the soil has partially dried out to preserve it.
Wax plant leaves that fall off or wither
Under-watering your hoya may mean drooping leaves, leaf drop, or dried leaves. Give your hoya a complete watering to revive it. Every week during the spring and summer, check your hoya to see if it needs watering. During the autumn and winter, you’ll need to water less often.
When the roots have died due to over-watering, limp leaves are another indication. Take cuttings from healthy stems and start a new plant by multiplying. Leaf drop may be the consequence of your tropical houseplant being exposed to a chilly draft if the soil is somewhat damp.
Hoya plants that don’t flower
To encourage flowering, Hoyas need a lot of bright light. To encourage blooming, keep your plant in the brightest area all year. Nutrient deficiencies and not allowing the soil to dry out sufficiently are other causes for a lack of flowering blooms.