Hoya | Wax Plant

Meet the Hoya! Known as wax plants or porcelain flowers, Hoyas are trailing and climbing vines from tropical Asia, the Pacific islands and Australia, with thick, waxy leaves and clusters of star-shaped, often sweetly scented flowers. There are hundreds of species, and favorites include Hoya carnosa (with varieties like 'Krimson Queen' and the curly Hindu Rope), the heart-shaped Hoya kerrii, the speckled Hoya pubicalyx and the sun-blushing Hoya Rosita. They're easygoing, pet-safe and happy to trail from a shelf or climb a trellis.

Browse our Hoya collection, or read our Hoya carnosa guide and Hoya Rosita guide.

  • Safe for pets and children
  • Repot once every 2 years
  • Fertilize once a month
  • Bright, indirect light
  • Very little water

Say 'hola' to your next Hoya!

Hoya Kerrii | Heartleaf Hoya (XS)
Hoya Kerrii | Heartleaf Hoya (XS)

Romeo

800
7 cm
5 cm
Hoya Carnosa Krimson Queen | Wax Plant (S)
Hoya Carnosa Krimson Queen | Wax Plant (S)

Aria

2400
18 cm
10 cm
Hoya Pubicalyx | Porcelain Flower (S)
Hoya Pubicalyx | Porcelain Flower (S)

Skylar

2200
19 cm
10 cm
Hoya Carnosa Tricolor | Wax Plant (S)
Hoya Carnosa Tricolor | Wax Plant (S)

Trixie

1900
16 cm
10 cm
Hoya Curtisii | Porcelain flower (S)
Hoya Curtisii | Porcelain flower (S)

Saskia

2200
13 cm
10 cm
Hoya Australis Grande | Wax Plant (S)
Hoya Australis Grande | Wax Plant (S)

Desmond

2200
19 cm
10 cm
Hoya Rosita | Wax Plant (S)
Hoya Rosita | Wax Plant (S)

Isabel

2400
14 cm
10 cm
Hoya Australis Lisa | Variegated Wax Plant (S)
Hoya Australis Lisa | Variegated Wax Plant (S)

Lisa

2400
17 cm
10 cm
Hoya Australis Grande | Wax Plant (M)
Hoya Australis Grande | Wax Plant (M)

Desmond

4900
45 cm
15 cm
Hoya Wayetii | Wax Plant (S)
Hoya Wayetii | Wax Plant (S)

Douglas

2200
16 cm
10 cm
Hoya Gracilis | Porcelain Flower (S)
Hoya Gracilis | Porcelain Flower (S)

Lachlan

2400
18 cm
10 cm
Hoya Australis Lisa | Wax Plant (M)
Hoya Australis Lisa | Wax Plant (M)

Lisa

4400
24 cm
15 cm

About Hoya

Origin

Hoyas grow wild from India and southern China through Southeast Asia and the Pacific islands to northern Australia. Most are epiphytes, which means they climb trees and cling to branches rather than rooting in the ground, so their roots like air and hate sitting wet. The genus was named after Thomas Hoy, an 18th-century English gardener.

Air Purifying

In a University of Georgia lab study of 28 houseplants, Hoya carnosa was among the better performers at removing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from sealed test chambers. In a real home one plant makes only a small difference, but it's a nice bonus from this waxy amigo.

Toxicity

The ASPCA lists Hoya carnosa (including the Hindu Rope type), Hoya kerrii and Hoya pubicalyx as non-toxic to cats and dogs. Most other Hoyas haven't been tested one by one, but none are known to be toxic. The stems do have a milky sap that can irritate sensitive skin, so wash your hands after pruning.

Caring for Hoya

Watering

Water when the soil has dried out 75–100%, then water thoroughly and let all the extra drain away. Thick-leaved types like Hoya carnosa and kerrii store water in their leaves and can go longer, while thin-leaved types like Hoya linearis or retusa like a drink a bit sooner. Soggy soil is the enemy, so when in doubt, wait a few days; in fall and winter they need even less.

Light and Placement

Give your Hoya bright, indirect light, plus a few hours of gentle morning sun if you can: more light means more flowers and, on types like Rosita, a lovely red blush. An east- or south-facing window with a sheer curtain works well. Avoid harsh afternoon sun and cold drafts, and keep them above 15°C (59°F).

Nutrition

Feed once a month in spring and summer with a balanced liquid houseplant or bloom-boosting fertilizer diluted to half-strength. Skip the snacks in fall and winter while growth slows down.

Repotting

These amigos love a tight squeeze and often bloom better when slightly root-bound, so only repot every 2–3 years, in spring. Pick a pot just 1 inch larger and a chunky, fast-draining mix with orchid bark and perlite. Pots with good drainage (terracotta works great) help prevent root rot.

Pruning and Flowering

Mature Hoyas in bright light flower in spring and summer from short spurs called peduncles. Never cut these spurs off after the flowers fade: new blooms grow from the same spurs year after year! Trim long vines just above a leaf node to keep them tidy, and root the cuttings in water or moss. Fun fact: a single-leaf Hoya kerrii heart without a node can root, but it will never grow into a vine.

Hoya SOS

Illness

Yellow, mushy leaves and soft stems usually mean root rot from overwatering, so let the soil dry out and trim any rotten roots, while wrinkled leaves mean your amigo is thirsty. Watch for mealybugs (white fluff under leaves and along stems), aphids on flower buds and scale; wipe them off and treat with insecticidal soap. No flowers? It usually needs more light, or simply a few more years to mature.

Now sit back and relax, our App will take care of the rest.

Hassle-free plant care with the Plantsome App!

Get the app