Hoya carnosa
Hoya carnosa
Commonly known as the Wax Plant or Porcelain Flower, Hoya carnosa is a stunning, long-lived indoor vine. It is beloved for its thick, succulent-like emerald leaves and its spectacular, star-shaped flower clusters that emit a sweet fragrance, particularly at night. These plants are epiphytic by nature and are celebrated for their ability to thrive with minimal intervention, often becoming cherished family heirlooms.
Light
Bright Indirect
Water
Moderate
Difficulty
Easy
Humidity
Moderate
Pet Friendly
Hoya carnosa is considered non-toxic to dogs and cats, making it an excellent choice for pet owners.
Care Guide
Hoya carnosa Care Guide
Light Place your Hoya in bright, indirect light.
While it can tolerate some direct morning sun, harsh afternoon rays can burn the foliage. Insufficient light will prevent the plant from blooming.
Watering Allow the potting medium to dry out almost completely between waterings.
When you do water, soak the soil thoroughly and ensure all excess water drains away. Overwatering is the most common cause of failure.
Soil Use a well-aerated, chunky mix.
A combination of one part potting soil, one part orchid bark, and one part perlite is ideal for providing the drainage and air circulation these epiphytic roots require.
Flowering Tips Do not prune the flower stalks, known as peduncles, after the blooms fall.
Hoya carnosa will re-bloom from these same structures year after year.
Maintenance Keep the leaves dust-free by wiping them with a damp cloth.
This helps the plant photosynthesize efficiently and keeps pests like mealybugs at bay.
In-Depth Care & Growth
Feeding & Soil
Fertilizer
Balanced liquid fertilizer or high-phosphorus bloom booster
Soil
Chunky, well-draining epiphytic mix (bark, perlite, and soil)
Physical Attributes
Mature Size
Vines can grow 10-20 feet in length
Growth Rate
Moderate
Propagation
Stem cuttings rooted in water, sphagnum moss, or perlite
Common Varieties
Krimson Queen
The 'Krimson Queen' Hoya carnosa features thick, waxy green leaves elegantly bordered with creamy white or blush pink margins and often displays vibrant pink stems and new growth.
Krimson Princess
The 'Krimson Princess' features thick, waxy, lance-shaped leaves characterized by creamy-white to yellow centers and deep green margins, often accented by new growth that emerges in a vibrant shade of pink.
Compacta (Hindu Rope)
The *Hoya carnosa* 'Compacta' is distinguished by its thick, waxy green leaves that are tightly curled and contorted, creating a dense, rope-like appearance along its trailing stems.
Chelsea
The 'Chelsea' variety is distinguished by its thick, puckered, heart-shaped leaves of deep green that often feature a unique dimpled texture and subtle silvery flecking.
Holliana
Hoya carnosa ‘Holliana’ is a miniature cultivar distinguished by its tiny, narrow, lanceolate leaves that feature creamy-white margins and a slightly crinkled, succulent texture.