Ferns & Focus
Hoya carnosa
Tropical

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, Krimson Princess, Compacta (Hindu Rope), Chelsea, Holliana