Hoya carnosa
Hoya carnosa
Hoya carnosa, the Wax Plant or Porcelain Flower, is a long-lived indoor vine with thick, emerald leaves and fragrant star-shaped flower clusters that often scent the room at night. It is epiphytic by nature and tends to thrive with simple, steady care, which is why many plants become 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.
Full care guide
Hoya carnosa Care
Grow Hoya carnosa (wax plant) with bright light, a chunky mix, a dry-down between waterings, and patience for those fragrant star clusters.
Read the guideCare Notes
Full guide →Light
Place your Hoya in bright, indirect light. Morning sun is usually fine; harsh afternoon rays can burn the foliage. Too little light is the most common reason it skips blooming.
Water
Let the mix dry almost completely between waterings. When you water, soak thoroughly and let excess drain out of the drainage holes. Overwatering is the usual cause of failure.
Soil
Use a chunky, well-aerated mix of potting soil, orchid bark, and perlite. That airy blend matches how these epiphytic roots like to grow.
Humidity and Temperature
Average household humidity is fine. Keep the plant in a warm room and away from cold drafts. Wipe leaves with a damp cloth now and then to keep dust off and make pests easier to spot.
Common Issues
Soft yellow leaves usually mean too much water. Leave the peduncles alone after flowers drop; Hoya carnosa rebloom from the same stalks year after year.
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
Thick, waxy green leaves edged in creamy white or blush pink, often with pink stems and pink new growth.
Krimson Princess
Thick, lance-shaped leaves with creamy white to yellow centers and deep green margins. New growth often emerges pink.
Compacta (Hindu Rope)
Thick, waxy green leaves that curl tightly along the stems, giving a dense, rope-like look.
Chelsea
Thick, puckered, heart-shaped deep green leaves with a dimpled texture and light silvery flecking.
Holliana
A miniature form with tiny, narrow leaves that show creamy-white margins and a slightly crinkled, succulent feel.