Hoya
Hoya carnosa

Hoya

60–85°FComfort range
AverageHumidity
Bright indirectEasyPet-safe
Bloom windowMay–Sep · indoors, same in every zone
Winter
Not in bloom
Spring
In bloom
Summer
In bloom
Fall
In bloom
In bloom

Never cut the bare spurs the flowers hang from; next year's clusters come from the same ones. Bright light and a slightly root-bound pot encourage blooms.

Background

The wax plant earns its name from thick, semi-succulent leaves and clusters of star-shaped, almost porcelain flowers that smell sweet in the evening. It's an easy, slow-growing trailer that blooms once it's settled, mature, and getting enough light.

Two rules unlock the flowers. First, give it bright light - a few hours near a sunny window. Second, don't cut off the flower stalks (the spurs): hoyas rebloom from the same peduncles year after year, so removing them removes next season's blooms. Treat it like a succulent on watering and it asks for very little else.

Bright indirect light, with a little direct sun, encourages the waxy flowers; too dim and it won't bloom.

The routine

Let the soil dry well, then soak

every 10–14 days

Feed with a high-potassium feed to support blooming

monthlyGrowing season

Never remove the flower spurs - it reblooms from them

No flowers usually means not enough light

Check leaf joints for mealybugs

Care at a glance
LightBright indirect
WaterEvery 10–14 days; let the soil dry well
How to waterSoak then dry; the thick leaves store water
Drought toleranceTolerant - forgives a missed watering and prefers to dry out.
Soil mixChunky, airy mix - orchid bark, perlite, and potting soil
HumidityAverage
Temperature60–85°F
DifficultyEasy
HabitTrailing
Mature sizeTrails or climbs 2–4 ft
PropagationStem cuttings with a node
Watch for
MealybugsSpider MitesScale