From Soil to Sunlight | The Complete Care Guide for Hoya Plants


Hoya was named after the 18th-century botanist Thomas Hoy, who was originally from Asia and was introduced to the West by the Scottish botanist Robert Brown. Currently, it is regarded as a fragrant, low-maintenance tropical flower by many gardeners. Plant them outside in the spring or early summer, as they are slow to moderate growers.


Hoya plants belong to the Asclepiadaceae family, which also includes the milkweeds. The Apocynaceae (dogbane) family is where the genus now resides, according to modern classification. The plant is commonly referred to by its numerous common names, such as the wax plant, wax flower, Indian rope plant, porcelain flower, or honey plant, even though its scientific name is a hoya, which is not very difficult to say.


Common Name

Indian rope plant, Hoya plant, porcelain flower, wax flower, honey plant

Botanical Name

Hoya carnosa

Mature Size

12.20 ft.

Plant Type

Tropical succulent

Soil Type

Well-draining

Sun Exposure

Bright, Natural light

Bloom Time

Summer or Spring

Soil pH

6.1-7.5

Hardiness Zones

8-141(USDA)

Flower Color

Orange, burgundy, yellow, white, pink, near black

Native Area

Tropical Asia, Australia

Caring Tips For Hoya Plant

Lighting:

The best possible environment for these vining houseplants is a location that receives at least 6 hours of indirect sunshine every day. Medium-light tolerant hoyas will grow weak and spindly in low-light conditions, where they will also produce fewer leaves. If you want to prevent feeling down and guilty, according to the plant store place it near a north or east-facing window and move them away from a south or west-facing window. The more filtered sunlight they get, the more blooms they will produce in the summer.

Soil:

Almost all hoya varieties require well-drained soil. Planting a hoya in a deep soil mixture containing moisture-retaining crystals can kill the plant. Hoyas can be grown in any general-purpose potting mix, however more infrequent watering is required when using this type of soil to prevent root rot. Wax vines thrive in sandy, well-drained soils. If your soil isn't draining well or you are relocating your hoya, you can improve drainage by mixing equal parts cactus dirt and potting soil.

Humidity:

Hoyas are tolerant of a wide range of humidity conditions in the home, but they thrive in conditions where the humidity is at least 60%. You should do what you can to raise the humidity level for these tropical houseplants. You can use a cool mist humidifier, place watered pebble trays beneath your houseplants, or arrange your plants together. Find out how to make the air around your houseplants more humid.

Temperature:

Most hoyas prefer temperatures between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit, so keep them away from drafty windows and doors in the winter.

Water:

Indoor hoya plants should be allowed to dry out in between waterings. Water the soil heavily until it runs freely through the perforations. When they are exposed to more light, you will need to increase the frequency and amount of watering. Do not overwater. Reduce watering throughout the winter months; in the winter, water only when the soil is fully dry.

Fertilizer:

Foliar development in hoyas is enhanced with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer. When flowering time approaches, change to a phosphorus-rich fertilizer. Twice a month in the summer, use fish emulsion or a complete liquid fertilizer diluted to a quarter of the required strength. Worm castings and compost work well as a slow-release fertilizer and can be applied as a top dressing in the spring. Fertilize your plants only when they need it most.

Pro Tips:

  • Hoyas prefer to have their roots confined, so don't immediately report them.

  • If you want a vertical garden, you can train your hoyas to climb a pole or other support.

  • Don't uproot your hoya once you have found its ideal home and it's thriving there. To what end?

  • Do not prune a hoya since its new growth looks like a withered vine. Give it a couple of weeks, and you'll be glad you left it in place.

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