Consulta Plantas

Care of the indoor plant Hoya carnosa or Wax plant

The genus Hoya, family Apocynaceae, includes more than 200 species of climbing plants native to tropical Asia, Polynesia and Australia. Some species are: Hoya carnosa, Hoya bella, Hoya imperialis, Hoya australis, Hoya kerrii, Hoya glabra, Hoya cinnamomifolia, Hoya multiflora.

Common name: Wax Plant, Honey Plant, Porcelainflower, Porcelain Flower. This species is native to India, China and Burma.

They are evergreen tropical climbing plants that reach 6 meters (19.68 feet) in length. The oval, leathery leaves are dark green or variegated. The attractive and scented white or pink flowers appear in hemispherical umbels. They bloom from late spring to late summer.

They are used as indoor and greenhouse plants in hanging pots or in pots with some structure for them to climb. In tropical climate regions they can be used to cover walls and pergolas.

The Hoya carnosa needs semi-shade exposure, receiving direct sun in the early hours of the day. They do not resist temperatures below 10 ºC (50 ºF). It is important that the ambient humidity is medium-high and that they have good ventilation.

The soil can be a commercial houseplant potting mix or a mix of 50% compost, 25% peat moss, 25% leaf mulch, and a little coarse sand.

Water regularly with lime-free water in spring and summer, waiting until at least the surface of the substrate has dried. Starting in autumn, reduce watering and water little in winter, waiting for the substrate to almost dry out.

Fertilize with a little compost every 2 years in early spring.

They do not need pruning.

Spray the leaves periodically with water without lime to prevent the attack of cottony mealybugs and aphids.

They are propagated by semi-woody cuttings in summer and by layering.

Images of the indoor plant Hoya carnosa or Wax plant