Do you recall a shiny vine-like plant at your grandmother's home? Chances are it was a Hoya plant. Learn how to care for your Hoya plant with our easy guide.
When I saw this plant topic, I immediately asked myself, "Hoya plant? What's that?" The name was unfamiliar to me, but when I saw the image of the plant, I quickly said, "Ah, wax plant." Because that's how my grandmother calls it. She has different types of Hoya plants at her home, and they all smell amazing.
Hoya plant is one of the easiest indoor houseplants to care for. The leaves of this plant look like it has been carved from wax that you might think it's fake, similar to the ZZ plant. My grandmother usually places them in hanging baskets, with their vines gracefully overflowing.
Fun Fact: Hoya plant symbolizes protection and wealth.
The Hoya plant originated from the tropical and subtropical parts of Asia. It's also known as Porcelain Flowers because it features waxy, porcelain-like star-shaped flower clusters that smell amazing. This plant can grow from 4 inches to 10 feet, and it's non-toxic to humans and pets. It can also remove all five VOCs from the air, which makes it an ideal air-purifying houseplant.
| Botanical Name | Hoya carnosa |
| Common Name | Honey Plant, Indian Rope Plant, Porcelain Flower, Wax Plant, and Wax Flower |
| Plant Size | From 4 inches to 10 feet. |
| Types of Hoya Plants | Hoya Archboldiana, Hoya Carnosa, Hoya Compacta "Indian Rope", Hoya Cumingiata, Hoya Kerrii Variegata, and Hoya Onychoides |
| Sunlight | It grows best under bright, indirect light. |
| Water | Water the plant when the soil is dry. |
| Humidity | Hoya plant grows best when the humidity is higher than 60%. |
| Temperature | It prefers temperature between 60–85°F. |
| Toxicity | The Hoya plant is non-toxic to humans and pets. |
| Food | Feed your Hoya plant once a month during the spring and summer with a general-purpose liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted by half. |
| Pests and Problems | Hoya plant is prone to sap-suckers like aphids, mealy bugs, scale insects, and spider mites. Use an insecticidal soap with warm water and neem oil to kill these pests. |
| Omysa Plant Care Tip | Place your Hoya plant in planters with drainage since they are very sensitive to overwatering and root rot. |
Hoya Plant Care Tips
The Hoya plant is a low-maintenance plant, which makes it perfect for new plant parents. Yes, the once labeled as grandmother's plant is now getting popular with millennials, too. Here's everything else you need to know on how to care for your Hoya plant, from sunlight requirement to common problems and its solutions.
Sunlight
First, on our list on how to care for your Hoya plant is to make sure that it receives medium to bright, indirect light. It can also tolerate lower light, but it's best if your plant is placed in brighter light since the more light it receives, the more vibrant the leaves are and the more flowers it will produce.
Common Problem: If the color on leaves of your Hoya plant is fading or turning yellow, this means it's been receiving too much direct sun. If the plant's internodes are greatly extended, then your Hoya plant needs to be closer to a light source.
Solution: Place your Hoya plant in a spot where it will medium to bright, indirect light.
Water
Next on our list on how to care for your Hoya plant is to water it when the soil is completely dry. One of the signs that the soil is dry if the leaves are a bit wrinkly. This plant is very sensitive to overwatering because it can lead to root rot, so be sure that you're not overwatering your Hoya plant.
Common Problem: If the leaves begin to drop, this means that you're overwatering your plant. However, if the leaves are shriveling, then your Hoya plant may not be getting enough water.
Solution: It's okay to let the leaves wrinkle up a bit just to be sure that the pot is completely dry. This might usually take 1-2 weeks. It's best to check first if the soil is dry. If it's dry, then water it. If not, wait for a few more days or weeks before watering it again. Also, be sure that your Hoya plant is in a planter with proper drainage to avoid wet soil and root rot.
Humidity & Temperature
Adding to our list on how to care for your Hoya plant is to place it in an extra humid environment with a level of 60-80%, especially during the winter months. If you don't have a humidifier, it's best to mist it regularly all year round and to put in a pebble tray.
One thing you should about this plant is it cannot withstand chilly temperatures. We recommend placing your Hoya plant in an area where the temperature is between 60–85°F. Anything below 50°F can result in chill damage.
Tip: Keep your Hoya plant away from any cold drafts, air conditioning, and heating vents.
Common Problem: If your Hoya plant seems like it has stopped growing or the leaves fall off abruptly, then the area's temperature might be below 50°F.
Solution: The ideal room temperature for your Hoya plant is between 60–85°F. To avoid this problem, make sure that the place is warm enough for your Hoya plant.
Toxicity
Your Hoya plant is non-toxic to humans and pets.
Food
Another on our list on how to care for your Hoya plant is to feed it once a month during the spring and summer with a general-purpose liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted by half. Remember to check if the soil is damp before applying the fertilizer. Do not feed your plant during the winter.
Common Problem: When leaves are dropping or turning red like it's been burned, but it’s not because of light or watering problem.
Solution: Plant burn, also known as fertilizer burn, is the result of applying too much fertilizer to a plant. Fertilizer contains salts, which draw moisture out of plants. To avoid this problem, it’s best to follow the recommended amount of fertilizer and schedule.
Pests & Other Problems
Your Hoya plant is prone to sap-suckers like aphids, mealy bugs, scale insects, and spider mites. The aphids can be commonly seen near the flowers, while the mealybugs can be seen on the leaves. If you happen to see these pests, eliminate it right away to avoid further damage to your plant.
You can use sharp sprays of water to remove these pests from your Hoya plant, then use a horticultural oil or neem spray. You can also use insecticidal soap with warm water.
That's a wrap on how to care for your Hoya plant. It's pretty easy, right? Plus, it's worth it to add a Hoya plant in your home, especially once it produces clusters of sweet-smelling star-shaped flowers.
Grow your plant knowledge. Check out our Plant Care blog to learn more about different houseplants and tips on how to keep your plants alive and healthy.
