Learn how to care for your Hoya plant with this easy-to-follow guide! Tips on watering, light, soil, and more for a happy wax plant.

As an avid houseplant enthusiast with over 20 years of experience, I’ve dabbled in various species and care routines. I’ve nurtured fiddle leaf figs, coaxed blooms from orchids, and even managed to keep a Boston fern alive (a feat in itself!). But it wasn’t until recently that I discovered the captivating world of Hoyas. And let me tell you, I’ve officially entered my “hoya era” and let me tell you…I am obsessed!

These low-maintenance plants have completely won me over. Their ease of care, stunning blooms, and unique varieties make them the perfect addition to any plant collection. And yes, my own collection is growing rapidly!

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A green and white variegated hoya plant (wax plant) in a textured white milk glass pedestal pot sits on a patterned book with purple flowers. It's on a wooden table near a beige armchair with a yellow pillow and a decorative fireplace in the background.

About Hoya Plant

Hoyas, also known as wax plants, are popular houseplants native to Asia and Australia. They’re known for their attractive, thick, waxy leaves and fragrant, star-shaped flowers that often bloom in clusters. These evergreen vines can climb or trail, adding a touch of the exotic to your home.

A Hoya Plant for Everyone

One of the things I love most about Hoyas is the sheer variety available. Here are a few of my favorites:

  • Hoya Krimson Queen: This stunner boasts variegated leaves with creamy white and pink edges, creating a striking contrast against the deep green center.
  • Hoya Compacta ‘Rope’: Also known as the Hindu Rope plant, this unique Hoya features curled and twisted leaves that resemble a rope. It’s a real conversation starter!
  • Hoya Kerrii: The “Sweetheart Hoya” is instantly recognizable by its heart-shaped leaves. It’s often sold as a single leaf cutting, making a charming and unusual gift.
  • Hoya Carnosa ‘Tricolor’: Similar to the Krimson Queen, this variety displays leaves with pink, cream, and green variegation, adding a touch of vibrant color to any space.
  • Hoya Pubicalyx: Known for its beautiful, star-shaped flowers that range in color from pink to deep red, this Hoya is a favorite among collectors.
  • Hoya Australis: This fast-growing Hoya has lush, green leaves and produces fragrant, white flowers with a reddish center.
  • Hoya Parasitica ‘Black Margin’: This variety features striking lime green leaves with a dramatic black margin, adding a touch of sophistication to your plant collection.
A green potted hoya plant sits in a white decorative milk glass pedestal bowl on top of a gardening book. The plant features glossy leaves with white edges and is indoors, with a blurred background of a lamp and a window.

Light Requirements for Hoya Plant

Bright, indirect light is key. A spot near an east- or west-facing window works perfectly. Some morning or evening sun is fine, but avoid harsh midday rays.

If you want to style your hoya plant in spaces with lower light, consider adding a grow light. There are lots of great options out there depending on placement, but I love these that you can stick right in the pot and set it on a timer.

Wax Plant Soil Needs

A well-draining, airy mix is crucial. I use a blend of peat mossperlitepotting mix, and orchid bark to prevent overwatering. But you can also buy chunky soil mix premade for you from the nursery too!

Temperature

Typical household temperatures are ideal (60-85°F or 15-29°C). Just keep them away from drafts and cold windows.

Close-up of a potted hoya plant with green leaves edged in cream, sitting near a window. The textured white planter contrasts with the leaves, which show natural variations, suggesting a healthy, vibrant plant in an indoor setting.

Humidity

Hoyas enjoy a bit of humidity. To give wax plant more humidity, group plants together, use a pebble tray, or run a humidifier like this one.

Watering Your Hoya Plant

Let the soil dry out completely between waterings. Hoyas are much more tolerant of underwatering than overwatering so keep that in mind, particularly during the winter months when you check on it. To learn when to water, stick a chopstick or similar into the soil to check the moisture level. When it’s totally dry, then it’s time to water. If you prefer to use a moisture meter like this, they work well too.

Fertilizing Wax Plant

Feed your Hoyas once a month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer. Reduce or cease feeding during fall and winter. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer that is diluted to half the recommended strength or you can use something like this one with the tab because it is easy to use.

A green wax plant houseplant with waxy leaves (hoya krimson queen) sits in an ornate white milk glass pedastal bowl that is being used as a planter. The planter is placed on top of two floral-covered books on a wooden table. A blurry background shows hints of furniture and decor.

Repotting Hoya Plant

While Hoyas prefer to be slightly root-bound, they will eventually need a new pot to continue thriving. Here’s how to know when it’s time to repot and the best way to do it:

Signs Your Hoya Needs Repotting

  • Roots circling the bottom of the pot: If you see roots growing out of the drainage holes or circling the bottom of the pot, it’s definitely time for a bigger home.
  • Slow growth: If your Hoya seems to have stopped growing, it might be root-bound and unable to access the nutrients it needs.
  • Soil drying out quickly: If the soil dries out very quickly after watering, it could mean the roots have filled the pot and are absorbing water too fast.
  • The plant becoming top-heavy: If your Hoya is becoming top-heavy and unstable in its current pot, it might need a larger, heavier pot to provide better support.

When to Repot

The best time to repot your Hoya is during the growing season (spring or early summer) when it has the energy to adjust to its new environment. Avoid repotting in the winter when the plant is dormant.

Repotting Directions

  1. Choose the right pot: Select a pot that’s only slightly larger than the current one, about an inch or two wider in diameter.
  2. Prepare the new pot: Add a layer of drainage material (like pebbles or broken pottery) to the bottom of the new pot to prevent waterlogging.
  3. Remove the Hoya: Gently tap the bottom of the old pot or squeeze the sides to loosen the root ball.
  4. Inspect the roots: Check for any signs of root rot (dark, mushy roots) and trim them away if necessary.
  5. Plant the Hoya: Place the root ball in the new pot, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the rim of the pot.
  6. Fill with soil: Fill the space around the root ball with your well-draining potting mix, gently firming it down.
  7. Water thoroughly: Give the repotted Hoya a good watering, allowing any excess water to drain away.

After repotting, avoid fertilizing for a few weeks to allow the roots to settle in.

A potted hoya plant (wax plant) with green leaves, placed on a dark marble surface, is framed by a circular support. It's positioned in front of an oval window, with a brick building and snow-covered trees visible outside.

Troubleshooting Hoya Plant Problems

  • Pests: Mealybugs, scale, and spider mites can occasionally be a problem. Treat infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
  • Diseases: The most common issue is root rot, usually caused by overwatering. Ensure proper drainage and avoid letting your Hoya sit in water.

Propagating Wax Plant: Multiply Your Hoya Happiness

Hoyas are easy to propagate, which means you can easily expand your collection or share cuttings with friends. Here are two simple methods:

  • Stem cuttings: Take a cutting with at least two nodes, remove the lower leaves, and place it in water or a well-draining potting mix. Roots should develop in a few weeks.
  • Layering: Bend a stem to the ground, bury a section in soil, and keep it moist. Once roots form, you can separate the new plant.
A potted hoya plant with shiny, twisted green leaves sits in a woven basket on a glass surface with a floral pattern. Sunlight streams into the room, highlighting the vibrant greenery and woven texture. A beige chair is in the background.

Final Thoughts About Growing Hoya Plants

If you’re looking for a fun and relatively low-maintenance houseplant, I highly recommend giving Hoyas a try. Their unique beauty, captivating fragrance, and forgiving nature make them a joy to grow. And with so many different varieties to grow, there’s a wax plant for everyone. Trust me, you’ll be hooked!

For more information about growing hoya plant, please read this article from the Penn State Cooperative Extension.

To drill down on houseplant care basics and growing an indoor garden that thrives, please read my articles:

Thank you for visiting the blog today!

Enjoy your day! xo

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4 Comments

  1. I have the same milk glass footed bowl, never have I thought to put a plant in it. Thank you for the idea. Next, I will have to keep a look out for a Hoya plant. Kim

    1. Thank you Kim! Yes I found it recently at my favorite thrift store in Vermont and thought my Krimson Queen Hoya would look good in it!

  2. I got a Hoya carnosa start from my mother-in-law 24 years ago. Since then I have shared many cuttings, some of which I have kept. Once the stocks reached about 9 ft, they would produce dozens of beautiful, fragrant flowers. It has brought us joy to care for it and share it. I highly recommend hoyas!