Hoyas are tropical semi-succulent plants native to Asia, Polynesia, and Australia. They are often referred to as wax plants, wax flower, Indian rope plant, or the honey plant. The Hoya plant is characterized by its woody stems and waxy green leaves. There are over 500 species species of Hoya featuring various leaf shapes and sizes, flower colors, and growth patterns.
Hoyas are moderate growers, but some species can take 5-7 years to reach maturity. Fully grown, a Hoya plant may be 12 – 20 feet in size! If you are patient enough, a mature hoya may grace you with a cluster of beautiful flowers that vary in size, shape, and smell. Some species flower easily while others need to be stressed (i.e. under-watered for a few weeks) in order to flower.
Many hoya species can be easily propagated with stem cuttings as long as there is a node and a leaf or two on the stem. Simply place the cutting in water and wait for a healthy cluster of roots to form before planting in a well-draining soil.
If your hoya has bare vines, consider leaving them intact rather than pruning them back. Empty stems and vines will often grow new leaves and stems!
Sunlight
Hoyas naturally grow under tropical forest canopies and grow best under filtered light. Place your hoya in a location that receives bright, indirect sunlight, like an east-facing window. Too much sunlight will cause the leaves to turn a reddish color which can be an early sign of burning.
Water
Hoyas are semi-succulent plants, meaning their leaves retain water for times of drought. Allow your hoya’s soil to dry out between watering. In fact, some species of hoya will flower in the spring if they go a few weeks without water!
Temperature
Hoyas are tropical plants and prefer temperatures between 60 – 80 degrees fahrenheit. They should not be exposed to temperatures below 50 degrees fahrenheit.
Humidity
Hoya plants thrive in warm and humid climates. The typical humidity of your house is suitable, but they will appreciate extra doses of humidity. Consider placing your Hoya plant in the bathroom or the kitchen. You can also generate your own humidity with a humidifier, diffuser, or pebble tray.
Soil
Hoyas love a well-draining lightweight soil mixture of perlite, orchid bark, and sand. Consider planting your hoya in an unglazed terracotta pot for additional moisture control.
Toxicity
The Hoya plant is not toxic to pets or humans.
