How to Plant and Care for Hoya Plants

Looking for an easy-to-care-for houseplant with small but vibrant star-shaped flowers? Consider the hoya plant (Hoya carnosa), also known as wax plant or porcelain flower.  Hoyas are vining plants that produce multiple flowers in a ball or umbrella-like shape with waxy leaves in various shades of green. 

These plants are native to Asia and Australia. Hoyas are prized as low-maintenance indoor plants with beautiful blooms. They can also be grown outside in USDA Zones 8 through 11. Want to grow a thriving hoya plant? Here's what you need to know.

Where to Plant a Hoya

If you are growing a hoya as a houseplant, place it in an area of the home that receives plenty of indirect sunlight. A south or west-facing window is ideal. This is a vining plant, so be prepared to provide plenty of space for it to spread out or guide it with poles or a trellis so it climbs in the direction you want. 

If you live in USDA zones 8-11, you can grow hoya plants outdoors in containers or a garden bed with well-draining soil. These plants thrive in humid climates and are good choices for planting near a fountain or pond.

How and When to Plant a Hoya

The best time to plant a hoya is in spring or summer in an area that receives plenty of bright, indirect light. If you live in an area that reaches temperatures below 50°F, grow it in a pot so you can bring it indoors when the weather drops. Another option is growing a hoya in a hanging basket so the foliage can cascade over the edges. 

Hoya Care Tips

Hardy vining plants, hoyas are low-maintenance plants that grow outdoors or indoors as long as their growing conditions are met. 

Light

Hoya plants grow best when they receive non-direct bright sunlight for up to six hours daily, such as in a south or west-facing window that receives indirect light.  

Soil and Water

Hoya plants need well-drained soil. Use succulent soil or potting soil/perlite mix for houseplants. They do best with a pH from 6.1–7.5, typically slightly acidic to neutral. 

Drought-tolerant hoyas don't do well with soggy soil. If the soil is wet, they suffer from root rot. Check to make sure the soil has dried out completely before watering again.

Temperature and Humidity

Hoya plants thrive in warm, humid climates. These succulents don't do well in cold climates, so if you live in an area with cold winters, grow the hoya in a pot so you can bring it indoors when the temperature drops. 

Fertilizer

Fertilize hoyas once a month with a balanced NPK fertilizer. Following package directions, use a liquid fertilizer for hoyas grown as houseplants and a granular fertilizer for garden plants.

Pruning

Hoyas benefit from pruning after they produce flowers. Just don't cut back the flower stalks, as hoyas often grow secondary flowers. 

Potting and Repotting

Fill a container that has excellent drainage with succulent soil or potting soil with some perlite added. Hoyas don't have deep roots, so a shallow container is suitable. Choose a container that is only slightly larger than the plant root ball. The hoya can stay in the same pot for years. When you repot, choose a slightly larger container and loosen the root ball gently.

Pests and Problems

These hardy plants can suffer from aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites. Frequently check the foliage for insects that may have created their home on the leaves. If you find any pests, wipe them with a wet cloth or neem oil. Neem oil is one of the easiest ways to eliminate these common pests.

Hoya plants can also suffer from fungal infections, such as botrytis blight, which typically causes the inner leaves to have gray or brown patches. If you notice discoloration on your hoya, repot the plant immediately because this fungus can kill the plant if left untreated. 

How to Propagate Hoya

Propagating a hoya plant is simple with stem cuttings. Cut a stem that has a minimum of two nodes from a healthy plant and put the cutting in water. Place the cutting in indirect light and change the water every few days. After roots form in a few weeks, transplant the cutting to a container with a potting mix or a well-drained soil/perlite mixture.

If you prefer to skip the water step, fill a 4-inch pot with moistened potting soil. Dip the end of the stem cutting in rooting hormone powder and insert it in the soil. Enclose the pot and cutting in a clear plastic bag and place it in a warm place out of direct sunlight. Monitor it and water when necessary. When you see new growth or feel resistance when tugging on the cutting, it has rooted.

Types of Hoya Plants

There are approximately 200 varieties in the Hoya genus. Hoya carnosa is often available at local nurseries or garden centers. 

Hoya carnosa

Hoya carnosa, also known as wax plant, porcelain flower, and honey plant, is one of the most common types of hoya. It has attractive waxy, oval-shaped leaves and vines that grow 2–4 feet long. Flowers are fragrant and have a white or cream hue.

Hoya carnosa variegata 'Tricolor'

A variation on the theme of Hoya carnosa, 'Tricolor' is a somewhat rare variety that has leaves with streaks of cream, pink, or yellow. Some leaves don't have any green at all, making this beauty stand out with the leaves alone. In addition to the lush variegated foliage, it also produces dainty, mildly fragrant flowers.

Hoya carnosa 'Compacta'

Hoya carnosa 'Compacta' has light pink flowers and green, fleshy leaves that are curly. The fragrant pink blooms are tiny but spectacular and appear in lovely clusters. This small plant is ideal as a houseplant for relatively new gardeners because it is easy to care for. Tip: It loves to be misted.