Wax Plant
Hoya carnosa
Waxy-leaved vining plant that produces stunning clusters of fragrant star-shaped pink and white flowers. Very long-lived — specimens of 30+ years are common. The thick succulent leaves store water, making it drought-tolerant.
Best rooms for wax plant
Light requirements
Best near a window with filtered light — avoid harsh direct rays.
How to care for wax plant
Bright indirect light encourages flowering. Water only when the compost has dried out — hoyas prefer to be slightly underwatered. Never remove spent flower stalks (peduncles) as new blooms form from the same point. Feed monthly spring-summer. A winter rest at 10-12°C encourages spring flowering.
Watering
Let the compost dry out completely between waterings. Roughly every 2–4 weeks.
Propagation
- Stem cuttings
- Layering
Toxicity
This plant is not known to be toxic to cats or dogs.
Common problems
- No flowers (needs maturity, bright light, and a cool winter rest)
- Mealybugs in leaf axils
- Leaf drop from cold draughts
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