Hoya carnosa
wax flower
Small succulent vine produces fragrant, waxy pink blooms. Great houseplant. Excellent in pots. Nice under cover. Keep outdoor plants dry in winter.
 |
height |
6–10ft |
 |
width |
4–6in |
 |
tolerates |
Drought, Heat, Pots |
 |
water
needs |
Moderate |
 |
water
info |
This plant wants the top two thirds of its soil to dry out between waterings, while always having some moisture left deep in the pot. Generally the plant will want water every one to three weeks. That said, this plant is quite tolerant of going dry and won’t resent going completely dry now and then. |
 |
hardy
to |
30F |
 |
exposure |
Full Shade – Part Sun |
 |
indoor
outdoor |
In or Out |
 |
drainage |
In Pots: Cactus Mix |
 |
fertilizing |
All Purpose |
 |
origin |
Philippines |
 |
california
native |
No |
 |
sunset
zones |
17, 21–24 |
SUNSET ZONES MAP
Growing Notes
This plant has been grown as a houseplant, but it also excels outdoors in mild climates. See Sunset zones if you are interested in growing this plant outside. Also note that anytime a houseplant is moved outside, some transitional stresses should be expected, including burning (when a plant that can and in fact would often prefer to grow in direct sunlight has not been cultivated in direct sun) and also drooping or leaf drop (usually associated with a shift in temperature). Planting outdoors during mild weather will help negate these effects, and if the plant is properly cared for, it should rebound with new acclimated growth.
Special Interest
Since the flowers are held on pendant dangling stems this plant is best displayed on a high up hanging planter. It prefers to be grown in a pot and should not be planted in the ground. Some direct sun and being root bound helps encourage blooms.
