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.
Hoya carnosa
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.