Hoya is a genus of tropical climbing plants, commonly called a wax plant due to their thick, waxy leaves. They have beautiful, delicate flowers that smell amazing. They’re usually white or pink, which is where they got the porcelain flower nickname.
They’re semi-succulent, making them fairly easy for the beginner plant lover. Hoyas store water in their leaves so its not the end of the world if you miss a watering AND!!! They’re safe to have around pets. That’s not to say let your pets munch on your Hoyas, but a nibble from a curious kitty won’t be the end.
If you like the look of a plant cascading from a basket, hoyas are perfect! They shoot out vines that are gorgeous cascading over the pot. Don’t fret, if you prefer climbers! Hoya vines have air roots they use to attach to other plants or rocks in their natural environment so they will enthusiastically attach to a moss pole or trellis.
Basic Hoya Care:
Light: Bright, indirect light is best for hoyas and they need at least a few hours of it. If you have them in a bright window, be sure to protect them with a sheer curtain or pull them back so as to not be in direct sun.
Water: Make sure to let your Hoya dry out between waterings. You can test the moisture by sticking your finger or a chopstick into the soil, make sure it comes out clean. Once the soil is completely dry, water deeply. That means water until it flows out of the bottom of the pot, then gently tilt it until the water stops dripping.
Soil: Well draining soil is a must! I use a mixture of equal parts succulent soil, fine grade orchid bark, and perlite. This ensures the roots get adequate oxygen and won’t get waterlogged. This is also a great mixture if you tend to overwater plants because it doesn’t stay wet for long.
Fertilizer: Hoyas aren’t heavy feeders. Giving them a balanced houseplant fertilizer once a month should suffice. When your plant is about to bloom, blooming plant food will give those babies a boost!
Humidity: Generally, they do fine in regular household humidity. I have a few near a humidifier but most of my collection do well in the 40% to 50% range. Some hoyas need high humidity so will need to be in a greenhouse or greenhouse cabinet. They are a tropical plant, after all!