Hoya Carnosa: A Complete Guide

Hoyas are increasingly popular houseplants, thanks to their easy-going nature. They produce stunning vines and gorgeous flowers, so they make the ideal plant to add to a hanging basket. Hoyas belong to the Apocynaceae family, which boasts hundreds of hybrids, cultivars, and species of hoyas.

The article below takes an in-depth look at the Hoya carnosa. You will learn about its unique qualities and how to care for it. In addition, we will cover growing mediums, watering requirements, and pruning.

These lovely vining plants can grow up to 13 feet long when they have enough space to stretch out. This size makes them ideal as indoor plants if there is room for a hanging pot (or two). Alternatively, they will thrive when their long, slender vines can creep up trellises.

Keep reading below as we dive into more details about Hoya carnosa. We will explore what makes this particular plant unique and then discuss how to keep your stunning plant healthy.

Hoya carnosa Leaves

The leaves of Hoya carnosa are a stunning deep green. They are roughly 1-2 inches (3-5 cm) wide and 1.5-5 inches (3.5-13 cm) long. Many people call Hoya carnosa “wax plant” because of the nature of its leaves. They are exceptionally smooth and glossy. Additionally, they have an almost waxy feel under your fingers.

This plant has oval or heart-shaped leaves with the occasional hint of silver or white. The resulting leaves are eye-catching and add an interesting dimension to every room. 

Hoya carnosa Flowers

One of the most striking aspects of hoya plants is their unique flowers. Many have a delicate star shape, and Hoya carnosa is no exception. Each tiny flower is less than 1 inch in diameter (1.5 to 2 cm). Typically, they are clustered together in groups of about roughly 20-25 flowers per umbel.

The blossoms have light pink most often. But the colors will vary from bright pink to white. However, the most distinctive part of the small flowers is that they look like they are composed of wax.

Hoya flowers, in general, are highly scented. Hoya carnosa flowers exude a lot of nectar, so putting something beneath the plant that can catch any drippings is advisable. Blossoms appear sometime between spring and late summer.

One thing to note, however, is that hoya plants, including Hoya carnosa, do not start blossoming immediately. The flowers will not usually appear for the first two to three years. And if the plant is stressed or does not have a stable environment, it may take longer. So, patience is warranted. Nevertheless, the plant will eventually reward you with gorgeous flowers.

Fun Facts About Hoya carnosa

Studies in the early 2000s discovered that this particular hoya plant does an excellent job of removing indoor air pollution. So if that is of concern, or if someone in the household has allergies, consider adding a lovely Hoya carnosa to your home!

Caring for a Hoya carnosa

Hoya plants are the perfect choice for busy individuals or anyone new to the plant world. They are incredibly easy to care for, low-maintenance, and have few pests or diseases that plague them. And, even better, when a hoya plant gets properly tended to, it will last for decades. So, let’s take a look at some of the specific care Hoya carnosa.

Light Requirements

Hoya carnosa cannot tolerate more than two hours of direct sunlight daily. Any more than that, and its leaves may get burned. All you need to offer is six or more hours of bright, indirect light to maintain a healthy plant. 

If your hoya is in an area of the house that does not receive enough light, it will become leggy, weak, and produce fewer leaves. Opt for an east-facing window if you can. That is because they get the early (and softer) light rather than the harsh afternoon light.

Temperature Requirements

Hoya carnosa is a tropical plant, so it needs to remain in an appropriate environment. The ideal temperature for your hoya plant is between 60-85 degrees Fahrenheit. Though it can occasionally tolerate temperatures down to 50 or 55 degrees, don’t leave them there longer than necessary. Most of the time, the indoor temperature of a building or home is warm enough for your Hoya carnosa to thrive.

Another factor that is important for hoya plants is the humidity level. All tropical plants need a decent humidity level. And the same holds true for hoyas. Provide them with an environment with a stable humidity level of 60-80 for optimum growth.

Growing Requirements

The beautiful Hoya carnosa is perfectly suited for hanging planters or pots kept near a trellis. However, use caution when selecting a container for your unique plant. It should be a relatively shallow pot, as this will help prevent soggy soil and, ultimately… root rot. Additionally, the container and soil need to allow adequate drainage. 

Plant your Hoya carnosa in an airy potting medium that is nutrient-rich and well-draining. If you can find soil for succulents or cacti, that would be ideal. If not, consider incorporating items like perlite, pumice, or ceramic balls to aerate the soil.

Hoyas don’t need frequent fertilization. Add a water-soluble fertilizer during the growing season to help feed beautiful foliage and blossoms. Start with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer in the early spring to encourage lush foliage growth. Then switch to a potassium-based fertilizer once the flower buds start forming. There is no need to feed hoyas during the winter, as they are dormant then.

Water Requirements

The amount of water a hoya needs entirely depends on the season. During the winter or colder months, they will require significantly less water. This time of year, you can allow the soil to dry out before watering. However, in the summer, they need to get watered more often. Check regularly by sticking your finger into the top 2” of soil. If it is moist, there is no need to water. If it is dry, go ahead and saturate the soil.

Propagation and Pruning

Hoyas are easy to propagate from stem cuttings. Simply trim off a section and stick it in water to help encourage new root development.

They are also easy to prune. However, use care when selecting the areas to prune. The flowers return to the same location every year. So, if you cut the wrong section off, you will lose precious blossoms.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © nnattalli/Shutterstock.com