Wax Plant
Hoya carnosa
AKA: Hoya, Porcelain Flower
easy_to_medium
low_to_medium water
medium, bright_indirect
Pet caution
Wax plants are long-lived trailing houseplants with thick, glossy leaves and fragrant star-shaped flowers. They prefer bright light, good drainage, and slightly drier soil.
Care snapshot
☀️ Light
Medium, Bright Indirect
💧 Water
Low To Medium
💨 Humidity
Medium
📈 Growth
Slow To Moderate
Wax Plant Care at a Glance
Wax plants (Hoyas) are prized for their waxy leaves and stunning, fragrant blooms that appear on mature plants.
Best For
- Bright indoor spaces
- Hanging baskets
- Patient plant owners
- Flowering plant lovers
Not Great For
- Low light rooms
- Overwatering habits
- Cold environments
Light Requirements
Bright indirect light is the key to flowering. East- or west-facing windows are ideal. Too little light results in healthy leaves but no blooms.
How to Water a Wax Plant
Let the soil partially dry between waterings. Hoyas tolerate drought better than excess moisture.
Watering Tips
- Always use pots with drainage holes.
- Reduce watering significantly in winter.
- Thicker leaves = less frequent watering.
Flowering Tips
Do not cut old flower spurs (peduncles). Hoyas rebloom from the same spurs year after year.
Growth Habit
Wax plants are slow growers at first but can live for decades. Vines can be trained to trail or climb.
How to Propagate Wax Plant
- Cut a healthy vine with at least two nodes.
- Remove the lower leaves.
- Place cutting in water or airy soil mix.
- Roots typically develop within 2–4 weeks.
Wax Plant Problems (Fast Fix Guide)
No flowers
Cause: Low light or plant immaturity
Fix: Increase light and be patient
Yellow leaves
Cause: Overwatering
Fix: Allow soil to dry more between watering
Wrinkled leaves
Cause: Underwatering
Fix: Water thoroughly once soil is dry
Pet Safety Warning
- Wax plants may be mildly toxic to pets.
- Keep out of reach of curious animals.
When the top half of the soil is dry.
Usually due to insufficient light or the plant being too young.
They survive but rarely flower in low light.
It may cause mild toxicity if ingested.
Pet warning
Generally considered mildly toxic. Sap may cause stomach upset if ingested.
Video tips
Extra reading
FAQ
When the top half of the soil is dry.
Usually due to insufficient light or the plant being too young.
They survive but rarely flower in low light.
It may cause mild toxicity if ingested.
