Hoya carnosa
A vining plant with thick glossy leaves and charming star-shaped flowers. Hardy and drought-tolerant with water-storing succulent leaves. Also called Wax Plant for its sweet-scented blooms.
Hoya carnosa, the wax plant, is a vining perennial in the family Apocynaceae, native to East Asia through Australia (including southern China, India, and northern Australia). It is valued both for its thick, glossy, oval leaves and for its spectacular, starry, waxy flower clusters that produce a rich, sweet fragrance — strongest in the evening and at night. Versatile in display, it can be trained along walls, up trellises, or left to trail from hanging baskets. Exceptionally long-lived: the same plants are known to bloom for decades. Crucially, spent flower spurs should never be removed, as new flower clusters emerge from the same points each season. As a semi-succulent, it prefers to dry out completely between waterings; overwatering is the most common cause of failure. Brighter light promotes more abundant flowering. Its combination of attractive foliage, fragrant blooms, and undemanding care makes it one of the most rewarding vining houseplants available.
Origin
East Asia to Australia (southern China, India, northern Australia)
Lifespan
20+ years
Size
Vine (1-5m)
Temperature
15〜30℃
Humidity
40〜70%
Liquid fertilizer monthly in spring-fall
Bright indirect light optimal. Needs sun to bloom
Allow to dry between waterings. Overwatering causes rot
Sweet-scented star-shaped flowers bloom spring-summer
Easy via stem or water cuttings
Don't cut flower stalks. Blooms repeatedly from same spot
Beginner. This is a beginner-friendly species. No special equipment or experience is required, and it can be kept successfully with basic care setup.
The ideal temperature for Hoya carnosa is 15〜30℃. Recommended humidity is 40〜70%. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Hoya carnosa is 20+ years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Hoya carnosa typically reaches Vine (1-5m) as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Hoya carnosa feeds on: Liquid fertilizer monthly in spring-fall. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Hoya carnosa varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
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