Hoya care: easy tips to help the beautiful plant thrive

Hoyas, also called wax plants or porcelain flowers, are a popular houseplant. Each variety has distinct leaves, and the blooms appear in various forms. They’re often fragrant. A hoya can climb, grow as a shrub, or trail.

For those new to hoya, it’s wise to start with easy-care species like Hoya lacunosa, Hoya carnosa, and Hoya multiflora.

It’s best to plant a hoya in a relatively small clay pot. Some hoya species grow as epiphytes, attaching themselves to tree branches. Because of this, they thrive with minimal growing media.

Support the stems of climbing types with a trellis or string. Trailing varieties are happiest in a hanging basket.

Location

Although different species have their preferences, hoyas generally do best in a bright window. Avoid direct, intense sunlight. If it’s too dark, they won’t bloom. You may need supplemental lighting in winter. Also, make sure the spot isn’t drafty. During the holidays, place your hoya away from the Christmas tree, as it releases ethylene, which hoya and many other flowering houseplants can’t tolerate.

Watering

Water the hoya thoroughly once, then let the soil partially dry before watering again. If buds are present, don’t let it dry out completely.

Fertilizing

Fertilize hoyas that are growing well and preparing to bloom every two or three weeks with a fertilizer formulated for flowering houseplants. In winter, fertilize only a few times with a mild solution. Too much fertilizer can reduce blooming.

Pruning

Avoid heavy pruning. Take only a few cuttings from the same plant each year.

Propagation

You can propagate hoya from cuttings in spring. A good cutting is about 10 cm (4 in) long and has one pair of leaves. Root it in a glass of water.

Pinching

You don’t need to remove wilted blooms.

More information:

My Hoyas (enthusiast pages in English and Swedish)

Swedish hoya association’s website (in Swedish and English)