The Hoya Carnosa plant, also known as Wax Plant, has been around for decades and isn’t going away soon. It has become one of the most popular houseplants in America due to its easy care and broad appeal. A beautiful, leafy, relatively easy-to-grow houseplant, the Hoya carnosa is a favourite for many households, with many decorating their homes with this easy-to-care-for plant.
If you have recently acquired one or are thinking about getting one, you’ll need to know how to grow and care for Hoya carnosa to keep it healthy and thrive over the years. If so, read on!
What is a Hoya carnosa?
Hoya carnosa is a climbing plant that originated in Southeast Asia. It has large, oval-shaped leaves and deep green foliage that grow on long vines. The flowers are small and white and usually sprout from the center of the leaf. They also bloom all year round! To grow and care for your Hoya, you will need water, light, fertilizer, repotting, and adequate space.
Choosing your Hoya
Hoyas are part of the Apocynaceae family and are native only to India, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Vietnam and Thailand. But don’t let that deter you from growing one in your home!
Hoyas carnosa comes in various sizes and shapes, ranging from small shrubs to large vines. The more light a Hoya receives, the larger it will grow. Make sure it gets enough sun by placing it near a window or outside during summer. A Hoya plant can also be placed in indirect sunlight, ensuring they receive at least four hours of sun each day.
One trick is to place them next to a bright artificial light source, such as an indoor houseplant lamp or fluorescent bulbs, which can help stimulate natural sunlight indoors without costing much electricity.
The Planting Process
Hoya carnosa plants come in various sizes but are typically around 12 inches. To plant, follow the steps below:
- Choose a pot that is at least 12 inches deep and wide enough to accommodate the size of your plant.
- Fill the pot with high-quality soil, moisten it with water, and then add the plant roots to spread out in the soil. You can then plant the Hoya about one inch below the soil line surface.
- Water thoroughly until the water reaches all sides of the pot. Be sure there is enough space between the Hoya carnosa, especially if you are planting more than one.
- Place the pot where it will get plenty of sun and not be over-watered or overwatered; good locations include on a deck or porch or in front of an east-facing window.
- To avoid frost damage, move the pot inside during cold months if you live in a cold climate.
Light & Temperature
Hoyas need bright light, but not direct sun. If you have a north-facing window or other bright, indirect light source in your home, that should work fine. Try to keep the plant out of direct sunlight as much as possible.
Hoyas are tropical plants, so they’ll need warmer temperatures than many other houseplants. A range between 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit will be perfect. You can expect your Hoya to flourish just fine if the nighttime temperature stays above 60 degrees!
Furthermore, ensure to keep it away from drafty windows and doors during winter months because cold air can make Hoyas wilt quickly.
Water & Fertilizer
Hoya carnosa is a succulent plant that requires minimal care. Hence, watering your Hoya is the first step to taking care of it. This can be done by placing the pot in a saucer of water or misting the leaves with a spray bottle.
When it comes to fertilizer, Hoyas do not require any as they are very low-maintenance plants. However, if you’re planning on giving them some fertilizer, read the label because some products may damage your plants.
Additionally, if you plan on fertilizing, don’t do so until you have removed all dead foliage from the plant. As long as you follow these simple fertilizing steps, we guarantee you will have a happy plant!
Repotting & Root Pruning
The best time to repot is in the spring or fall, but can be done at any time throughout the year. It is best to repot for good air circulation or when the plant has outgrown its container. The most important thing to do when repotting a Hoya is to remove as much of the old potting mix as possible before placing your plant back into a new container with fresh potting mix.
Propagating Your New Plant
Propagating a new plant is the best way to ensure you have plenty of Hoya plants in your home. To properly propagate your Hoya carnosa, the following steps below will help:
- First, take a pencil and poke holes in the side of the pot so that water will drain from it.
- Next, poke holes in the bottom of the pot with a nail or other sharp object.
- Now, fill up your pot with dirt or any other type of soil and allow it to settle for about five minutes before watering it well.
Keeping It Alive
Hoyas are native plants in the forests of Southeast Asia. Plants like these are tough, require little care, and can be rewarding for even the most novice gardener. If you just started growing Hoyas, there are a few things you should take note of if you wish to keep them alive and blooming.
Make sure they have enough water – they love moist environments. Second, a bright window with plenty of natural light will suffice if it has shade from the sun. In addition, avoid overwatering them in order to avoid rot and decay. Finally, trim their leaves once every two weeks, so they don’t block out all their light.
Pest Control
Mealy bugs, aphids, whiteflies, and scale insects are all common pests you may find on your Hoya plants. If you find pests on your Hoya leaves or stems, it is best to spray the plant with a mixture of water and dish soap or rubbing alcohol. These natural solutions will kill the pests while leaving the plant unharmed.
For heavy infestations or larger plants, it is best to use insecticides such as Neem oil or Pyrethrin spray. As a safety precaution, be sure to keep the pesticides out of reach of pets and children. Check back often for new pests that have hatched so they can be dealt with accordingly.
Caring for Hoya carnosa isn’t difficult once you know how to keep your plant happy and healthy in your home. If you can give it moderate light, water it every couple of weeks, and ensure the soil drains well, you’re in the clear. The more light this plant gets, the better off it will be.