Plant care guide
How to care for Hoya (other varieties)
Hoya spp., including Hoya curtisii, H. pubicalyx, H. australis, H. 'Sunrise', H. 'Black Margin', H. obovata, H. chouke, H. wayetii, H. crassipetiolata, and H. fungii
This group covers a range of collectible hoyas, from the tiny speckled leaves of Hoya curtisii to the big, thick leaves of Hoya crassipetiolata and fungii. They all share the same basic needs: bright light, chunky soil, and letting the soil dry between waterings, and many will flower with fragrant star-shaped clusters once settled.
Also known as: Hoya, Wax Plant, Wax Vine, Porcelain Flower, Hoya Curtisii, Hoya Pubicalyx, Hoya Australis, Hoya Sunrise, Hoya Black Margin, Hoya Obovata Reverse, Hoya Chouke, Variegated Hoya Wayetii, Hoya Crassipetiolata, Hoya Fungii
Just arrived? Your first week at home
- Unbox right away and gently free any vines that were bent or clipped for shipping.
- Place it in bright, indirect light, such as near an east window or a few feet back from a south or west window.
- Feel the soil: water only if the top inch or two is dry, then let it drain completely.
- Keep it in its nursery pot for at least two weeks; most hoyas prefer a snug pot anyway.
- A dropped leaf, a yellow leaf, or a few soft leaves after a dark trip is normal and usually recovers after watering.
- Keep it away from heat vents, radiators, and cold drafts.
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Light
Most hoyas want bright, indirect light, such as an east window or a spot a few feet from a south or west window. Thin-leaved types like wayetii and fungii prefer to avoid hot afternoon sun, while thick-leaved types like 'Sunrise', obovata, and pubicalyx enjoy some gentle direct morning sun, which can bring out red or pink blushing. Low light means slow growth and few flowers.
Water
Let the top half of the soil dry before watering, then water thoroughly. Thick-leaved types like crassipetiolata and obovata can go longer between drinks, while small or thin-leaved types like curtisii and wayetii dry faster and may need water every week in summer. Wrinkled or limp leaves mean thirst; yellowing leaves and wet soil signal overwatering.
Humidity
Average home humidity is usually fine, though thinner-leaved varieties like curtisii, wayetii, and fungii appreciate 50 percent or more. A small humidifier nearby helps new leaves open cleanly in dry winters.
Temperature
Keep them between about 60 and 85 F. Avoid anything below 55 F and keep them away from cold windows and drafty doors.
Soil & repotting
Use a very airy mix: potting soil with plenty of orchid bark and perlite, or a commercial aroid or hoya mix. Repot only when roots fill the pot, usually every 2-3 years in spring, moving up one size. Small hoyas like curtisii stay happy in small pots for years.
Feeding
Feed every 3-4 weeks in spring and summer with a half-strength balanced liquid fertilizer. Skip fertilizer in fall and winter.
Troubleshooting common problems
- No flowersusually not enough light or the plant is still young; give it more light and leave flower spurs alone.
- Wrinkled leavesthirst or root rot; check the soil and roots and water deeply if dry.
- Yellow leaves with soggy soiloverwatering; let the mix dry out more and check drainage.
- Crispy brown leaf edgesdry air or too much hot sun; move it out of harsh afternoon light and raise humidity.
- Mealybugs or aphids on new growthwipe off with rubbing alcohol or rinse in the shower, then treat with insecticidal soap.
Tips to help it thrive
- Never cut off old flower spurs; hoyas rebloom from the same spurs.
- Long, leafless tendrils are normal; give them a trellis or hoop to climb, and leaves will follow.
- Brighter light often brings out red, pink, or silver splash coloring on leaves.
- Propagate from stem cuttings with a node, rooted in water, sphagnum moss, or moist perlite.
Pet safety
Hoya (other varieties) is listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. As with any houseplant, it's still best to discourage pets from chewing the leaves, which can cause a mild upset stomach.
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Hoya Australis
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