About Hoya Wax Plants
Among the picturesque names for Hoya are wax plant and porcelain flower. This is a tropical plant, best suited to indoor growing in all but the warmest climates. The flowers may be a rarity in home situations but, if you get lucky, the delicate flowers present a perfect display that almost looks too good to be real. Hoya is a terrific plant for a beginner gardener to learn indoor plant care. There are over 2,000 plants in the Hoya genus. That said, Hoya carnosa is the most commonly cultivated for home growing. Interestingly, it is in the Milkweed family, the same family of plants that are the main sustenance for Monarch butterflies. Hoya plants are easily propagated by cuttings. Cuttings root easily in plain water (use rainwater for best results) or with the cut end inserted into African violet soil mixed by half with perlite. In about two years, the cutting will result in a mature plant capable of blooming. The ease of propagation makes growing Hoya vines to give to family and friends almost effortless and enables you to pass along this amazing plant.
How to Care for Hoya Wax Plants
Hoya plants should be kept out of the high light of the day, as this may burn the leaves. They need bright light but indirect. Water the plant frequently enough in spring and summer that the soil is kept moist. Misting is also a good idea unless the plant is kept in the bathroom where shower steam will keep the air humid. There is no need to prune a Hoya; in fact, the tendrils at the ends are where new foliage will grow and flowers develop. The optimum temperatures for wax plant care in the growing season are 65 degrees Fahrenheit (18 C.) at night and 80 F. (27 C.) during the day. Hoya wax plants aren’t actively growing in winter but they do need light and water. Provide the plant with bright indirect light in a cool area of the home free of drafts. Remember, this is a tropical plant and it cannot tolerate cold, but temperatures of 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 C.) will help force the Hoya into dormancy. Hoya in winter does not need as much water as in summer. Wait until the top few inches (5 to 10 cm.) of soil are dry. Mist plants that are near drying furnaces or other heat sources several times a week to increase humidity. Alternatively, the Hoya climbing vine can have its container set on a saucer filled with small gravel and water to increase moisture around the plant without getting its roots sodden. Fertilizing is not part of wax plant care in winter. Mealybugs, aphids, and scale are the pests of most note. Combat with horticultural oil.
