Wax plant (porcelain flower)
Hoya carnosa
Evergreen, trailing epiphytic vine with thick, waxy leaves and clusters of fragrant star-shaped flowers; a popular, easy houseplant that tolerates bright indirect light and occasional drought.
Caution: Toxic to Pets
Toxicity: mildly toxic
Mildly toxic to cats, dogs and people; ingestion may cause vomiting or stomach upset and contact can irritate skin or mouth.
🌱Care Requirements
Light
Give Hoya carnosa bright, indirect light for best growth and flowering. Place near an east or filtered south/west window; avoid prolonged midday sun that can scorch leaves. If light is limited, supplement with a grow light for 8–12 hours daily.
Water
Allow the top 2–3 cm (about 1 inch) of the potting mix to dry before watering. Water deeply until excess drains, then discard tray water. Reduce frequency in cooler months. Use a very free-draining mix to prevent root rot from overwatering.
Humidity
Prefers moderate to above-average humidity (around 40–60%). Boost humidity with pebble trays, grouping, or a humidifier. Avoid constant leaf wetting; the waxy leaves tolerate drier air better than many tropicals.
Temperature
Ideal 15–30°C (59–86°F). Avoid sustained temperatures below 10°C (50°F) and keep away from cold drafts or hot radiators for stable growth and blooms.
🔧Common Problems & Solutions
Yellow, mushy leaves or dropped leaves
Cause: Overwatering or poor drainage leading to root rot
Solution: Allow soil to dry more between waterings, repot into a well-draining mix, inspect roots and trim rotten parts; resume watering after recovery
Wrinkled or thin leaves
Cause: Underwatering or prolonged dry soil
Solution: Water thoroughly and consistently, soak the pot until excess drains, then allow partial drying; check potting mix and increase humidity if very dry
Sticky residue, cottony clusters, or yellowing leaves
Cause: Pests such as mealybugs, scale, or aphids
Solution: Isolate plant, remove pests with alcohol swabs, use insecticidal soap or neem oil, repeat treatments and monitor new growth
Leggy growth and few flowers
Cause: Insufficient light or insufficient mature wood; also overfertilization can reduce blooms
Solution: Move to brighter indirect light, prune to encourage bushier growth, reduce nitrogen-rich feeds and provide a balanced fertilizer during active growth
✂️How to Propagate Wax plant (porcelain flower)
Propagate by 7–12 cm stem cuttings with 2–3 nodes. Remove lower leaves, dip cut end in rooting hormone (optional), then place in water or a moist, free-draining mix (perlite/peat or orchid bark). Keep bright indirect light and warm temps; roots form in 2–6 weeks. For air-layering, wound a node, pack with moist sphagnum and wrap with plastic; when roots appear, cut and pot. Division works when a plant has multiple rooted crowns.
🌍Origin & Background
Family: Apocynaceae
Native to: Southeast Asia, including India, China, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia.
Natural Habitat: Epiphytic or lithophytic in tropical and subtropical forests, growing on tree branches or rocks where light is filtered, air is warm, humidity is moderate to high, and the substrate drains freely.
🗓Seasonal Care Guide
Winter
Reduce watering and keep in bright, indirect light. Maintain temperatures above 10°C (50°F). Water sparingly and avoid heavy feeding; dormancy slows growth and reduces water needs.
Spring
Resume regular watering and begin light feeding with a balanced, diluted fertilizer. Increase humidity and consider repotting if rootbound as growth resumes.
Summer
Provide bright filtered light and consistent watering when topsoil dries. Ensure good air circulation and higher humidity; avoid hot direct midday sun which can scorch leaves.
Fall
Gradually reduce fertilizer and taper watering frequency as growth slows. Check for pests and prune long vines to maintain shape before winter slowdown.
❓Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I water my Hoya carnosa?
Water when the top 2–3 cm (1 inch) of soil is dry, typically every 1–3 weeks depending on season, light and potting mix.
Will my Hoya carnosa bloom indoors?
Yes, with bright indirect light, slightly reduced nitrogen feeding, warm stable temps and mature wood, many indoor Hoyas will produce fragrant clusters of flowers.
What soil is best for Hoya carnosa?
Use a chunky, fast-draining mix: orchid bark, perlite and peat or a commercial cactus/orchid mix to mimic epiphytic conditions.
How do I propagate a Hoya carnosa?
Take 7–12 cm stem cuttings with nodes and root in water or a moist, free-draining medium; air-layering works well for larger vines.
Is Hoya carnosa toxic to pets?
Yes, it is mildly toxic: ingestion can cause stomach upset and drooling; keep out of reach of pets and children.
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Last updated: 11/7/2025