Hoya (Hoya bilobata)
Care, watering, light and tips for Hoya on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Apocynaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 10 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Hoya
Hoya bilobata, commonly known as wax plant, is a small epiphytic climber from the Apocynaceae family, native to the Philippines. Its leaves are tiny, succulent, and bright green, forming a dense cascade that makes it ideal for hanging baskets or as a groundcover in terrariums. It produces delicate star-shaped cream-colored flowers with reddish centers, emitting a soft and sweet fragrance.
Native range
Philippines
Care tips
It prefers bright, indirect light; intense direct sunlight can scorch its leaves. Water it when the substrate is completely dry to the touch, reducing frequency in winter to prevent root rot. Use a well-draining and airy substrate, ideally an orchid or epiphytic plant mix. A common mistake is overwatering, which is the main cause of problems in Hoyas.
How to save a dying Hoya
- Warning signs
- Soft, wrinkled, or yellowing leaves; limp or blackened stems. Soft, dark roots.
- First aid
- Remove plant from substrate. Inspect roots, cut off rot. Apply fungicide. Repot in fresh, light substrate, do not water immediately.
- What kills it
- Overwatering. Hoya bilobata are very sensitive to waterlogging and cold. They need plenty of indirect light.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if you act quickly. If healthy stems remain, you can try propagating cuttings to ensure survival.