Wax plant (Hoya australis)
Care, watering, light and tips for Wax plant on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Apocynaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Wax plant
Hoya australis, also known as Australian Waxflower, is an evergreen vine with woody stems and glossy, fleshy green leaves. It produces clusters of fragrant, star-shaped white flowers with red centers, particularly aromatic at night. It's ideal for hanging baskets or trailing over supports in bright indoor spaces or sheltered outdoor areas in warm climates.
Native range
Australia, Papua New Guinea, and Indonesia
Care tips
It requires bright, indirect light; intense direct sunlight can scorch its leaves. Water when the topsoil feels dry to the touch, reducing frequency in winter to prevent root rot. It prefers a well-draining, airy substrate, such as an orchid or epiphytic plant mix. A common mistake is overwatering, which can lead to flower bud drop.
How to save a dying Wax plant
- Warning signs
- Soft, yellowing, or dropping leaves; dry or blackened stems. Soft, dark roots.
- First aid
- Check roots. If rot, cut affected parts with disinfected tools. Reduce watering, improve drainage. Provide bright, indirect light.
- What kills it
- Overwatering, especially in winter. Constant waterlogging easily rots its roots.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if rot hasn't advanced too far. Act quickly by pruning damaged parts and adjusting watering.