Wax plant (Hoya carnosa)
Care, watering, light and tips for Wax plant on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Apocynaceae
- Difficulty: Moderate care
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Wax plant
Hoya carnosa, also known as Porcelainflower, is a beautiful climbing or trailing plant from the Apocynaceae family, valued for its fleshy leaves and delicate, waxy, star-shaped flowers, which often emit a sweet perfume at night. It is ideal for hanging baskets, high shelves, or climbing a support, adding an exotic and elegant touch to any indoor space. Its porcelain-like inflorescences are a spectacle when they appear.
Native range
East and Southeast Asia (China, India, Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Australia)
Care tips
It prefers bright, indirect light; avoid intense direct sunlight to prevent scorching its leaves. Water only when the substrate is dry to the touch, as it is susceptible to overwatering and root rot; it's better to err on the side of dryness than wetness. Use a well-draining substrate, such as an orchid or succulent mix with perlite. A common mistake is to move it when it's about to bloom, which can cause the buds to drop.
How to save a dying Wax plant
- Warning signs
- Soft, yellowing, or dropping leaves. Rot at the stem base. No new growth or flowers.
- First aid
- Remove plant from pot, inspect roots. Trim rotten roots. Repot in dry, well-draining substrate.
- What kills it
- Overwatering, especially in winter. Heavy soil retaining too much moisture. Lack of light.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if rot hasn't severely affected the main stem. Act quickly with repotting and watering adjustment.