Source: Wikimedia Commons
Hoya Carnosa
BeginnerHoya carnosa
A vine plant with thick leaves and waxy star-shaped flowers. Also known as Wax Plant.
About
Hoya carnosa, the wax plant, is a vining perennial in the family Apocynaceae, native to East Asia and Australia. It is grown both for its thick, glossy, oval leaves and for its exquisite clusters of star-shaped, waxy flowers that emit a sweet, honey-like fragrance — particularly strong in the evening. It prefers bright light and flowers most prolifically in sunny conditions. Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry between waterings, and reduce watering significantly in winter. The trailing stems benefit from support or training along a wall or trellis. Crucially, spent flower stalks (spurs) should not be cut, as flowers re-emerge from the same points year after year. An exceptionally long-lived plant, thriving for decades with proper care. Its succulent-like leaves and drought tolerance make it relatively straightforward to maintain.
Size of the Hoya Carnosa
The Hoya Carnosa grows to Vine (1-3m).
Basic Info
Origin
East Asia to Australia (southern China, India, Australia)
Lifespan
Perennial (vine)
Size
Vine (1-3m)
Temperature
15〜30℃
Humidity
50〜70%
Watering & Fertilizer
Moderate watering
Growing Tips
Light & Placement
Prefers a bright spot, and more sun means better flowering. Train the vines up a wall with hooks or a stake for the best display.
Watering
The fleshy leaves store water, so keep it on the dry side; overwatering causes root rot. Water very sparingly in winter.
Temperature & Overwintering
Keep it indoors above 5°C in winter with watering nearly stopped. Avoid chilly windowsills.
Pruning & Shaping
Leave the old flower stalks (spurs) after blooming, as new flowers form from the same spot. Take care not to cut off flower buds when pruning.
Soil & Repotting
Plant in a well-draining mix and avoid sogginess. It is very long-lived, so repot one size up once roots fill the pot.
Hoya Carnosa FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Hoya Carnosa?
Beginner. A variety suitable for beginners. No special equipment or experience is required—you can grow it without problems by setting up a basic cultivation environment.
QHow large does Hoya Carnosa get?
The mature size of Hoya Carnosa is Vine (1-3m). This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QHow should I water and fertilize Hoya Carnosa?
Hoya Carnosa: watering & fertilizer — Moderate watering. Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Hoya Carnosa?
The price of Hoya Carnosa varies significantly by variety, characteristics, size, and lineage. Please check GrowerDirect's price guide for the latest market information.
Last updated: August 31, 2026
Growing Specifications
- USDA Zone
- 10–12
- Hardiness (RHS)
- H2
Sources: Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder - Hoya carnosa / RHS - Hoya carnosa
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: GrowerDirect Editorial Team
The classifications, regulations, and growing data on this page are created and verified based on the primary information database below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Regulations & Conservation Status
Foliage plant. Confirmed by document review to be non-applicable to CITES Appendix (Flora), designated invasive species, or designated animals (the genus does not appear in the CITES flora section; Dracaena spp. listings in CITES refer to a reptile genus of the same name; the plant Dracaena is not applicable).
Sources: CITES Appendices I/II/III (flora section, grepped via dbca mirror) / CITES Appendices (official) / Ministry of the Environment List of Specified Invasive Alien Species
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Related Species
Find listings for this species
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