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Hoya Plant Care Guide: How to Grow, Propagate, and Collect Stunning Hoya Varieties

Hoya Plant Care Guide: How to Grow, Propagate, and Collect These Wax Plant Beauties

If you're looking for a plant that thrives on mild neglect and comes in an endless variety of stunning forms, you’re about to fall for the Hoya—also known as the wax plant. From trailing ropes to splashy foliage to heart-shaped leaves, Hoyas are wildly diverse and surprisingly easy to love once you learn their preferences.

This blog digs into everything you need to know about Hoya care, how to troubleshoot common issues, and introduces you to a dozen unique and trendy Hoya varieties we can’t get enough of.

Quick Facts

More detailed care guides below

  • Botanical Name: Hoya spp.

  • Common Name: Wax plant, Hoya

  • Light: Bright, indirect light (some tolerate gentle morning sun)

  • Water: When soil is dry halfway or more; less in winter

  • Soil: Loose, chunky, well-draining mix

  • Pet Friendly? Mostly non-toxic, but still best kept away from curious chewers

  • Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate (depends on the variety)

What Is a Hoya Plant?

Hoyas are a genus of tropical plants native to Asia and Australia, known for their waxy foliage and star-shaped clusters of sweet-smelling flowers. Some are climbers, some are trailers, some are compact and quirky—there’s a Hoya for every aesthetic.

They're part of the milkweed family (Apocynaceae), and while all Hoyas share a general care profile, each variety brings its own flair.

How to Care for Hoyas

Light

Hoyas do best in bright, indirect light. Most won’t tolerate direct, hot sun for long (hello, leaf scorch), but:

  • Morning or filtered sun is usually welcome.

  • Some, like Hoya sunrise or Hoya krohniana splash, develop gorgeous color when “sun-stressed.”

Not enough light = slower growth and little to no flowering. 

If you need more light where you want your Hoya try a grow light

Watering

Hoyas are semi-succulent—so they like to dry out a bit between waterings.

  • Wait until the top 50–75% of the soil is dry before watering.

  • Use the “squish test”: if leaves are firm, wait. If they’re soft/wrinkled, water.

  • Cut back watering in the winter.

Overwatering = yellowing leaves, root rot, and sadness.

If you struggle with consistent watering try a moisture meter

Soil

Hoyas are epiphytes in the wild (they grow on trees), so they need light, airy, well-draining soil.

Best mix = Molly's Mix

Think: chunky salad, not soggy pudding.

Temperature & Humidity

  • Ideal temp: 18–27°C (65–80°F)

  • Avoid: anything under 10°C (50°F)

  • Humidity: They can adapt to average humidity, but most Hoyas love 50%+ for best growth and flowering

A humidifier can make a big difference—especially for more delicate or fuzzy-leaf varieties.

Flowering

When happy, Hoyas bloom clusters of tiny star-shaped flowers that often smell sweet, spicy, or floral. To bloom, they need:

  • Bright light

  • Consistent care

  • A bit of patience—some bloom easily, others take their sweet time.

Pro tip: Never remove the peduncle (the flower stem)—new blooms will return to the same spot.

Pruning & Propagation

Want a fuller Hoya? Or want more Hoyas? Here’s how:

  • Prune long vines to encourage branching

  • Propagate with node cuttings—stick a vine with at least 1–2 nodes in moist soil or sphagnum moss

  • Roots form in a few weeks. Keep warm and lightly humid.

Common Hoya Problems

Yellow Leaves?

Usually overwatering or poor drainage. Check roots and adjust soil.

Pests

Hoyas can attract:

Not Flowering?

Needs more light, maturity, or time. Avoid over-pruning.

Are Hoyas Pet Friendly?

Most Hoyas are considered non-toxic to pets—but their sap can still irritate, and large ingestions may cause mild symptoms. Best to keep them out of reach just to be safe.

Popular and Unique Hoya Varieties to Try

There are hundreds of Hoya species and cultivars, but here are some favorites that we carry or love:

Hoya sunrise

Oval, veined leaves that turn red when exposed to sun. Stunning stress colors and a vigorous grower.

Hoya parasitica

Glossy green foliage with dramatic veining. Hardy, fast-growing, and often fragrant when in bloom.

Hoya endauensis

Rare and wild. Compact leaves with a sculptural look—this one's for the collectors.

Hoya hindu rope (Hoya carnosa ‘Compacta’)

A twisted, curly-leafed stunner. Thick, rope-like vines and waxy blooms.

Hoya acute inner variegated

Striking variegation down the center of the leaf. Glossy, bright, and slow-growing.

Hoya Sumatra

Dark, almost burgundy foliage with bright green veins—loves humidity and filtered light.

Hoya heart (Hoya kerrii)

Perfect for gifts! Usually sold as a single heart-shaped leaf, but full plants grow into vining beauties.

Hoya heuschkeliana pink

Tiny leaves and cute pink flowers that smell like buttered popcorn.

Hoya susie

A splashy cultivar with stunning variegation. Grows fast and adapts well.

Hoya australis variegata

One of the easiest Hoyas. Larger, rounder leaves and creamy-white flowers that smell like soap.

Hoya krohniana splash

Small, pointed leaves with silver splashes. Compact and grows well in bright light.

Hoya retusa

Super unique! Flat, thin, grassy leaves and unusual blooms. Great for minimalist plant styling.

FAQs: All About Hoyas

Why isn’t my Hoya blooming?

It likely needs more light, age, or patience. Also avoid repotting too frequently—they bloom best when slightly rootbound.

Should I mist my Hoya?

It’s not required, but a little humidity boost doesn’t hurt. Misting won’t replace proper watering or humidity levels.

Can I grow Hoyas in LECA or semi-hydro?

Yes! Many Hoya collectors grow them in LECA, pon, or semi-hydro systems. Just be sure to give enough light and nutrients.

Are Hoyas fast growers?

Some are—like Hoya australis or Hoya susie. Others, like Hoya kerrii, are slow as molasses. Growth speed depends on variety, light, and environment.

Can I train my Hoya to climb or trail?

Yes! Use a trellis, hoop, or let it cascade. They’re natural climbers in the wild.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're into splashy variegation, curly textures, or slow-growing heartthrobs, Hoyas are collector-friendly plants with huge personality. Give them light, air, and a little time—and they’ll reward you with stunning foliage and sweet, starry blooms.

Shop our wide variety of Hoyas

Need the right soil, moss poles, or pest treatment? We’ve got your Hoya covered. Talk dirt to us—we’ll help you build your dream collection, one variety at a time.

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