Basic Hoya Carnosa Care
Also known as Wax Plants, the Hoya Carnosa is a great easy to care for houseplant that also sometimes produces some sweet flowers if given the right care. Below you’ll find everything you need to know to keep your Hoya Carnosa happy!
| Light |
Bright Indirect LightI love the sunshine but too much direct light will damage my leaves. |
| Water |
Water InfrequentlyI can be quite sensitive to root rot so be careful not to overwater me. |
| Humidity |
Medium HumidityPlease make sure the air isn’t too dry, otherwise I won’t be a happy plant. |
| Soil |
Draining SoilI like a mix that includes peat moss and perlite as these prevent my roots from becoming water-logged. |
They can deal with a range of light conditions
Hoya Carnosa plants are great as they thrive in most light conditions. The only thing to avoid is really intense direct light during summer as this can scorch the leaves. They can also adapt to lower light levels but most probably won’t bloom. Bright but indirect light is ideal.
Water infrequently but deeply
Hoya Carnosa plants are succulents meaning they store water well. You don’t want to water your plant often, but when you do make sure it gets a real drink. Be wary of watering before most of the soil has dried out or this can cause root rot.
Avoid temperature extremes
The Hoya Carnosa plant is a happy plant when in average room temperature of 18-24C. Keep this plant away from cold drafts, AC vents or radiators as these temperature extremes will affect your plant’s health.
Give the humidity a boost occassionally
Hoya Carnosa plants will do absolutely fine in the average humidity of your home. Give them a mist or use a pebble tray every once in a while to give the humidity a boost but they will be absolutely fine unless the air in your home is super dry.
Only fertilise in spring and summer
Feeding your Hoya Carnosa is totally optional as they can do just fine without it. However, if you do choose to feed your Hoya Carnosa then use a water soluble fertiliser at half strength once a month during spring and summer. Don’t ever feed your plant during winter as growth is dormant.
They can produce fragrant flowers
If given the right care, mature Hoya Carnosa plants will produce some fragrant flowers! They do sometimes excrete sticky nectar which can stain furniture so be a little careful about that.
Propagate your Hoya Carnosa through stem cuttings
The most successful method of propagating a Hoya Carnosa is through stem cuttings. Make sure the cutting has at least one node (where the leaf and stem meet) as this is where the new roots will grow from. Place in water and after a few weeks you should start to see roots develop. Make sure to regularly switch out to water otherwise it will stagnate and your chances at a successful propagation will drop.
Keep Hoya Carnosa plants away from pets and children
Unfortunately, the sap found in Hoya Carnosa plants can cause skin and stomach irritation so we recommend keeping small children and pets away from them.
Hoya Carnosa FAQs
Quick and simple answers to the most common questions we see about the Hoya Carnosa.
How do I care for a Hoya Carnosa plant?
There are a few main things to consider when caring for your Hoya Carnosa; firstly, keep them away from intense full sun but all other light levels will work well. Secondly, water infrequently but deeply. Hoya Carnosa plants store water well so overwatering can be easy.
Are Hoya Carnosa plants easy to care for?
Although they aren’t well-suited to total plant beginners, the Hoya Carnosa isn’t too difficult to care for!
How much water does a Hoya Carnosa need?
Hoya Carnosa plants are actually succulents meaning they store water really well. You don’t want to water your Hoya Carnosa often, but when you do make sure it gets a real thorough drink. Be wary of watering before most of the soil has dried out or this can cause root rot.
Can a Hoya Carnosa survive in low light?
Hoya Carnosa plants can adapt well to low light conditions but the growth rate will be slower and the leaves may be smaller.
Are Hoya Carnosa plants toxic?
Yes, the sap found in Hoya Carnosa plants is toxic and can cause skin and stomach irritation.
Common Problems with your Hoya Carnosa
Here are some common issues that you might run into. It's important to diagnose any issues early to give your plant the best chance of bouncing back.
Why does my Hoya Carnosa have yellow leaves?
Yellow leaves on a Hoya Carnosa can have various causes so it’s important that you figure out which it is. If the rate of yellowing is slow then it may just be natural ageing which is nothing to worry about. If the leaves look scorched and patchy then direct light may be the cause.
However, the most common cause is overwatering. Hoya Carnosa plants don’t need to be watered often so check the moisture levels in the soil to see if the roots have started to rot. Replace the potting mix if needed and adjust your watering schedule moving forward.
Why are the leaves on my Hoya Carnosa wilting?
Watering issues can cause the leaves on your Hoya Carnosa to wilt. If they are dry it suggests underwatering but if they are soft and limp it may be overwatering. The best way to check is by seeing if the potting mix is waterlogged.
Why are the leaves on my Hoya Carnosa fading?
Too much direct light can cause the leaves on a Hoya Carnosa to become faded and dull. It can also scorch them if the light is intense. Move your plant to a slightly shadier spot in your home and trim away the worst affected leaves.
