Photo: HundaCC BY-SA 2.0via Wikimedia Commonsresized / cropped
Wax Plant Plant Care
Hoya carnosa (L.f.) R.Br.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Hoya carnosa is known for its waxy and fragrant flowers blooming in clusters. Its vining growth habit makes it perfect for hanging baskets or trailing on a shelf.
Every 7–14 days
Bright Indirect
60–85°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Wax Plant?
Water Wax Plant every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 60–85°F (16–29°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 7 months during the growing season. The ASPCA lists it as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Where Is the Wax Plant Native To?
What Is the Wax Plant?
Wax Plant (Hoya carnosa) belongs to the Apocynaceae family within the Hoya genus. Wax Plant is native to Southeast Asia and Australia. Wax Plant is also known as Hoya carnosa var. carnosa Hoya carnosa, f. carnosa, Hoya carnosa var. carnosa.
Wax Plant displays a vining, trailing growth habit, reaching up to 13 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Wax Plant produces waxy, star-shaped flowers with a sweet, honey-like fragrance that range in color from white to pink and appear in clusters known as umbels.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Wax Plant?
Hoya carnosa requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Wax Plant Need?
Wax Plant thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Wax Plant in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright Indirect
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Wax Plant Prefer?
Hoya carnosa grows best at temperatures of 60–85°F. Wax Plant prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–85°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Wax Plant?
Well-draining soil mix. Good drainage is essential for Wax Plant to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Wax Plant?
Feed Wax Plant every 7 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 7 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Wax Plant?
Repot every 1-2 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Wax Plant?
Wax Plant can be propagated through stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to hindu rope plant plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Wax Plant Toxic to Pets and Children?
Non-toxic to cats and dogs
Source: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center plant list. View the ASPCA entry
Non-toxic. Wax plant / porcelain flower. Listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Wax Plant?
Wax Plant is susceptible to mealybugs, spider mites, aphids. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Wax Plant Need?
Wax Plant grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Wax Plant is native to Southeast Asia and Australia. In cooler regions, grow Wax Plant as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10b – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Wax Plant is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Hoya genus — compare its care with other Hoya species on PlantoScan.
Hoya is part of the Apocynaceae plant family — browse all Apocynaceae genera and species.
Wax Plant thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Hoya Species
Other Hoya species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Hoya carnosa (L.f.) R.Br., family Apocynaceae (first published in Asclepiadeae : 16 (1810)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record, Wikidata.
- Pet toxicity: The ASPCA lists Wax Plant as non-toxic to cats and dogs. Source: ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List.
- Photo: Hunda, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10b – 12b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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