The Hoya is a species-rich and versatile plant. Especially great: It is great for beginners. In this article we will explain how to care for them properly and how to make them bloom.
origin and appearance
The genus Hoya, also called wax flower or porcelain flower, belongs to the milkweed family. It is originally from Asia, Australia and Oceania. There are many different types and ways of growing: Some grow as a climbing plant, as a hanging plant like lianas or as a bush. They can grow in the ground or as an epiphyte on trees, because Hoyas form aerial roots. Their leaves are mostly green, but can also develop variegation. All species have glossy leaves, as if waxed. The wax flower is one of the flowering indoor plants. These are small and star-shaped and grow with many together on a pseudo umbel. The colors can vary depending on the species, from white to red to dark purple, anything is possible.
Location
The wax flower likes to be warm and bright, but does not tolerate direct sunlight. It's better to choose a spot that's too shady than too bright, because she'll do better that way. In its distribution area, it usually grows in shady places. The temperature should be around 18-25 degrees. In winter, the Hoya needs a cool place to hibernate with 10-15 degrees. Without hibernation, your plant may not develop flowers the following year. Because the wax flower is a tropical plant, you should spray it with water from time to time. This also promotes leaf health and prevents dehydration. The Hoyas are epiphytes and need a lot of air at the roots. It is best to use an airy substrate. Check out our article on the perfect Monstera substrate , as this is also perfect for wax flowers.
irrigation
The Hoya doesn't like standing in water. That's why you should let the top layer of soil dry before the next watering. This also prevents waterlogging. Especially in winter, when your plant is cooler, you shouldn't water it too often. In the hibernation, the water consumption is also not high. Then it is enough if you water them every two weeks.
More care tips
In order for your wax flower to grow quickly and well, it is best to fertilize it every 2 weeks from April to August. Due to its rapid growth, you may need to repot your plant every year. If you leave her in a pot that is too small, she will no longer focus on leaf growth, but on bud formation. If your plant does get too big for you, you can easily prune it. You should only make sure that the shoots are cut off above a leaf axis so that the plant can sprout again there. You can put this cut shoot in water and new roots will form. After a short time you will then have another plant that can be potted in soil.
You can find the right foliar fertilizer for your houseplant here .