Quick Guide to Growing Hoyas
Indoor Plant
Best Soil: Well-draining mix (1 part potting soil, 1 part orchid bark, 1 part perlite)
Sunlight: Prefers a spot close to a window
Watering: Allow soil to dry out completely between waterings; use the weight test
Care Tips: Avoid overwatering, provide support for climbing varieties, and prune for shape
Blooming: Requires proper light and nutrients; some species take years to flower
The Krimson Queen Hoya (Hoya carnosa ‘Tricolor’) is a commonly seen cultivar at big box stores.
Image Credit: Adobe Stock, Maritxu22
Hoyas, commonly known as waxflowers, have become increasingly popular as houseplants, largely due to their unique appearance and ease-of-care. While many people may find honey plants (Hoya carnosa) in their local retail stores throughout the year, it is worth noting that there are over 500 species and even more cultivars available to plant enthusiasts and collectors. This vast variety makes hoyas an exciting option for anyone looking to diversify their indoor plant collection.
Lots of House plants growing in the flower pots on the windowsill. Sunny day. Indoor gardening
Adobe Stock, ansyvan
Origins and Care
Hoyas originate from the tropical and subtropical regions of Australia and Asia and are surprisingly adaptable to indoor environments. They are resilient and can tolerate less-than-ideal conditions, making them an excellent choice for novice gardeners.
Hoyas prefer an indoor location close to a west, east or south-facing window. When placed near a south-facing window, they must be acclimated to direct sunlight to avoid leaf burn. Using an LED grow light can be a helpful solution for homes with low light conditions. Keep in mind that lower light may inhibit blooming and high variegation (leaves with two or more colors).
During the warmer months (above 60 °F), they enjoy being placed outdoors in a shaded area to maximize their growth, health and blooming potential.
A chunky soil mix.
Adobe Stock, Paul
Hoyas thrive when allowed to dry out completely between waterings. The weight test helps determine if your hoya needs water by feeling how light the pot is when the soil is dry. Over time, you’ll learn the weight difference between dry and wet soil to know when to water.
While they can flourish in regular indoor potting soil, it is recommended to amend a standard potting mix with orchid bark and perlite. An ideal soil blend is:
- 1 part potting soil
- 1 part orchid bark
- 1 part perlite
This mixture ensures the soil dries quickly, preventing waterlogged conditions that could lead to root rot and keeping the roots healthy.
The Pretty Waxflower (Hoya bella) is an easy bloomer.
Adobe Stock, Irina Burakova
Blooming
One of the most intriguing aspects of hoyas is their unique flowers. Some species may take years to bloom, while others may produce flowers readily. This inconsistency can often be species-dependent but is not always predictable. Provide the right light conditions and proper nutrients to encourage flowering. A fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 2:1:2 or 3:1:2 can effectively support flowering. Due to the infrequent watering, choose a liquid fertilizer over a slow-release granular product. Once the first flower buds appear, the plant will often continue to produce clusters of fragrant flowers for weeks and, in some cases, even months.
Hoya walliniana in a hanging pot.
Image credit: Adobe Stock, Rattiya
Size
Hoyas are incredibly versatile plants that occur in a variety of sizes and shapes. As natural climbers, they need a trellis or other support to grow upwards. For a more cascading effect, grow hoyas in hanging baskets, where their vines create a stunning display. With regular pruning, most species can be kept compact and manageable, making them perfect for any space.
Pests and Diseases
Hoyas are generally easy to care for and resistant to most pests and diseases. However, like any plant, they can occasionally face some challenges. Overwatering is the most common issue, often leading to root rot, which is the biggest threat to a hoya’s health. Root rot can also be caused by choosing a pot that is too large for the root ball, as this makes it difficult for the soil to dry out properly.
Mealybugs: Mealybugs are one of the most common pests that affect hoyas, and most plants will encounter them at least once in their lifetime. These pests are easy to spot due to their cotton-like appearance. Regularly inspect the stems, especially at the leaf joints, where mealybugs tend to hide. To treat an infestation, dab the mealybugs with a Q-tip soaked in isopropyl alcohol to dry them out, or apply insecticidal soap or an indoor insecticide to the entire plant.
Spider Mites can be a nuisance.
Image Credit: Adobe Stock, Tomasz
Spider Mites: In the winter months, when indoor air tends to be drier due to home heating, spider mites can become a problem. These tiny pests are hard to detect. Examine leaves for tiny moving dots on the undersides or fine webbing between the leaves and stems. Spider mites are best controlled with a systemic insecticide designed for indoor use. Alternatively, neem oil or insecticidal soap can offer a more organic treatment.
Flat Mites: Another pest to watch for is flat mites. Smaller than spider mites and nearly invisible to the naked eye, signs of a flat mite infestation include deformed leaves, grayish leaf scarring, and dying growth tips. These mites can be controlled with a systemic insecticide. Some growers and collectors release predatory mites, which naturally prey on flat mites. It’s an all-natural alternative to using pesticides. Avoid using pesticides if releasing predatory mites, as broad-spectrum insecticides can harm these beneficial predators.
Fungal Diseases: Though rare, hoyas can occasionally develop fungal diseases such as leaf spot, powdery mildew, or fungal wilt. These diseases can be effectively treated with the appropriate fungicide when detected early. Additionally, remove all infected leaves to prevent the spread of the disease.
Common Species and Cultivars
As mentioned at the beginning of this factsheet, there are over 500 species and even more cultivars. Some are easy to find at your local nursery, while others will send you on a treasure hunt. Following are several species that are easy to find:
- Honey Plant (Hoya carnosa) – the most readily available species
- Wayetii Hoya (Hoya wayetii) – a vigorous grower with slender leaves
- Hindu Rope Plant (Hoya carnosa ‘Compacta’) – a naturally occurring mutation with contorted leaves
- Sweetheart Hoya (Hoya kerrii) – has extra-large heart-shaped leaves, often available on Valentine’s Day
The Hindu Rope (Hoya carnosa ‘Compacta’) is a slow growing waxflower.
Image Credit: Adobe Stock, gfz
The perfect plant to express love: The Sweetheart Hoya (Hoya kerrii).
Image Credit: Adobe Stock, icedmoca
Where to Find Rare and Unusual Species
To discover more rare and uncommon hoya species, join local gardening societies and online communities, such as the American Hoya Society and US Hoya Market, or local Facebook groups like Hoya Joy South Carolina, SE Rare Plant Market, or Carolina Plant Lovers & Community BST to name a few. These platforms provide valuable resources for both novice and seasoned plant lovers, including tips for care, propagation, and identification.
The following species and cultivars will need your patience and commitment to find:
- Hoya imperialis – an impressive species with large flowers. Each flower can be up to four inches in diameter.
- Hoya nummularioides – the most fragrant hoya with slightly velvety leaves
- Hoya retusa – with unusual needle-like leaves
- Hoya ciliata – a species with such dark purple flowers they appear black
- Hoya serpens – one of the most cold-tolerant hoyas (down to 50°F)
- Hoya polyneura ‘Jasminka’ – probably the most expensive cultivar, fetching up to $750 for a single node cutting
- Hoya lasiantha – one of the rarest species and most unique flowers with fuzzy corollas.
Deserving of its name, the Imperial Hoya example (Hoya imperialis) has the largest flowers. Image Credit: Adobe Stock, sirinyapak
Sources and Further Reading:
- Hoya, https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/hoya/, 01/27/2025
- Osborne, L.S., Henley, R.W., Chase, A.R., Wax Plant Production Guide, https://mrec.ifas.ufl.edu/foliage/folnotes/waxplant.htm, 01/27/2025
- LED Lights: https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/how-to/growing-indoor-plants-under-supplemental-lights/important-considerations-providing-supplemental-light-indoor-plants#needs
- Pesticide Use on Indoor Plants: https://hgic.clemson.edu/pesticide-use-on-indoor-plants-key-considerations/
- Common Houseplant Pests: https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/common-houseplant-insects-related-pests/
Originally published 02/25
