Hoya australis guide
Hoya australis, also called australis, waxflower, 'Lisa'
Published 2026-11-08
Quick care
- Light
- Bright indirect
- Water
- When the soil is almost dry
- Humidity
- Average room air is fine. Thin-leaved types like more.
- Temperature
- 16 to 27°C (60 to 80°F). Keep above 10°C (50°F).
- Soil
- Chunky mix of potting soil, orchid bark, and perlite
- Feeding
- Half-strength fertilizer monthly in spring and summer
- Pets
- Non-toxic to cats and dogs
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Mature size
- Vines trail or climb 1 to 3 m (3 to 10 ft)
- Propagation
- Stem cuttings with a node, rooted in water or moss
- Where to buy
- Plant shops
This page covers what makes hoya australis different. For light, water, soil, pests, and the rest, read the hoya care guide.
What it is
Hoya australis has glossy, rounded, bright green leaves. It comes from Australia and nearby islands. Select-A-Plant lists it as a cascading vine that can reach 4 m (13 ft) or more. It blooms young and often, with clusters of white flowers with a red center and a sweet scent. ‘Lisa’ is a popular form with cream and yellow centers on its leaves.
How to tell it apart
| Plant | Leaves | The tell |
|---|---|---|
| Australis | Glossy, round, bright green | Shiny and bright, with no silver |
| Wax plant | Darker, pointed oval, silver flecks | Darker and more pointed |
| Hoya obovata | Round, thick, silver speckles | Silver speckles and thicker leaves |
Care differences
Australis grows fast for a hoya. Give it a trellis or hoop. It blooms sooner than wax plant, even as a young plant, if it gets bright light.
Grow it from a cutting
Cut a vine with two or three nodes. Root it in water or moist sphagnum. Roots form in two to three weeks.
Buying it
Australis is sold at plant shops and online. ‘Lisa’ is the variegated form most stores carry. Look for glossy leaves and new growth at the tips.