Wax plant guide
Hoya carnosa, also called Hoya carnosa, porcelain flower, wax vine
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
- Common
This page covers what makes wax plant different. For light, water, soil, pests, and the rest, read the hoya care guide.
What it is
Wax plant, Hoya carnosa, is the classic hoya. Its thick, waxy, oval leaves are dark green, often with faint silver flecks. Mature plants bloom with round clusters of pale pink, star-shaped flowers that smell sweet at night. ‘Krimson Queen’, ‘Krimson Princess’, and Hindu rope are all forms of this one species.
How to tell it apart
| Plant | Leaves | The tell |
|---|---|---|
| Wax plant | Thick, oval, dark green, flat | Plain green, flat leaves |
| Hoya pubicalyx | Longer, thinner, heavy silver splash | More silver and longer leaves |
| Hoya australis | Rounder, glossy, bright green | Shinier and rounder |
Care differences
Care is the same as the hub. Wax plant is one of the easiest hoyas to bloom. Bright light, a snug pot, and a cooler, drier winter all help.
Flowers
Flowers grow from short spurs called peduncles. Do not cut them off after the flowers fade. The same spur blooms again, year after year.
Grow it from a cutting
Cut a vine with two or three nodes. Root it in water, moist sphagnum, or a chunky mix. Roots form in two to four weeks.
Buying it
Wax plant is common at garden centers, often in hanging baskets. Look for firm, thick leaves. Wrinkled leaves mean it is thirsty or its roots have rotted.