Hoya Australis – Common Wax Flower – Column

Wax plants have beautiful, long slender stems covered with thick, glossy, succulent leaves. They are popular as a houseplant due to their attractive foliage and clusters of sweet scented, star shaped pink-white flowers.

Hoya australis is an evergreen, climbing vine. They are long-lived and grow to long lengths if left untrimmed.

Other common names include Waxvine, Honey Plant and Porcelain Flower. They are relatively easy care, with air-purifying qualities and are a houseplant classic.

Horty Hints

Growing, Growing, Gone! These fast-growing vines can get up to 10m high in the right environment. Give your plant plenty to climb up, or alternatively grow it back down the way.

Hoya flowers may produce drops of sticky nectar, this is completely normal but remember to protect your furniture.

Feeling the Burn! While this plant needs some sun in order to bloom, it’s important not to overdo it. Bleached or browning leaves might suggest a change of location.

Light

Needs bright, indirect light and can cope with some light shade – though this may prevent blooming. Will benefit from some early morning or late afternoon sun, but avoid harsh midday sunlight. Does well under artificial lights making it ideal for office environments.

Watering

Hoya are succulents and store water. Allow the top half of the soil to dry-out between waterings, then water deeply and allow to drain thoroughly. Do not overwater as too much water will kill the plant. Water sparingly in winter and more liberally in summer.

Temperature

The Common Wax Flower is happy in normal and slightly higher room temperatures: 18-24°C. Avoid draughts and extreme temperatures. This plant prefers to be kept warm, i.e above 16°C.

Humidity

Prefers higher levels of humidity. Will thrive in typically steamy rooms such as the kitchen or bathroom. Mist regularly to give your plant an added boost.

Feed

Apply a weak general purpose fertiliser during the summer months.

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Height & Growth Rate

This Hoya is a fast-growing climber which often grows trails up to 3 metres in length. Prune trails in spring to maintain desired length.

Toxicity

The sap contains latex which is a skin irritant and is considered toxic, therefore keep away from children and animals.

Origin

The Hoya australis, and the Hoya genus as a whole, originate from East Asia and Australia.

Please note: images show how this plant may look at various stages of maturity. The size you choose may look different.

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