Hoya (wax plant): carnosa, Krimson Queen, Compacta, Pubicalyx, Australis and more
At a glance
| βοΈ Light | Bright indirect, with some gentle sun. |
|---|---|
| π§ Water | When the soil is almost fully dry. |
| πͺ΄ Soil | Chunky and airy: our Chunky Monkey Mix. |
| π‘οΈ Temp | 16β29Β°C. |
| π¨ Humidity | Average is fine; thin-leaved types like more. |
| πΎ Pets | Pet safe Non-toxic to cats and dogs. |
| π± Care level | Easy Pet safe |
| π Grows to | Vines 1β3 m. |
Hoyas have thick, waxy leaves and, when they're happy, clusters of starry, scented flowers. They come in hundreds of leaf shapes and colours, which is why so many people end up collecting them. Most are easy, pet safe and happy to be a little ignored.
Light + placement
Bright, indirect light with a little gentle sun is ideal: an east or west window, or near a south window. More light means faster growth, stronger colour on variegated types (like Krimson Queen) and a better chance of flowers. In low light they survive but rarely grow.
Watering
Water thoroughly, then let the soil dry almost completely. Thick-leaved hoyas store water and prefer to dry out; thin-leaved types like it a bit more evenly moist. Slightly wrinkled or soft leaves mean it's thirsty.
Soil + repotting
A chunky, airy mix like our Chunky Monkey Potting Mix, or Tropical mix with extra perlite and bark. Hoyas like being root-bound and bloom more when snug, so repot only every 2β3 years.
Feeding + upkeep
Feeding: We feed with Kelpy, a gentle plant food made from BC kelp. Mix 1 teaspoon into 1 litre of water and use it every time you water; this is a hungry plant. Kelpy is gentle enough to use year-round. Our rule of thumb: if your plant is putting out new growth, even in winter, keep feeding. If it's resting, you'll be watering less, so it gets fed less too.
For a slow, natural boost, top-dress the pot with a thin layer of worm castings every few months, or mix some in when you repot. Prefer a granular food? BIOS Natural Plant Food mixes into the top layer of soil (about 1 tablespoon per 6-inch pot) once a month while your plant is growing. A little white fuzz on the soil afterwards is normal; it's the helpful fungi at work.
Give vines a trellis or hoop, or let them trail.
Getting your hoya to bloom
Bright light is the biggest factor, plus a mature, slightly root-bound plant. Don't cut off the spurs (the short, leafless stalks where flowers appear); hoyas rebloom from the same spurs year after year.
Propagation
Cut a stem with at least two nodes and root it in water, moss or LECA. See Propagation 101.
Common problems
| What you see | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Wrinkled, soft leaves | Thirsty or root rot | Check the soil: if dry, water; if wet, check roots. |
| Yellow leaves, wet soil | Overwatering | Let it dry out more; use a chunkier mix. |
| No new growth or flowers | Not enough light | Move to a brighter window. |
| Long bare vines | Normal: new leaves follow | Leave them; leaves grow in along the vine. |
| Cottony white spots | Mealybugs | Dab with rubbing alcohol; treat with Houseplant Spray. |
Varieties we carry
We carry a rotating range of hoyas. The care is the same, and variegated ones want a bit more light. Only what's in stock online right now is shown.
Hoya Krimson Queen
from $7.99
β In stock
Hoya Compacta
from $8.99
β In stock
Hoya Pubicalyx
from $8.99
β In stock
Hoya Krimson Princess
from $8.99
β In stock
Hoya Carnosa 'Krinkle 8'
from $14.99
β In stock
Hoya Australis Lisa
from $8.99
β In stock
Hoya Sunrise
from $29.99
β In stock
Hoya Wayettii
from $5.99
β In stock
Frequently asked questions
Are hoyas safe for pets?
Yes. Hoyas are non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Why won't my hoya bloom?
Usually not enough light. Mature plants in bright light bloom most.
Should I cut the long bare vines?
No. Leaves will grow in along them, and they may carry future flowers.
Do hoyas like to be root-bound?
Yes. A snug pot helps them bloom and avoids soggy soil.
Hoya care kit
- Chunky Monkey Potting Mix: Bark-rich and airy, for climbers and aroids.
- Moisture Meter Β· $14.99: Tells you when the bottom of the pot is actually dry.
- BIOS Natural Plant Food: Granular plant food you mix into the top of the soil.
- Kelpy Plant Growth Booster: Gentle BC kelp plant food you can use year-round.
- Worm Castings: A slow, natural boost from our Soil Bar. Top-dress every few months.
Bring your plant (or a photo) to 515 Chatham St #103 and we'll take a look. Open 11β5, 7 days a week, with street parking nearby. Get directions β
More plant care guides
ZZ Plant Β· Pothos Β· Calathea Β· Heartleaf Philodendron Β· Peperomia Β· Ferns Β· Prayer Plant Β· Scindapsus Β· All plant care β