Hoya carnosa, the porcelain flower or wax plant, is a species of flowering plant in the family Apocynaceae, native to East Asia. It is a common house plant grown for its attractive waxy foliage, and sweetly scented flowers. It is grown well in pots and hanging baskets.
Wax plant has moderate resistance to disease but is more vulnerable to high humidity and excessive watering. It also becomes more prone to illnesses if it receives little light and is overwatered. Regarding care, Wax plant tolerates drought and can go for extended periods without water. It requires minimal fertilizer and only occasional pruning. For these reasons it is appropriate for gardeners of any skill level, particularly those who prefer to spend less time on plant care or who may be away from home for extended stretches. It is a suitable option for people who do not want to invest much time in upkeep yet still want an easy-to-care-for plant.
How to keep Hoya Picta.
Light
The wax plant grows best in conditions that offer moderate sunlight along with a fair amount of shade, similar to its native habitat. Too little light can restrict growth, while too much can damage the foliage. Its different growth stages may not need varying levels of sun exposure.
Humidity
This plant will thrive in moderate humidity, which is probably the level in your home. However, misting it a few times a week can be very beneficial. Make sure the room has good ventilation.
Temperature
Wax plantr grows best in its native habitat where temperatures are about 68 to 82 ℉ (20 to 28 ℃). It favors a wider range of 68 to 105 ℉ (20 to 41 ℃) and can withstand lows of 50 ℉ (10 ℃). In winter, keeping temperatures around 59 to 68 ℉ (15 to 20 ℃) is recommended to encourage blooming.
Fertilizer
For the Wax plant, it is adequate to apply light amounts of fertilizer 1-2 instances annually during its growth phase. Refrain from fertilizing during winter and summer seasons when the plant is in a dormant state. After repotting, diminish the fertilizer amount for the plants and hold off on the fertilizing process for a few months. The act of fertilizing fosters robust growth and promotes flowering.
Pot & Repot
When it comes to repotting the Wax plant, you should opt for a pot that's a bit larger than the current one, which has effective drainage. Make sure to use a cactus or succulent mix that drains well and is gritty. Carefully extract the plant from its previous pot, brush off any surplus soil, and then replant it at an equivalent depth. Allow a few days before watering the plant to give any injured roots time to recover. It's best to repot during spring or autumn and place the plant in a region with lots of light.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Succulent, Vine, Herb
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Hoya
- Family
- Apocynaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 10-13
- Mature Height
- 6.1 m
- Mature Spread
- 46 cm
- Leaf Color
- Green, Gray, Silver
- Leaf Type
- Evergreen
- Flower Color
- Pink, White
- Flower Size
- 1.52 cm to 2.03 cm
- Bloom Time
- Late spring, Early summer, Mid summer
- Planting Time
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Harvest Time
- Mid summer, Late summer
- Native Area
- Malaysia, Vietnam, Japan, Laos, China
