Hoya carnosa, also known as the Wax Plant or Porcelain Plant, is a small plant best displayed in a hanging pot or trailing over the edges of a pot on a shelf.
This plant has attractive, waxy leaves with subtle variegation, and will produce nectar-rich little pinkish-white flowers in small clusters. These are quite fragrant, especially at night, and have quite thick petals, that look as if they could have been moulded from clay - hence one of its common names - the porcelain plant.
The Hoya genus was named after Thomas Hoy, who was the head gardener to the Duke of Northumberland at Syon House in the late 18th Century, and this species has been in cultiavation as a houseplant for over 200 years
All our potted plants come in compostable coir pots - read more here.
This species is listed as non-toxic to dogs and cats by the American Society for the prevention of cruelty to animals (ASPCA). It is not thought to be toxic to people
In the wild, this plant is found in warm, humid forests in East Asia and as such, it thrives in warm conditions (above 16C) and in good light. The plant is ideal for bathrooms where humidity is normally higher than other parts of the house.
Plant Care
Light
Prefers bright light, but will manage in darker, more shaded locations
Watering
Allow the soil to dry out a little between watering
Pruning
The plant can be pruned to maintain a good shape by trimming vines back to a node on the stem
Feeding
A weak solution of fertilizer should be added to the water at every watering
Pest & Diseases
Generally pest free, but keep a look out for mealybugs which, if seen, should be physically removed with a cloth or paper towel.