Hoya australis

Common name: Wax Plant | Porcelain Flower

Native to:  Australia & East Asia

Description: Hoyas, also known as wax plants, have a huge fan base and many people quickly become obsessed with increasing their Hoya collections. They are  semi-succulent vining plants, great for either cascading from a hanging basket or climbing up a trellis. They have pleasingly thick, waxy leaves and under the right conditions will produce exquisite scented blooms in star‐shaped clusters, also wax-like in appearance (these appear on older stems from previous years.) Hoyas are beautiful plants, and their flowers are just a lovely bonus. Terrific houseplants.

Hoyas are epyphitic in their natural habitat, ie. generally growing on other plants for physical support, therefore their growing medium must be carefully considered if re-potting is ever desirable.

Description: This Hoya australis is a relatively fast growing vine. Its long slender stems are covered with thick, glossy, succulent oval leaves.  White, scented flowers will appear when it's ready to bloom...

*** Plant height on delivery: Approx. 60cm with pot ***

Difficulty: Easy - tolerates neglect well.

Light: Enjoys bright, indirect light, although a few hours of direct daily sunshine is fine for this Hoya australis.   

Water:  Allow to dry out between waterings. Hoyas should never be allowed to sit in water or persistently damp soil. Remember, these are epiphytic semi-succulents and store water in their leaves - having constantly wet roots can be deadly. However, if your potting mix is as recommended below, then the water should drain quickly and freely each time, limiting the risk of this happening. Rainwater or filtered water is best.

Temperature: These plants enjoy typical indoor temperatures (18-24°C / 64-75 F)

Humidity: Hoyas thrive in humidity!  Higher humidity results in a happier, faster growing hoya. Misting is fine but not recommended when the plant is in flower. Great bathroom or kitchen plants if the light is adequate!

Fertiliser: Once the plant has acclimatised to its position, a weak solution of general liquid houseplant fertiliser can be applied monthly throughout summer. Not required over winter.

Potting mix: A very airy, chunky, well draining mix is needed. Orchid bark chips are an ideal pot additive for these epyphytic plants. Hoyas do very well in a tight pot, so being pot bound isn't a problem. Never repot when the hoya is in bloom.

Notes: Don't cut or deadhead the flowers. New flowers will grow from the same nodes at the end of stems - called 'peduncles.'  Peduncles will not regrow if removed, therefore no flowers will appear either!

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