Scientific Name
Hoya carnosa (L.f.) R.Br.
Common Name(s)
Wax Plant, Porcelain Flower
Synonym(s)
Asclepias carnosa, Cynanchum carnosum, Schollia carnosa
Scientific Classification
Family: Apocynaceae
Subfamily: Asclepiadoideae
Tribe: Marsdenieae
Genus: Hoya
Flower
Color: Typically light pink
Bloom Time: Mid-spring to early summer
Description
Hoya carnosa is a vining succulent with smooth, thick, up to 3 inches (7.5 cm) long leaves paired on opposite sides along the stems.
Twenty or more star-shaped flowers, up to 0.5 inches (1.5 cm) across, typically light pink (but may vary from near-white to dark pink), are borne in pendulous convex clusters, 2 or 3 inches (5 or 8 cm) across.
How to Grow and Care
Hoya plants don't ask for much beyond the well-draining soil and the warm, humid conditions that many tropical flowers crave. They don't like wet feet or heavy soil, and as many grow as epiphytes in nature (similar to bromeliads and orchids). Give them at least a half-day of sunshine, and bring them indoors when temperatures drop below 50 degrees F (10 degrees C).
When your Hoyas finishes blooming, leave the flower stalk, as it may produce new flowers. Removing the stalk forces the plant to produce a new stalk, which delays blooming and wastes energy. They are light feeders, and a monthly drink of compost tea or dilute fish emulsion provides all the nutrition these tropicals need. Hoyas like the security of a snug pot, and plants that are a bit root-bound will flower more prolifically than those swimming around in a giant pot.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Hoya.
Origin
Hoya carnosa is native to Eastern Asia and Australia.
Links
- Back to genus Hoya
- Plantpedia: Browse flowering plants by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, or Origin
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