Common Wax Flower Hoya australis
Other Common Name(s):
Previously known as:
- Hoya oligotricha subsp. tenuipes
- Hoya rupicola
- Hoya tsiangiana
- Phonetic Spelling
- HOY-ah aus-TRAH-liss
- Description
-
Common hoya is a vining member of the Dogbane family (Apocynaceae). It is native to a wide area from Borneo to New Guinea and Australia. It is a highly variable species, and seven subspecies (differing in aspects of the leaf and flower) are recognized. The species epithet means "southern."
Like many succulents, it likes to be pot-bound in well-drained soil. Do not overwater and place in bright light for best blooming.
This species is a vigorous grower in its native, tropical habitat. As a houseplant, it will grow quickly and produce flowers sooner than other hoyas. The flowers are produced on a long stalk or pedicle and bloom in a cluster. They are very fragrant, way, and white with a splash of red at their center. The pedicle should not be removed as the new flowers will be formed here in subsequent years. The leaves are thick, smooth, green, and round or elliptical.
Common hoya is a houseplant that can spend its summers outside. Bring indoors when the weather becomes cool.
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Aphids, mealybugs, scale, and spider mites are the most common pest problems. Overwatering can lead to root rot.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
-
- 'Lisa'
New leaves pinkish; mature leaves mottled with pale green and cream.
- 'Lisa'
- 'Lisa'
- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
-
- 'Lisa'
New leaves pinkish; mature leaves mottled with pale green and cream.
- 'Lisa'
- 'Lisa'
- Tags:
-
-
Attributes:
- Genus:
- Hoya
- Species:
- australis
- Family:
- Apocynaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Seed
- Stem Cutting
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Southeast Asia, Indomalaya, Malesia and northern Australia.
- Wildlife Value:
- Butterflies visit flowers for nectar.
- Climbing Method:
- Clinging
- Scrambler
- Twining
- Edibility:
- not edible
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Houseplant
- Succulent
- Habit/Form:
- Cascading
- Climbing
- Creeping
- Growth Rate:
- Medium
- Maintenance:
- Low
- Texture:
- Coarse
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-
Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day)
- Soil Texture:
- High Organic Matter
- Soil pH:
- Neutral (6.0-8.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Occasionally Dry
- Available Space To Plant:
- Less than 12 inches
- NC Region:
- Coastal
- Mountains
- Piedmont
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b
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Fruit:
- Fruit Type:
- Follicle
- Fruit Length:
- > 3 inches
- Fruit Width:
- < 1 inch
- Fruit Description:
- The fruits are paired follicles, 3 to 5 inches long, that open to release plumed seeds.
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Red/Burgundy
- White
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Umbel
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Fragrant
- Long-lasting
- Showy
- Flower Shape:
- Star
- Flower Petals:
- 4-5 petals/rays
- Flower Size:
- < 1 inch
- Flower Description:
- The flowers are white with red centers and are fragrant. They are grouped to make a showy display.
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-
Leaves:
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Variegated
- Leaf Feel:
- Leathery
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Opposite
- Leaf Shape:
- Elliptical
- Oblong
- Orbicular
- Ovate
- Leaf Margin:
- Entire
- Hairs Present:
- Yes
- Leaf Length:
- 3-6 inches
- Leaf Width:
- 1-3 inches
- Leaf Description:
- The leaves are smooth or fuzzy, fleshy and dark green. They will darken in low light and become more yellow with too much light. Some cultivars can have white or red markings on the leaves.
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-
Stem:
- Stem Color:
- Green
- Insignificant
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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-
Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Container
- Hanging Baskets
- Houseplants
- Design Feature:
- Specimen
- Attracts:
- Butterflies
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Drought
- Humidity
