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Hoya australis is often confused with:
Hoya carnosa Hoya carnosa
Plants that fill a similar niche:
Epidendrum ibaguense Form in bloom
Hoya kerrii Potted vining plant with heart-shaped leaves.
Hoya pubicalyx Light pink, fuzzy, star-shaped flower.

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'
Tags:
#fragrant flowers#houseplant#succulent#epiphytic#bright light#tropical herbaceous perennial#long-lasting flowers#ornamentals#milky sap#tropical vine#indoor#humidity tolerant#dry soils tolerant#non-toxic for horses#non-toxic for dogs#non-toxic for cats#tropical#container plant#wet soils intolerant#trellis
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Lisa'
    New leaves pinkish; mature leaves mottled with pale green and cream.
'Lisa'
Tags:
#fragrant flowers#houseplant#succulent#epiphytic#bright light#tropical herbaceous perennial#long-lasting flowers#ornamentals#milky sap#tropical vine#indoor#humidity tolerant#dry soils tolerant#non-toxic for horses#non-toxic for dogs#non-toxic for cats#tropical#container plant#wet soils intolerant#trellis
  • 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
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Herbaceous Perennial
    Houseplant
    Succulent
    Habit/Form:
    Cascading
    Climbing
    Creeping
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    Low
    Texture:
    Coarse
  • 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
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Green
    Insignificant
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Hanging Baskets
    Houseplants
    Design Feature:
    Specimen
    Attracts:
    Butterflies
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Drought
    Humidity