Porcelain Flower Hoya carnosa
Other Common Name(s):
Other plants called Porcelain Flower:
- Phonetic Spelling
- HOY-ah kar-NO-suh
- Description
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Wax plant is a broadleaf evergreen, epiphytic, vining, herbaceous perennial in the dogbane family (Asclepiadaceae). It is native to Southeast Asia, Japan and Taiwan. The species epithet means “fleshy,” referring to the thick, succulent leaves.
Bright indirect light year-round is ideal. As this plant is an epiphyte in nature, use a loose, fast-draining potting mix high in organic matter and a container with good drainage. Allow the soil to dry out between watering. Too wet or too dry soil can cause the leaves to drop. This plant loves high humidity, and the waxy, leathery leaves appreciate misting. Propagate wax plant by stem cutting. Repot wax plant when it outgrows its current container and is not in bud or flower. It doesn’t mind being pot-bound. The new pot should not be more than 2 inches larger than the existing container. Should pruning be necessary, it is best done in the early spring before its most rapid growth begins. Resist pruning the peduncle (“spur”) where flowers have been produced, as this will repeatedly produce flowers over several years. Cutting off these stems is cutting off future flowers. Most plants will not produce flowers until they reach the age of 2- or 3 years old. Blooming can occur in the spring, summer or fall.
Given its climbing habit and rapid growth, wax plant is a great choice for hanging baskets. Like many houseplants, it can spend the summer outdoors on a patio in partial shade. Bring it back inside when nighttime temperatures fall below 50 degrees F.
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Mealybugs are an issue as well as fungus gnats that are attracted to potting mixes that are too wet. Occasionally, spider mites can be an issue. They can appear when the air is too dry. Misting the plant to provide moisture/humidity can reduce this issue. Cold water can shock this plant; water should be at room temperature.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- 'Compacta' or 'Krinkle Kurl'
leaves are folded over and gives them a rope-like appearance. Sometimes called Hindu Rope plant. - 'Krimson Princess'
green leaves with pink and white variegation, dark green margins - 'Krimson Queen' or 'Tricolor'
leaves have a green center, encircled with creamy white to pink margins - 'Variegata'
leaves have creamy-white margins and are sometimes pink tinged
- 'Compacta' or 'Krinkle Kurl'
- 'Compacta' or 'Krinkle Kurl', 'Krimson Princess', 'Krimson Queen' or 'Tricolor', 'Variegata'
- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
-
- 'Compacta' or 'Krinkle Kurl'
leaves are folded over and gives them a rope-like appearance. Sometimes called Hindu Rope plant. - 'Krimson Princess'
green leaves with pink and white variegation, dark green margins - 'Krimson Queen' or 'Tricolor'
leaves have a green center, encircled with creamy white to pink margins - 'Variegata'
leaves have creamy-white margins and are sometimes pink tinged
- 'Compacta' or 'Krinkle Kurl'
- 'Compacta' or 'Krinkle Kurl', 'Krimson Princess', 'Krimson Queen' or 'Tricolor', 'Variegata'
- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Hoya
- Species:
- carnosa
- Family:
- Asclepiadaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Stem Cutting
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Southeast Asia, Japan, and Taiwan
- Play Value:
- Attractive Flowers
- Easy to Grow
- Fragrance
- Shade
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Epiphyte
- Houseplant
- Vine
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Habit/Form:
- Climbing
- Growth Rate:
- Rapid
- Maintenance:
- Medium
- Texture:
- Coarse
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- High Organic Matter
- Soil pH:
- Neutral (6.0-8.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Pink
- White
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Umbel
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Fragrant
- Showy
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Fall
- Spring
- Summer
- Flower Shape:
- Star
- Flower Petals:
- 4-5 petals/rays
- Flower Size:
- < 1 inch
- Flower Description:
- The shiny flowers are white to pink and hairy, with five-point centers, in clusters of up to 30. They may produce a sticky sap.
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Leaf Color:
- Gray/Silver
- Green
- White
- Leaf Feel:
- Leathery
- Waxy
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Opposite
- Leaf Shape:
- Ovate
- Leaf Margin:
- Entire
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- 3-6 inches
- Leaf Width:
- 1-3 inches
- Leaf Description:
- The thick green leaves have a leathery, waxy feel. They can be flecked with a silvery or cream-white color.
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Stem:
- Stem Color:
- Cream/Tan
- Green
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Cross Section:
- Round
- Stem Surface:
- Smooth (glabrous)
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Container
- Hanging Baskets
- Houseplants
- Patio
- Landscape Theme:
- Shade Garden
- Design Feature:
- Specimen
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Drought
- Humidity