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Wax Vine Hoya

Other Common Name(s):

Other plants called Wax Vine:

Phonetic Spelling
HOY-ah
Description

Wax vine is a genus of over 550 species of epiphytic, climbing, evergreen herbaceous perennials from tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and islands of the western Pacific. It is a member of the Dogbane family (Apocynaceae). The genus name commemorates Thomas Hoy, the 18th-century gardener to the Duke of Northumberland.

Hoyas are popular houseplants, and most are easy to grow and tolerant of a wide range of conditions. As they are epiphytes in nature, they need a free-draining, organic potting mix that dries out between watering. They are intolerant of a soggy potting mix and wet roots. The plants grow better when supported by a trellis or pole, over which the stems can be trained. Most species need bright light, dappled shade, or full morning sun. They do not need full sun all day. They are frost intolerant and must be grown as houseplants or greenhouse plants. 

Wax plants, so named for their thick, waxy leaves, have both ornamental foliage and attractive flowers. Some species are shy to flower but have attractive foliage. Many species have variegated cultivars. Flowers are often fragrant. Most species are easily propagated by stem cuttings.

Hoyas can be grown as specimen plants or as hanging basket plants.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Insects affecting this plant include aphids, spider mites and mealybugs. If the container does not keep the plant root-bound, it may hold excess water, which can lead to root rot.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Hoya carnosa, Hoya curtisii, Hoya kerrii, Hoya pubicalyx
Tags:
#showy flowers#drought tolerant#succulent#showy leaves#epiphytic#variegated#easy to propagate#tropical vine#humidity tolerant#vine#tropical#wet soils intolerant#easy to grow houseplant
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Hoya carnosa, Hoya curtisii, Hoya kerrii, Hoya pubicalyx
Tags:
#showy flowers#drought tolerant#succulent#showy leaves#epiphytic#variegated#easy to propagate#tropical vine#humidity tolerant#vine#tropical#wet soils intolerant#easy to grow houseplant
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Hoya
    Family:
    Apocynaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Southeast Asia, Indomalaya, Malesia and northern Australia.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Epiphyte
    Herbaceous Perennial
    Houseplant
    Succulent
    Vine
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Insignificant
    Fruit Type:
    Follicle
    Fruit Description:
    Fruits are paired follicles that split open to release plumed seeds.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Cream/Tan
    Pink
    Red/Burgundy
    Variegated
    White
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Umbel
    Flower Shape:
    Crown
    Star
    Urn
    Flower Petals:
    4-5 petals/rays
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Variegated
    Leaf Feel:
    Fleshy
    Glossy
    Leathery
    Waxy
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Leaf Margin:
    Entire
    Hairs Present:
    No
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Hanging Baskets
    Houseplants
    Design Feature:
    Specimen
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Drought
    Humidity