Hoya care
Hoya carnosa — also called Wax plant, Porcelain flower. Everything below is the same data Plantroster uses to schedule care for this species.
Care at a glance
| Light | Bright indirect to some direct. Tolerates medium. A few hours of direct sun encourages blooming. |
|---|---|
| Water | About every 12 days in summer, every 24 in winter. Let the soil dry out completely first. |
| Soil | Fast-draining succulent mix — 4 parts potting mix, 4 parts pumice, 2 parts sand |
| Humidity | At least 40%, happiest near 60% |
| Temperature | 60–85°F. Cold damage below 45°F; heat stress in sun above 100°F. |
| Feeding | Every ~60 days while actively growing. Nothing in winter. |
| Repotting | Every 4 years, or when roots circle the pot |
| Tap water | Tolerates tap water |
| Pets & children | Generally considered non-toxic. |
What people get wrong about hoya
Never cut off the bare flower stalk (peduncle) after blooming — it reblooms from the same spur for years.
It likes being pot-bound; repotting too often delays flowering.
Common problems
Watch for mealybugs, aphids, scale. Check leaf undersides monthly — backlighting a leaf against a window is the fastest way to catch mite webbing before an infestation takes hold.
Plantroster tracks this plant's watering, feeding and repotting cadence against your actual weather — and tells you when a cold night or heatwave means moving it.
Open PlantrosterHoya FAQ
How often should I water a hoya?
Roughly every 12 days in the growing season and every 24 days in winter, but treat that as a starting point rather than a rule — light, pot size and your home's warmth all shift it. Semi-succulent leaves store water — let it dry out completely between waterings.
Is hoya toxic to cats and dogs?
No. Generally considered non-toxic.
How much light does a hoya need?
Bright indirect to some direct is ideal, and it will cope with medium. A few hours of direct sun encourages blooming.
Why does my hoya have brown tips?
Hoya is not fluoride-sensitive, so brown tips here usually point to inconsistent watering or fertilizer salts built up in old soil. Flush the pot thoroughly and keep to a steadier watering rhythm.
What soil is best for hoya?
Fast-draining succulent mix: 4 parts potting mix, 4 parts pumice, 2 parts sand. Succulents and dracaenas rot in moisture-retentive mixes. Grit is the whole point.
Other plant guides
General horticultural guidance, not a substitute for inspecting your own plant. Toxicity notes are a starting point — if a pet or child has eaten part of a plant, contact a vet or poison control rather than relying on this page.