Water
Allow the soil to dry out almost completely between waterings. Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom of the pot.
Reduce watering significantly during winter months when the plant is dormant to prevent root rot.
Also known as Bat Sheba · Hindu Rope · Honeyplant
Hoya carnosa, the wax plant, is an evergreen vine with glossy leaves and fragrant, star-shaped flowers. It's a popular, easy-care houseplant.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Bright, indirect light.
75% intensity
Can tolerate some direct morning sun, but avoid intense afternoon sun.
Allow soil to dry out between waterings.
50% intensity
Reduce watering in winter.
Well-draining potting mix
50% intensity
Average room temperatures.
50% intensity
Prefers 18-24°C during the day and slightly cooler at night. Avoid temperatures below 10°C.
Indoor, Outdoor
50% intensity
Feed during growing season.
25% intensity
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Non-toxic
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Allow the soil to dry out almost completely between waterings. Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom of the pot.
Reduce watering significantly during winter months when the plant is dormant to prevent root rot.
Prune to maintain shape, remove dead or yellowing leaves, and encourage bushier growth. Prune after flowering, but avoid cutting off the flower spurs, as Hoya carnosa blooms on old wood. Use clean, sharp shears.
Easily propagated from stem cuttings, typically 10-15 cm long, with at least two sets of leaves. Remove the lower leaves and plant in moist potting mix or suspend in water. Roots will form within a few weeks.
Repot only when the plant is root-bound, usually every 2-3 years. Use a well-draining potting mix, such as a cactus or orchid mix. Choose a pot only slightly larger than the current one to avoid overwatering.
Identify plants like this with ePlant AI
Snap a photo to get care tips and match similar species on the go.
Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Wax Plant (Hoya carnosa)
Where Wax Plant (Hoya carnosa) is found
Density
Tap map to explore
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Gentianales |
| Family | Apocynaceae |
| Genus | Hoya |
| Species | Hoya carnosa |
Similar in genus Hoya
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
