Hoya Australis – White

Selling Size: Single Plant | 2.5″ Pot Included

The Hoya australis, often called the Wax Plant or Porcelain Flower, is a relatively easy-to-care-for houseplant known for its glossy green leaves and clusters of fragrant, creamy white flowers with reddish centers.

Here’s a guide to Hoya australis care:

Light:

• It thrives in bright, indirect light. Think of the dappled sunlight it would receive in its native Australian forests.
• Some soft morning sun can be tolerated and may even encourage more blooms.
• Avoid direct, harsh sunlight, especially in the afternoon, as it can scorch the leaves. If new growth develops a red tinge, it might be getting sufficient light.

Water:

• Allow the soil to dry out almost completely between waterings. Hoya australis is adapted to drier conditions and is more tolerant of underwatering than overwatering.
• During the warmer growing season (spring and summer), you might water more frequently than in the winter months when the plant’s growth slows down.
• When you do water, water thoroughly until excess water drains from the bottom of the pot. Make sure the plant doesn’t sit in standing water, as this can lead to root rot.
• You can check if your Hoya needs water by gently trying to fold a leaf like a taco. If it’s stiff, it has enough water; if it’s bendy, it’s time to water.

Soil:

• A well-draining potting mix is crucial to prevent root rot. A mix designed for succulents or cacti is ideal, or you can create your own by combining regular potting mix with perlite and/or orchid bark to improve drainage and aeration.

Temperature and Humidity:

• Ideal temperatures are between 18°C and 29°C (65°F and 85°F). Avoid exposing it to frost or cold drafts.
• While Hoya australis can tolerate average household humidity, it appreciates higher humidity, which can encourage more frequent flowering. You can increase humidity by misting the leaves, using a humidifier, or placing the pot on a pebble tray with water.

Fertilizing:

• Hoya australis is not a heavy feeder. Fertilize once or twice during the spring and summer growing season with a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength.
• There’s no need to fertilize in the winter unless you see active growth. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to salt build-up in the soil.

Flowering:

• Providing the right conditions, especially bright indirect light, will encourage flowering on mature plants.
• Don’t prune the flower stalks (peduncles) after the flowers fade, as they can produce new blooms in subsequent years.
• Keeping the plant slightly root-bound in a pot that isn’t too large can also encourage flowering.

Pruning:

• Prune only to remove dead or damaged growth or to control the length of the vines if they become unwieldy. Prune after flowering has finished.

Repotting:

• Hoyas don’t mind being slightly root-bound, so repot only when the plant has clearly outgrown its current container. Choose a pot only one or two inches larger than the previous one. Spring or summer, during active growth, is the best time to repot. Water the plant a day or two before repotting to make it easier on the roots.

Hoya Australis Common Issues:

• Overwatering: Leads to root rot and yellowing, floppy leaves. Ensure well-draining soil and allow it to dry out between waterings.
• Underwatering: Can result in shriveled, wrinkled, or wilted leaves. Establish a consistent watering schedule.
• Lack of light: Can cause leggy growth with large
• Leaf burn: Direct, harsh sunlight can scorch the leaves, causing brown spots.

By providing the right balance of light, water, and well-draining soil, your Hoya australis should thrive and reward you with its beautiful foliage and fragrant blooms.