The number of births in the United States and globally is declining, but houseplants are booming. Since the pandemic, Gen-Z and millennials have taken on gardening, and it seems that the trend is here to stay. Plants can upgrade any space, indoor or outdoor, and nothing quite compares to seeing them produce small offshoots or plantlets and grow right in front of your eyes. But it's not a secret that some plants are easier to care for than others.
If you are a beginner gardener or don't have the time or energy to devote to your plants, get yourself a wax flower, or porcelain flower (Hoya carnosa). The beautiful succulent plant requires very little care and is an all-around beauty. For pet parents, wax flowers are perfect because they are not toxic.
Wax flower characteristics
Succulents are known for being hardy, and the wax flower is no exception. This versatile plant thrives in a wide range of temperatures and can grow in shade and bright spaces, as long as the sunlight is softened. One of its lovely features is its sweet nighttime fragrance, which attracts natural pollinators like moths.
A climbing plant, Hoya carnosa has fleshy, oval-shaped leaves and dome-like clusters of white or pale pink flowers from spring to summer. It’s often placed in hanging baskets, and given its rapid growth and longevity, it won’t stay small for long.
There are also several varieties of Hoya carnosa, each with its own charm. Krimson Queen has variegated leaves with pink and white edges, while Compacta, also called the Hindu Rope Plant, features tightly curled leaves that form rope-like vines. Despite their differences, all Hoya carnosa varieties share the same easy-care nature.
Their preferred temperatures
Native to East Asia and Australia, waxflower is usually grown indoors in Europe, as it does not tolerate cold temperatures very well. Below 41°F, the plant will not feel comfortable. The temperature range in which it thrives is between 59°F and 84°F, although it tolerates heat quite well, surviving even at 113°F.
How to irrigate and handle light
You're more likely to hurt your succulent with over-watering versus under-watering since they are known for retaining water. Since waxflower does not tolerate excess watering or stagnant water, provide it with light soil with good drainage and allow the top of the substrate to dry between each watering. From about October to February, this plant goes dormant and requires even less watering.
When it comes to light, keep it out of direct sunlight because it can burn its leaves. So keep it in a bright place, but one that receives filtered light.
Substrate for Hoya carnosa
Since waxflower is susceptible to overwatering, the substrate must be light, porous, and airy. A good mix includes one-third potting soil, one-third organic matter like humus, and the rest perlite. This helps prevent excess water retention. Also, if water collects in the base saucer after watering, remove it.
To improve soil quality and keep your plant healthy, fertilize every 15 to 30 days during its growth and flowering period, but avoid fertilizing during dormancy. A potassium-rich fertilizer can also help waxflower tolerate extreme temperatures better.
How to propagate and when to repot it
A huge plus about wax flowers is that they are very easy to propagate, so you can share them with friends or fill your home with them. Like most succulents, it is best to take a stem cutting, and you'll have a better chance of success in spring or summer.
Ideally, wax flowers should be transplanted in mid-to-late spring or late autumn every two or three years. Check whether the roots are healthy and not affected by any pests like mealybugs. To help establish strong roots, keep the substrate constantly moist but not soaked for the first few weeks after transplanting.
Pruning Precautions
Waxflowers do not need to be pruned frequently, but you can trim long or untidy branches. If you prune, do so after flowering, making sure you don't cut the small stem where the cluster of flowers emerges. During the next flowering season, the new star-shaped flowers will grow from that stem.
Usual enemies
The most common pest affecting waxflower is scale insects. If you detect the attack early enough, you can eliminate them one by one, but if they have spread rapidly, consider applying insecticide.
Aphids can also wreak havoc on your Hoya carnosa, so make sure they don't get a hold of them.