Hoya carnosa, also known as the ‘Honey plant’ or the ‘Wax plant,’ is an evergreen perennial native to Southeast Asia, Japan, and Taiwan.
Because of its hardy nature, curling vines, and strikingly beautiful flowers, it has become one of the most attractive indoor houseplants for plant enthusiasts. The low-maintenance nature of this plant also allows novice plant owners to bring this beauty to their green space.
However, to maximize the beauty and growth of your Hoya carnosa, it is essential to provide it with the correct light, water, humidity, and temperature. Also, being a heavy feeder, this plant loves to be fertilized properly—which we’ll discuss further in the article as well.
We are also going to talk about flowering tips, repotting, and plant propagation.
So, stay with us till the end, this is a complete care guide on Hoya carnosa.
Let’s begin!

Summary Points
Here are the key takeaways:
- Hoya carnosa thrives in bright, indirect light and well-draining soil, with a preference for slightly dry conditions between waterings.
- Ideal temperatures range from 65°F–85°F (18°C–30°C), and it enjoys humidity between 40–60%.
- Use a balanced fertilizer during the growing season, and watch out for pests like mealybugs, fungus gnats, and spider mites.
- To encourage blooms, provide good lighting, warmth, and occasional phosphorus-rich fertilizer.
- Repot every 2 years when roots outgrow the pot, preferably in spring or early summer.
Keep the plant stress-free by monitoring its light, water, and humidity needs.
A Complete Guide to Hoya Carnosa Care
Let’s start with one of the major food sources—light!
Light Requirements
Being a tropical plant, Hoya carnosa loves bright, indirect light.
A little direct sunlight in the morning is okay, but limit it to avoid leaf damage. Aim for 2–6 hours of bright, indirect light daily. Too much intense, direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, leading to browning, yellowing, or dry patches.
Therefore, keeping it in bright, indirect light is the best way to go!
The goal is to mimic the plant’s natural habitat where it thrives in dappled sunlight under a canopy of trees. If you have it outdoors or out on the balcony where it gets direct sun, consider using sun shades to protect it from the harsh light.
If we talk about indoors, east-side windows are the best place to keep Hoya carnosa as they receive the morning sunlight which is good for the plant, and you can use sheer curtains to filter the light during midday.
Best Soil for Hoya Carnosa
Most Hoyas love soil that is loose, well-draining, and high in nutrients.
The same is true for Hoya carnosa.
We recommend using equal parts of potting soil, peat moss, and either perlite or orchid bark for the soil mixture. Aim for a neutral pH level (6.0–7.0). Make sure that you are using a pot with drainage holes so that excess water can seep through, and out from the bottom.
Having a good soil mixture for your plants not only helps them grow better but also prevents common issues like overwatering (which can lead to root rot).

Watering Needs
When it comes to watering, make sure you allow the soil to dry in between watering.
Hoya carnosa likes to be on the drier side of the spectrum. Therefore, only water when the top 1–2 inches of the soil have dried out. You can poke your finger into the soil to check the moisture if you don’t have a handy moisture meter with you.
Once you get the hang of it, you’ll know exactly when to water your precious Hoya without having to check the soil that often.
Also, thorough watering is important! When you water your plant, make sure that you water it thoroughly—let the water run through the soil for a couple of minutes until you see it flowing out of the drainage holes.
Overwatering is different from thorough watering. Overwatering happens when you either frequently water your plant (mainly when the soil hasn’t dried out) or your potting mix retains a lot of moisture. A pot without drainage holes can also cause excess water to sit at the bottom of the pot, leading to overwatering and problems like root rot.
If the soil is too wet or too dry, it can cause leaf drop. This can be an indication that something is off with the watering.
Ideal Temperature Range
Being tropical houseplants, Hoyas prefer slightly warm temperatures. The preferred hardiness zone for Hoya carnosa is 8–11 (USDA) and the preferred temperature range is (65°F–85°F or 18°C–30°C).
They will have no problem spending time outdoors in summer under partial shade. However, you should bring them indoors if the nighttime temperatures are consistently below 55°F or 13°C.
Keeping them inside during the winter is necessary because they are sensitive to temperature fluctuations and cold drafts.
Humidity Levels
Hoya carnosa thrives in high humidity!
Optimal humidity levels for Hoya carnosa are between 40–60%. If you live in a dry climate, you can increase indoor humidity levels using different methods:
- Firstly, you can try misting your plant. Hoya carnosa is semi-succulent with waxy foliage and loves misting. Occasionally misting your plant will increase humidity levels for some duration. However, remember not to use cold water as it can shock the plant.
- Another thing you can try is grouping your tropical houseplants. If you keep all your tropical houseplants together they can create a microclimate with higher humidity, as the plants release moisture through a process called transpiration. This can mimic the conditions of their natural environment and help them thrive.
- A popular technique is the pebble tray method: fill a shallow tray with pebbles, add water until it just reaches the top of the pebbles, and place your planter on top. This helps increase humidity around the plant.
- Lastly, you can use a humidifier which instantly increases indoor humidity levels and keeps them consistently at about 50%.
Keeping your Hoya plants near kitchen or bathroom areas can also be a good idea as these places have relatively higher humidity as compared to other parts of the home. Low humidity levels can result in yellowing of leaves, leaf drooping, brown edges, and dry leaves.

Fertilizing Hoya Carnosa
Although Hoya carnosa is a heavy feeder, using a fertilizer with a balanced NPK ratio is essential.
We recommend using a water-soluble balanced fertilizer once every six weeks during the winter season and once every four weeks during the summer. You can also notch it up to once every two weeks during the spring when the plant is actively growing.
However, remember to dilute the fertilizer to half its strength to avoid overfertilization.
Pest Control
Mealybugs, fungus gnats, and spider mites are the three most common pests that attack Hoya carnosa:
- Mealybugs: Mealybugs are tiny, white, and fluffy bugs that are common in moist and warm conditions. They appear as powdery white substance on the leaves due to their cottony texture. Mealybugs are sap-sucking pests and can cause stunted growth if not controlled timely. If there is a light infestation, you can try to wash them away. Otherwise, it is recommended to use neem oil or insecticidal soap spray.
- Fungus Gnats: Fungus gnats are tiny, fruit-fly-sized insects that look like tiny mosquitoes but are plant pests that thrive in moist conditions. They infest moist soil of potted plants and lay eggs which then hatch into larvae that feed on the plant’s roots, causing malnutrition. Overwatering and consistently moist soil are the main causes of fungus gnat infestation. Pest control includes watering less, using diatomaceous earth (DE), sticky traps, and nematodes.
- Spider Mites: Spider mites can cause serious damage to your plants as they thrive in hot and dry environments and can easily spread from one plant to another. They form white webbings on the plants from which you can identify them. To control spider mites, make sure you don’t underwater your plant. Frequent misting can help increase moisture levels around the plant. To get rid of the mites, use insecticidal soap, neem oil, or 25% rubbing alcohol solution in water.
It’s important to keep your plant separate from other plants while it has a pest infestation. This is done to ensure the safety of other plants as it reduces the risk of spreading the infestation or potential disease associated with the infestation to other plants.
Flowering Tips
Many people love Hoya carnosa because of its striking flowers. It has the iconic star-shaped flowers that are pink or white in color. These fragrant flowers bloom during the spring or summer when the plant reaches the age of 2–3 years old.
Many factors encourage blooming in Hoya carnosa, including maturity, lighting, and temperature. However, if you’ve provided your Hoya plant with correct lighting and warm temperatures, but it still isn’t producing flowers, it might be due to poor nutrition.
That’s why, it is sometimes recommended to shift to a higher phosphorus mix fertilizer (5-10-3 or 10-30-10) when you are looking forward to those stunning blooms. Also, keep in mind that it is better not to move your plant once it starts flowering because any shock to the plant or change in lighting might cause the flower buds to die.
To encourage flowering in the future, never remove the peduncles (flower stalks), as they produce new blooms repeatedly.

Repotting Guidelines
When it comes to repotting the Hoya carnosa, we generally look for signs like roots growing out of the pot.
Generally, Hoyas don’t mind being pot-bound. However, when the roots start coming out of the pot, it is a good idea to transfer them into a bigger pot. You can expect to repot them once every two years.
The best time to repot your Hoya carnosa is during spring or early summer when the plant is not in bud or flower.
Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- The first step is to choose the right pot. Make sure that the new pot is no more than 2 inches bigger than the previous one and has a good number of drainage holes at the bottom.
- Once you have the pot ready, it’s time to remove the plant from its current pot. Start by gently loosening out any roots that have grown out and tangled themselves with the pot. You can use a knife or scissors for this purpose, but be careful not to damage the root system.
- When the roots are loosed out, gently tug the plant out of the pot and remove any excess soil from the roots. This isn’t usually difficult, as you are already using a pretty loose potting mix. However, dry soil can make it a bit harder. In that case, you can water it lightly beforehand.
- Prepare the base of your new pot by adding a drainage mesh. If you don’t have a mesh screen, you can also make a base layer using sphagnum moss or orchid bark.
- After that, place the plant inside the pot so that the root ball sits slightly below the rim. Once in position, fill around the roots with your potting mixture, gently pressing it to remove any air pockets.
- Water lightly to help the soil settle.
It’s better to let the plant settle for 2–4 weeks and avoid any fertilization. Just follow your watering schedule, try to maintain consistent humidity and temperature, and place it in a spot where it receives bright, indirect light.
Answering Common Questions About Hoya Carnosa
Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions.
1. Is Hoya Carnosa Toxic to Pets?
Hoya carnosa is considered non-toxic to pets, but eating it might upset their tummy. Best to keep it out of reach, just in case.
2. How Long Does It Take for Hoya Carnosa to Bloom?
It usually takes about 2-3 years for Hoya carnosa to bloom, but with the right care, it might surprise you even sooner.
Patience is key!
3. Why Are My Hoya Carnosa Leaves Turning Yellow?
Yellowing leaves can mean overwatering, underwatering, or too little light. Check the soil moisture and move it to a brighter spot if needed.
4. How Can I Tell If My Hoya Carnosa Is Stressed?
If your Hoya carnosa is stressed, you might notice wilting, yellowing leaves, or slower growth. It could be from too much sun, overwatering, or a sudden temperature change.
Keep an eye on it and adjust care accordingly.
5. When Should I Prune My Hoya Carnosa?
Prune your Hoya carnosa in spring or early summer, right before it starts its growing season. This helps it grow fuller and encourages new blooms.
Conclusion
In conclusion, with the right balance of light, water, humidity, and proper care, your Hoya carnosa can thrive and reward you with beautiful blooms.
Remember to keep an eye on its needs, from repotting to pest control, and adjust your care routine as it grows. With a little patience and attention, your Hoya will flourish and be a stunning addition to your plant collection.
Happy Hoya Care!