Wax plant care: watering, light and repotting
Also called hoya, porcelain flower, wax flower · Hoya carnosa · Apocynaceae family
18 d in winter
How often to water the wax plant?
Allow about 10 days between waterings in spring and summer, and 18 days in autumn and winter, when growth slows down. These rhythms apply to a room with its favourite light: in a darker room the plant drinks less; in a brighter one, it drinks more.
Never cut the stems that have flowered: the flowers come back in the same place. It flowers best when a little pot-bound.
Misting every 10 days helps keep the air humid around its leaves, especially in winter when central heating dries the house out.
What light does it need?
The wax plant likes bright but filtered light: near an east- or west-facing window, or a little back from a south-facing one. Direct afternoon sun can mark the leaves.
Repotting and fertiliser
Repot every 3 years, ideally in April, into a pot only slightly bigger than the last one. As for fertiliser, from April to September, feeding every 30 days is enough; the rest of the year, let it rest.
Adult size: Stems 3–10 ft (1–3 m).
Safe for cats and dogs, according to the ASPCA.
Common problems
Won't flower
Cause: Not enough light or a pot too big. What to do: Give it bright light and don't repot it too soon.
Wrinkled leaves
Cause: Thirst. What to do: Water thoroughly, then let it dry out.
Frequently asked questions
How often should you water the wax plant?
About every 10 days in spring and summer, and every 18 days in autumn and winter, in a room with its favourite light. The darker the room, the longer you wait between waterings. Before watering, check that the top inch of soil has dried.
Where should you put the wax plant?
The wax plant likes bright but filtered light: near an east- or west-facing window, or a little back from a south-facing one. Direct afternoon sun can mark the leaves.
Should you mist the wax plant?
Yes, misting every 10 days does it good, especially in winter when heating dries the air. Use soft, room-temperature water.
When should you repot the wax plant?
Every 3 years, ideally in April, or sooner if roots come out of the drainage hole. Choose a pot only slightly bigger, 1 to 1.5 in (2 to 4 cm) wider, always with a hole in the bottom.
Cats, dogs, children: is the wax plant safe?
The wax plant is listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. A pet that eats a lot of it may still vomit, so it's best not to let it nibble.
Is it an easy plant to care for?
Yes: the wax plant forgives a missed watering and adapts well to the home. A good plant to start with.
These are guidelines for an indoor plant in a temperate climate. Trust the soil too: a finger pushed an inch into it will tell you whether it's thirsty.