I have a special connection to hoya. It all started when I was about 4 years old. My hreat-grandmother, Gramma-gramma, taught me piano lessons. I believe she taught me until I was about 8 years old. I wish I could say I'm as amazing of a pianist as she was, but my studies as I grew older were less than diligent. Anyhow, I was over at her house quite a bit between piano lessons and family game nights. She had such spunk and energy! I am very grateful for the time I had to get to know her. She passed away in 2002. I have always said that I want to be like her when I grow up!
One thing that I remember from Gramma-gramma's house was this huge plant! It looked like a tangled mess. It had dark green leaves and these weird waxy flowers that bloomed upside down! I was always fascinated with this plant, but I never knew what it was called.
Fast forward to this past spring. I was at a local plant sale when I saw some familiar dark green leaves. I knew immediately that it was the same plant that Gramma-gramma had growing in her house! I bought it and learned that it is called Hoya.
Common Name: Hoya or wax plant
Scientific Name: Hoya carnosa
Size: 2-4' high, Hoya is a vine, so it can grow much longer than 2-4', but if the vines are left to fall all over each other, this is the size it will ultimately be.
Zone: 10-12
Care: Hoya is supposed to be an easy houseplant to grow. I can't vouch for it's ease yet because in the time I've had it, it has just barely started to grow. I moved it a month or so ago and that's when the growth started, so I think it's happier where it is now. Hoya needs a few hours of bright sunlight each day. If it is not blooming or growing like you want, it may need more sun. Water when the top 1/2" of soil is dry. That's pretty well all there is involved in taking care of a hoya. You may want to grow it on a trellis to help direct the vines, or raise it up so the vines can spill out.
Warning: Hoyas have latex in their sap. Avoid touching damaged plants if you have an allergy to latex
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