The distinctive large, round leaves of this Hoya really give it a striking appearance as it trails or climbs around your home. The lush, green foliage is a deep forest green and looks great trained around a structure (we often stock this species trained around a metal loop making a striking circular shape), or trailing from a hanging pot or high shelf. Hoya appreciate bright light, and can stand some direct sun, though they won't want to be in it all day as this can scorch them. This species is easygoing as a houseplant, though, and not too picky if you miss a water, so it's a great way to bring some lovely foliage into your home and let it vine all over.
Scientific Name
Hoya australis (Hoy's southern plant)
Classified in 1830, this plant has kept the same scientific name ever since.
Common Name
Waxflower, Common Hoya, Porcelain Flower, Honey Plant, New South Wales Wax Flower, Waxvine
Origin
Native to Oceania, growing in: Australia (NSW, Northern Territory, WA, Queensland), Borneo, Fiji, Samoa, Solomin Islands, Sulawesi, Tonga, Vanuatu, Wallis-Futuna Islands
Light
Thrives in bright, indirect light. A few hours of direct morning or evening sun can encourage stronger growth and flowering, and is especially beneficial in autumn and winter, but avoid harsh midday sun.
Water
Allow the top third of the soil to dry out between waters, and reduce watering in winter and in dimmer spots. Make sure you don't leave any water sitting in the foliage (or flowers) as this can cause damage.
Humidity
Prefers moderate to high humidity but can tolerate average household conditions. Boosting humidity with misting, a pebble tray, or a humidifier can encourage healthy growth and flowering.
Soil
Use a mix with plenty of aeration, and elements like orchid bark, or one designed for anthuriums. Repot every three years in spring as the plant grows. If it's flowering, keep it pot-bound a little longer to prevent it getting shocked by the move and losing flowers.
Food
Feed every four waters throughout the year. To tailor your feeding even more, look for a Nitrogen-heavy fertiliser when the foliage needs to develop more, and to encourage flowers once it's mature look for one with higher Potassium (K) content, like tomato feed.
Temperature
Ideal temperature is between 15-35°C; make sure it does not get colder than 15°C in winter or for longer periods.
Pet-safe
Hoya are not toxic but can have bad reactions for your pets, including vomiting/ diarrhoea
Sprouts Top Tips
While this plant likes it humid, it does not like soggy soil - make sure not to over-water it. Keep an eye out for yellowing leaves, especially those closer to the soil, to spot this early and reduce the frequency of your waters before the roots are damaged.
