How to grow wax flower and all the secrets to make it bloom
The wax flower (Hoya carnosa) is a wonderful climbing plant with thick, waxy, fleshy leaves that allow it to retain water. It is a type of plant very similar to succulents, which can grow up to one meter in height and is native to China and Japan.
Many people are attracted to this plant because of its leaves, which vary from species to species. In some cases, it is difficult to distinguish these plants from each other unless they are in flower.
As houseplants, they are easy to care for, last a long time and bloom regularly year after year. Below, we list the essential care that should be given to the wax flower.
Wax flower care
- Light
Most plants in this family do not tolerate bright, direct light, and their leaves suffer from direct sunlight.
It is a plant that grows in the forest, between trees and bushes, and therefore is used to receiving dim, indirect light. This condition must be replicated at home.
Many botanical gardens and hoya growers grow this plant under a shade cloth that blocks 50-80% of direct sunlight.
- Soil and irrigation
The wax flower does not need much space, since it is an epiphytic plant (that is, a plant that lives off another plant, without feeding at its expense). It is usually not necessary to transplant a hoya.
However, it is advisable to change the potting soil every 2 to 3 years. Use terracotta pots, which are more porous and therefore remove excess water from the soil more easily.
This is especially important because the wax flower does not like standing water. It needs regular watering, but the soil must dry well to prevent the plant from rotting.
- Humidity and temperature
The wax flower does not tolerate cold temperatures below 10°C, so care must be taken during winter.
Regarding humidity, this plant is used to living in very humid contexts, typical of subtropical and tropical areas. However, it adapts well to drier environments.
Main problems and solutions of the wax flower
Below are the most common wax flower problems:
- If wax flower leaves burn or turn red, it may be a sign of too much light. Keep the plant away from sunlight.
- If the leaves rot, they may not get enough water or the roots may die. Examine the roots and check for scale insects.
- If the leaves begin to feel soft, the roots may be dead due to overwatering or lack of water.
- If your wax flower is not blooming, it is likely not getting the right amount of light. However, some leaves may need some type of “stress” to stimulate flowering (i.e. cold or dry periods).
- If the buds drop before flowering, the plant’s soil may have been too dry or too wet for a long time.
If the wax flower has been dry for too long, try not to overload it with water when watering. Water little by little so that the soil is well moistened.