wax plant (Hoya carnosa) — identification, habitat & look-alikes

Wax plant is a climbing or trailing houseplant with thick, glossy leaves and fragrant clusters of star-shaped flowers. It grows well in bright, indirect light and a well-drained potting mix.

Appearance

Growth form: This evergreen vine climbs a support or trails from a basket. In nature it grows as an on trees or over rocks.
Leaves: Opposite leaves are thick, leathery, waxy, and broadly oval, usually 3–6 in (8–15 cm) long.
Flowers: White to pink flowers have five-pointed centers and form rounded clusters. The blooms are fragrant and may release sticky nectar.
Fruit: Pollinated flowers can produce long, narrow pods filled with small seeds bearing silky hairs.

Look-alikes

silver pink vineHoya pubicalyx

Silver pink vine usually has longer, narrower leaves, often flecked with silver, and its flowers may be deep pink to reddish purple. Wax plant usually has broader oval leaves and white to pale pink flowers.

Why they get mixed upBoth are common vining houseplants with waxy leaves and fragrant clusters of star-shaped flowers.

Where it lives

Typical habitats: bright indoor rooms
hanging baskets
greenhouses
Range: It is native from southern China and Laos to southern Japan and Taiwan. In the United States it is grown mainly as a houseplant or warm-climate patio plant.
Preferred conditions: Give it bright, indirect light and a well-drained potting mix. Let the mix dry somewhat between waterings rather than keeping it constantly wet.

Growing it

Care: New plants made from root readily. Avoid keeping the potting mix soggy because overly wet mix attracts fungus gnats.
Propagation: Stem cuttings are the usual way to make new houseplants.

Name and classification

Varieties and forms: ‘Compacta,’ also called Hindu rope, has tightly curled leaves and grows more slowly. ‘Krimson Queen’ is also sold as ‘Tricolor’; ‘Krimson Princess’ and ‘Variegata’ have patterned leaves.

Conservation

IUCN Red List: NENot EvaluatedNot yet assessed

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