Hoya picta
Description
Source: wikipedia (CC BY-SA)Hoya carnosa, the porcelain flower or wax plant, is a species of flowering plant in the family Apocynaceae, native to East Asia. It is a common house plant grown for its attractive waxy foliage, and sweetly scented flowers. It is grown well in pots and hanging baskets.
π³ Although primarily cultivated for its attractive foliage and waxy flowers, wax plant has uses that go beyond mere decoration. The thick leaves have been investigated for bioactive compounds with possible industrial applications, including extracting materials for cosmetics and potentially for bioplastics. Additionally, their sturdy, striking appearance makes them suitable as teaching specimens in botany classes.
π Youth, prosperity, security
Care Guide
π§ Water
βοΈ Light Partial sun
The wax plant grows best in conditions that offer moderate sunlight along with a fair amount of shade, similar to its native habitat. Too little light can restrict growth, while too much can damage the foliage. Its different growth stages may not need varying levels of sun exposure.
π‘οΈ Temperature 20β41.1Β°C
Wax plantr grows best in its native habitat where temperatures are about 68 to 82 β (20 to 28 β). It favors a wider range of 68 to 105 β (20 to 41 β) and can withstand lows of 50 β (10 β). In winter, keeping temperatures around 59 to 68 β (15 to 20 β) is recommended to encourage blooming.
π¨ Humidity normal (40-60%)
This plant will thrive in moderate humidity, which is probably the level in your home. However, misting it a few times a week can be very beneficial. Make sure the room has good ventilation.
πͺ΄ Soil 6-7
π± Fertilizer
For the Wax plant, it is adequate to apply light amounts of fertilizer 1-2 instances annually during its growth phase. Refrain from fertilizing during winter and summer seasons when the plant is in a dormant state. After repotting, diminish the fertilizer amount for the plants and hold off on the fertilizing process for a few months. The act of fertilizing fosters robust growth and promotes flowering.
πͺ΄ Pot & Repot Every 2 years
When it comes to repotting the Wax plant, you should opt for a pot that's a bit larger than the current one, which has effective drainage. Make sure to use a cactus or succulent mix that drains well and is gritty. Carefully extract the plant from its previous pot, brush off any surplus soil, and then replant it at an equivalent depth. Allow a few days before watering the plant to give any injured roots time to recover. It's best to repot during spring or autumn and place the plant in a region with lots of light.
βοΈ Pruning
πΏ Propagating
π Diseases & pets
β οΈ Toxicity
Characteristics
- Plant Type
- Succulent, Vine, Herb
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Hoya
- Family
- Apocynaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 10-13
- Mature Height
- 6.1 m
- Mature Spread
- 46 cm
- Leaf Color
- Green, Gray, Silver
- Leaf Type
- Evergreen
- Flower Color
- Pink, White
- Flower Size
- 1.52 cm to 2.03 cm
- Bloom Time
- Late spring, Early summer, Mid summer
- Planting Time
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Harvest Time
- Mid summer, Late summer
- Native Area
- Malaysia, Vietnam, Japan, Laos, China