Otto

Hoya

Wax Flower; Hoya Carnosa 'Tricolor'

• 
  Most light conditions
• 
  Easy care

• Otto likes...
  • 
    Light watering

    He likes to be moist but not soggy. Water him when the top two inches of soil feel dry and pour off any excess water.

  • 
    Medium light

    He’s quite tolerant of low light but will grow much more healthily in bright, indirect light.

  • 
    Humidity

    He’s used to tropical conditions so loves moisture. Put him in a bright bathroom or mist him every few days.

• Quick facts

  Botanical name

  Hoya carnosa ‘tricolor’

  Nickname

  Wax flower; Wax plant

  Plant type

  Climber, hanging, indoor

  Air purifying

  Yes

  Plant height (including pot)

  30-40cm

  Pet/baby safe

  Sap is toxic if ingested

  Nursery pot size

  14cm

• About hoya

  Commonly known as ‘wax flower’, hoya carnosa gets its popular name because of the appearance of both its leaves and flowers. The leaves are thick with a waxy sheen and the flowers, viewed from a distance, look almost plastic. Up close you’ll see they’re actually covered in countless tiny hairs. You’ll also notice their sweet scent.

  This hoya grows natively in East Asia and Australia, where it’s often found winding its way around the branches of other trees. Because it’s used to tropical conditions, it likes lots of humidity, indirect bright light and warm(ish) temperatures. It will also appreciate a feed with liquid fertiliser once per month in spring and summer. Keep that in mind and it should be very happy.

  Did you know?

  A 2009 study found that this plant is extremely good at sucking pollutants out of the air.