1How it thrives
Waterlow
Lightbright indirect
Humidityhigh
Min. temperature12 °CJanuary
Deeply, but only once the soil is completely dry – less often in winter, with room-temperature water.
No feeding now.
Warm room (above 12 °C), at the brightest window, away from radiators and draughts. Heating dries the air: use a humidifier or a pebble tray.
Spider mites love dry heated air – check the undersides of the leaves.
February
Deeply, but only once the soil is completely dry – less often in winter, with room-temperature water.
No feeding now.
Warm room (above 12 °C), at the brightest window, away from radiators and draughts. Heating dries the air: use a humidifier or a pebble tray.
Spider mites love dry heated air – check the undersides of the leaves.
March
Deeply, but only once the soil is completely dry.
First weak dose at the end of the month if it is actively growing.
Bright spot, east or west window.
If roots fill the pot: fresh soil, a pot 1–2 cm larger. Water sparingly for a week afterwards.
April
Deeply, but only once the soil is completely dry.
Liquid feed every 2–3 weeks.
Bright spot, east or west window.
If roots fill the pot: fresh soil, a pot 1–2 cm larger. Water sparingly for a week afterwards.
It flowers next month – once you see buds, don’t move it any more.
May
Deeply, but only once the soil is completely dry.
Liquid feed every 2–3 weeks.
Semi-shaded balcony or east/west window – protect from harsh midday sun.
After mid-May (last frosts) it can go outside – keep it in partial shade for the first 1–2 weeks to avoid sunburn.
It usually flowers now – don’t turn or move it, and log the bloom in your diary!
June
Deeply, but only once the soil is completely dry – more often in heatwaves, preferably in the evening.
Liquid feed every 2–3 weeks.
Semi-shaded balcony or east/west window – protect from harsh midday sun.
It usually flowers now – don’t turn or move it, and log the bloom in your diary!
July
Deeply, but only once the soil is completely dry – more often in heatwaves, preferably in the evening.
Liquid feed every 2–3 weeks.
Semi-shaded balcony or east/west window – protect from harsh midday sun.
It usually flowers now – don’t turn or move it, and log the bloom in your diary!
August
Deeply, but only once the soil is completely dry – more often in heatwaves, preferably in the evening.
Liquid feed every 2–3 weeks.
Semi-shaded balcony or east/west window – protect from harsh midday sun.
It usually flowers now – don’t turn or move it, and log the bloom in your diary!
September
Deeply, but only once the soil is completely dry.
Liquid feed every 2–3 weeks.
Semi-shaded balcony or east/west window – protect from harsh midday sun.
Bring it in when nights drop below 17 °C. Check for pests first.
It usually flowers now – don’t turn or move it, and log the bloom in your diary!
October
Deeply, but only once the soil is completely dry.
No feeding now.
Bright spot, east or west window.
Keep it away from radiators; watch for spider mites in the dry air.
November · now
Deeply, but only once the soil is completely dry.
No feeding now.
Bright spot, east or west window.
December
Deeply, but only once the soil is completely dry – less often in winter, with room-temperature water.
No feeding now.
Warm room (above 12 °C), at the brightest window, away from radiators and draughts. Heating dries the air: use a humidifier or a pebble tray.
Spider mites love dry heated air – check the undersides of the leaves.
Never cut off spent flower spurs – it reblooms from the same spot.
Wax plant – what to know
Wax plant (Hoya carnosa) belongs to the Apocynaceae family (genus Hoya) and is listed in our catalog under “Houseplant”. Its needs – light: bright indirect; water: low; humidity: high. Keep it above 12 °C – it is frost-tender and needs a frost-free spot in winter. Typical flowering time: May, June, July, August, September. Easy enough for beginners. It is not known to be toxic to cats or dogs. On Perfect Plants Club, one member grows it (1 specimen(s), 1 photo(s)).
Frequently asked questions
How often should I water Wax plant?
Sparingly: let the soil dry out completely between waterings, and water even less in winter.
How much light does Wax plant need?
It likes bright but indirect light, such as near an east- or west-facing window.
How cold can Wax plant get?
Keep it above 12 °C – it is frost-tender and needs a frost-free spot in winter.
Is Wax plant toxic to cats and dogs?
It is not known to be toxic to cats or dogs.
When does Wax plant flower?
Typical flowering time: May, June, July, August, September.
What members’ data shows
When does it really bloom?
No blooms logged yet. If yours flowers, your data will be the first!
Average watering interval
Not enough watering logs yet. Waterings logged in the care hub feed this chart.
Who grows it?
Gallery
Tips and questions about this species
Hoya
Care data is for guidance only.
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