Hoya Carnosa
Hoya carnosa (L. f.) R. Br.
Hoya carnosa, the Wax Plant or Porcelain Flower, is a beloved evergreen climbing houseplant from East and Southeast Asia, renowned for its clusters of perfect, star-shaped, waxy flowers that look carved from porcelain and emit a sweet honey-vanilla fragrance at night. It symbolizes protection, enduring friendship, wealth, and spiritual connection.
Apocynaceae (Dogbane family)
Spring through late summer; each flower cluster matures gradually over 2-3 weeks; rebloom from the same peduncles (spurs) every year for the life of the plant
Symbolism & Meanings
Key Meanings
Perfect For
Color Meanings
Cultural Significance
Hoya carnosa is one of the longest-cultivated and most emotionally resonant houseplants in the world. Its extraordinary longevity, with individual plants documented thriving for over 50 years and flowering reliably every season on the same perennial peduncles, has made it a multigenerational plant, passed from grandparent to grandchild like a living family heirloom. In Asian cultures, it is associated with prosperity and protection of the home, and popular in feng shui practice for attracting positive energy and wealth. Its star-shaped flowers are associated with celestial guidance and spiritual connection. The fragrance, which intensifies at night with a pheromonal, honey-vanilla quality, has given it its common name the Honey Plant, and the association of sweetness and devotion that brings. In many European traditions it is linked to eternal fidelity and indissoluble bonds, a meaning that reflects both the plant's longevity and the deep attachment it inspires in all who grow it for years.Shop Our Floral Collection
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Physical Characteristics
Natural Habitat
Growing Guide
Sunlight
Bright indirect light; tolerates lower light but will not bloom without adequate brightness; east or west-facing windows are ideal; avoid direct afternoon sun which scorches leaves
Water
Allow to dry completely between waterings; never allow to stand in water; water is the most common cause of failure; roots need to breathe
Soil
Extremely well-drained, Open, airy orchid-type mix, Equal parts orchid compost, succulent mix, and perlite; roots need excellent air circulation
Expert Growing Tips
CRITICAL: Never remove spent flower stems (peduncles or spurs) after blooming; new flowers appear from the same structure year after year; removing them prevents reblooming
Do not move the plant once buds begin to develop; relocation causes bud drop
Allow the potting mix to dry completely between waterings; overwatering causes root rot and leaf drop and is the most common cause of plant death
Prefer slightly pot-bound roots; repot only when roots visibly emerge from drainage holes
Feed with a half-strength balanced fertilizer monthly during spring and summer; stop feeding in autumn and winter
Maintain temperatures between 16 and 29 degrees C (60-85 degrees F); protect from cold drafts and temperatures below freezing
Propagate by stem cuttings or air layering in warm months; cuttings root readily in an open, humid medium
Named after Scottish botanist Robert Brown's friend, botanist Thomas Hoy (1750-1821), head gardener to the Duke of Northumberland
Uses & Benefits
Ornamental Uses
- Classic houseplant passed down through generations as a long-lived family heirloom plant
- Hanging basket plant for trailing and cascading displays
- Climbing plant trained on moss poles, trellises, or around windows
- Air-purifying indoor plant
- Fragrant windowsill plant for evening enjoyment of its nocturnal scent
- Cut flower clusters for floral arrangements when in bloom
Traditional Uses
- Demonstrated air-purifying properties: leaves absorb indoor air pollutants including toluene, reducing components of indoor air pollution
- Non-toxic to cats, dogs, and humans; one of the safer houseplants for pet owners
- In traditional Chinese and South Asian folk medicine, used as a poultice for skin inflammation and minor wounds
- In feng shui traditions, associated with attracting positive energy, wealth, and protection into the home
Disclaimer: Information provided is for educational purposes only. Consult healthcare professionals before using any plant medicinally.
Further Reading
Frequently Asked Questions about the Hoya Carnosa
What does Hoya carnosa symbolize?
Hoya carnosa symbolizes protection, enduring friendship, wealth, and spiritual connection. In Asian cultures it is associated with prosperity and the protection of the home, and used in feng shui for attracting positive energy. Its remarkable longevity makes it a living symbol of faithful, enduring love and friendship that grows stronger through time.
Why should you never remove Hoya carnosa flower stems?
Hoya carnosa blooms from specialized perennial peduncles, or spurs, which rebloom every year from the same structure for the entire life of the plant. Removing these spurs after flowering prevents the plant from ever reblooming from those points again. Only the actual spent flower clusters should be removed if desired; the woody stalks must always be left intact.
Is Hoya carnosa toxic to cats and dogs?
No, Hoya carnosa is non-toxic to cats, dogs, and humans, making it one of the safest fragrant houseplants for pet owners. This is an important advantage over many other fragrant or ornamental houseplants. Always confirm with your veterinarian, but Hoya carnosa is widely listed as safe by major pet poison databases.
Why is it called the Wax Plant or Porcelain Flower?
Hoya carnosa gets both names from the extraordinary texture of its flowers. The thick, waxy petals are covered in tiny hairs that give them a fuzzy, sparkling sheen, and the overall appearance of the perfect star-shaped blooms is so precise and smooth that they look as though they were carved from porcelain or molded from wax. The waxy quality of the thick, succulent-like leaves reinforces both names.
How long does Hoya carnosa live?
Hoya carnosa is one of the longest-lived houseplants in cultivation. With proper care, individual plants can thrive for 30, 40, even 50 or more years, continuing to produce flower clusters from the same perennial spurs year after year. This extraordinary longevity is one of the reasons it has traditionally been passed down as a family heirloom from generation to generation.
Available Colors
Quick Facts
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