Hoya linearis (Wax Plant)

Scientific Name

Hoya linearis Wall. ex D.Don

Common Name(s)

Wax Plant, Porcelain Flower

Synonym(s)

Hoya linearis var. linearis

Scientific Classification

Family: Apocynaceae
Subfamily: Asclepiadoideae
Tribe: Marsdenieae
Genus: Hoya

Description

Hoya linearis is a pendent epiphytic succulent with soft slender grayish-green stems that bear linear hairy dark green leaves deeply grooved beneath and up to 2 inches (5 cm) long. It produces lax umbels of 10 to 13 scented star-shaped pure white flowers with pink-tinged yellowish-white coronas. The umbels are up to 1.5 inches (3.7 cm) in diameter. Individual flowers are up to 0.5 inches (1.2 cm) across. Long cylindrical follicles with seeds with tufts of hair may follow them.

Hoya linearis (Wax Plant) — *Photo via flickriver.com*

Hardiness

USDA hardiness zones 11a to 11b: from 40 °F (+4.4 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).

How to Grow and Care

Hoyas don't ask for much beyond the well-draining soil and the warm, humid conditions that many tropical flowers crave. They don't like wet feet or heavy soil, and as many grow as epiphytes in nature. Give them at least a half-day of sunshine, and bring them indoors when temperatures drop below 50 °F (10 °C).

Hoya finishes blooming, leave the flower stalk, as it may produce new flowers. Removing the stalk forces the plant to produce a new stalk, which delays blooming and wastes the plant's energy. They are light feeders, and a monthly drink of compost tea or dilute fish emulsion provides all the nutrition these tropicals need. Hoyas like the security of a snug pot and plants that are a bit root bound will flower more prolifically than those swimming around in a giant pot.

Propagate Hoyas by cuttings of top growth or by leaf cuttings. The average cutting or leaf start will produce a blooming plant in 2 years or less. The easiest method of propagation is by layering.

See more at How to Grow and Care for Hoya.

Origin

This species is native to the Himalayas.