hoya australis

How to Grow and Care for Hoya Australis

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If you’re looking for an easy-to-care-for houseplant, the Hoya Australis is a great option. This succulent can be grown indoors or outdoors in a warm climate, and it only needs moderate light and water to thrive. 

In this blog post, we’ll give you Hoya Australis care tips and how to grow these indoor plants. Keep reading to learn more!

Plant Facts

Scientific nameHoya australis
Common namesWaxvine, common waxflower, porcelain flower, honey plant
FamilyApocynaceae
Plant TypeHouseplant
Height and Width13-33’ long and 2-5 cm wide vines
OriginAustralia
Flower colorsRed
Foliage colorDark green
Sun ExposureDirect sunlight
Soil Type & pHWell-drained, neutral soil 
Special featuresGreat for pollinators, attractive foliage, good for trellises or moss pole

How to Grow Hoya Australis

This succulent is native to Australia and New Zealand, but can be successfully grown indoors in most parts of the United States.

These wax plants offer a beautiful fragrance reminiscent of chocolate and vanilla  and an attractive appeal. Read on to learn more about growing hoya australis!

Propagation

The most common way to propagate hoya australis is by stem cuttings. Cut a 6-8 inch piece off of a healthy stem, making sure to include at least 2-3 leaf nodes. These nodes will be where new roots will grow from. Dip the cutting in rooting hormone and plant in a well-draining potting mix. 

Water regularly, keeping the soil moist but not soggy. Within 2-3 weeks, you should see new growth appearing on the cutting. Once the hoya plant is established, you can begin watering it less frequently. Enjoy your new wax plant!

Soil

While it can be grown in a variety of soil types, the hoya australis plant grows best in well-draining, slightly acidic soil. The ideal soil mix for hoya australis would be two parts peat moss to one part perlite or coarse sand, along with a sprinkling of orchid bark. This type of fresh soil will help to keep the roots of the plant moist while also providing good drainage.

Make sure the containers you use to grow these Hoya australis blooms have adequate drainage holes and that you use a well-draining soil mixture. You can use a moisture meter to get an idea of how much water your plants truly need.

Pruning

Pruning a hoya australis is a simple but important task that will keep your plant healthy and looking its best. First, take a close look at the plant and identify any dead or dying leaves. These can be removed with a sharp pair of scissors. 

Next, consider the shape of the plant and how you want it to look. Trim away any stray leaves or vines that are spoiling the overall shape. Additionally, pay attention to any leggy growth or excessive branching, especially in mature plants.

Finally, cut back any long branches that are growing out of control. By taking these simple steps, you will keep your hoya australis looking neat and tidy – and ensure that it continues to thrive for years to come.

Repotting and Transplanting

Although hoya australis can tolerate being pot-bound, it will eventually outgrow its nursery pot and will need to be repotted or transplanted. Repotting is necessary when the roots of the plant are visible at the bottom of the pot or when the potting mix becomes compacted. 

To repot hoya australis, carefully remove the plant from its current pot and place it in a new terra cotta pots that is only slightly larger. Be sure to use a well-draining potting mix and water thoroughly after repotting. 

Transplanting is necessary when the plant becomes too large for its current pot. To transplant hoya australis, choose a new location that has bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. Carefully dig up the plant and transplant it to the new location, being sure to water it thoroughly. 

How to Care for Hoya Australis 

If you’re lucky enough to have a Hoya Australis in your life, you’ll want to know how to take care of it! This plant is known for its glossy leaves and delicate blooms, and with the right care it can thrive for years. 

Keep reading for tips on watering, fertilizing, and potting your Hoya Austalis.

Water

Hoya australis is a low-maintenance plant that does not require frequent watering. In fact, overwatering can be harmful to the plant. 

When watering hoya australis, allow the soil to dry out completely before giving it a deep drink and try to water in the early morning rather than the late afternoon or evening. During the winter months, when the plant is dormant, reduce watering even further. 

Sunlight

These hoya plants do best in bright filtered light, so they make an ideal plant for an east- or west-facing window. If you live in a particularly hot climate, you may want to provide some late afternoon sun to prevent the leaves from scorching.

Temperature and Humidity

This evergreen vine is native to Southeast Asia and typically thrives in humid, tropical environments. However, the hoya australis can also adapt to drier conditions. The key to success is to maintain consistent temperature and humidity levels.

While the wax plant prefers temperatures between 70 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit, it can tolerate a wide range of humidity levels, from 40% to 60%. 

Maintaining consistent temperature and humidity levels for your houseplants can be challenging, but it is essential for their health. One way to help regulate temperature is to place your plants near a window where they can receive indirect sunlight. 

In addition, adding a layer of mulch around the base of your plants can help to retain moisture and prevent the soil from drying out. Humidity can be increased by placing a tray of water under your plant, or by running a humidifier near the plant. 

It is also important to make sure that your plants are not in an area where they will be exposed to drafts from doors or windows. By taking these simple steps, you can help ensure that your houseplants stay healthy and thrive.

Fertilizer

Hoya australis is a relatively easy plant to care for, but it does require regular fertilization to maintain healthy growth. When fertilizing hoya australis, it is important to use a balanced fertilizer that contains both nitrogen and potassium to ensure the plant’s growth and encourage blooming.

Apply the all-purpose fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season, and be sure to water deeply afterwards to help the nutrients reach the root ball. 

The perfect fertilizer for hoya australis helps the plants to achieve the ideal levels of growth without any adverse effects. For this reason, there are certain elements to look for when finding the best fertilizer.

First, nitrogen is necessary for plant growth, so it is important to find a fertilizer that contains this element. Second, phosphorus helps plants to develop strong roots and produce flowers, so it is also beneficial to find a fertilizer that contains phosphorus. 

Finally, potassium aids in water uptake and helps to prevent plant diseases, so a fertilizer with potassium is ideal. By looking for these key ingredients, you can be sure to find the perfect fertilizer for your hoya australis plants.

Pest and diseases

Some of the most common problems faced by hoya australis include aphids, mealybugs, whiteflies, spider mites, and root rot. 

Aphids 

Aphids are tiny, sap-sucking insects that can cause a lot of damage to houseplants. They are most often found on the undersides of leaves, where they can feed undetected. Aphids can quickly reproduce, and a small infestation can quickly become a big problem. Left unchecked, aphids can weaken plants and even kill them. 

Luckily, there are a few things you can do to get rid of aphids and keep them from coming back. One of the easiest ways to get rid of aphids is to simply blast them off with a strong stream of water. This will knock them off the plant and leave them vulnerable to predators. You can also remove aphids by hand-picking them off the plant and squishing them. 

For larger infestations of these bugs, you may need to use an insecticide. Be sure to follow the directions carefully and only use the amount specified, as too much insecticide can damage the plant.

Alternatively, consider using diluted neem oil, which is effective against aphids and other pests while being less harmful to the plant. With a little effort, you can get rid of aphids and protect your houseplants.

Mealybugs

Mealybugs are small, wingless insects that feed on plant sap. They can be difficult to control, as they often hide in the plant’s succulent leaves and flowers.

Spider Mites

Spider mites are also tiny pests that feed on plant sap. However, they are dangerous because they can quickly reproduce, leading to infestations that can damage a plant beyond repair. 

Whiteflies

Whiteflies are small, winged insects that are often seen in large numbers on the undersides of leaves. They feed on plant sap, causing leaves to yellow and eventually drop off. Whiteflies can quickly damage houseplants, so it is important to take steps to control them as soon as they are noticed. 

One way to deal with whiteflies is to physically remove them from plants using a soft brush or your fingers. Another option is to use yellow sticky traps, which will trap and kill the insects. predatory wasps can also be used to control whiteflies; these wasps lay their eggs inside the whiteflies, causing them to larvae and ultimately die. 

Root Rot

Root rot is a disease that affects the roots of a plant. It is often caused by overwatering, which can lead to fungal growth. If left untreated, root rot can kill a plant.

Common Hoya Australis Varieties and Cultivars

A member of the Asclepiadaceae family, it is related to plants such as milkweeds and hawkweeds. H. australis is a popular houseplant due to its easy care requirements and tolerate a wide range of growing conditions. It can be found in a variety of flower clusters’ colors including green, pink, and red. 

The most common cultivar is the ‘Variegata’ which has leaves with creamy-white margins. Another popular cultivar is the ‘Rubra’ which has deep green leaves with red veins. Another common subspecies is Hoya australis Lisa. 

Hoya australis are typically propagated by stem cuttings, but can also be grown from seed.

FAQs

Why is my Hoya Australis dropping leaves?

Hoya Australis may drop leaves due to various reasons such as overwatering, underwatering, inadequate light, or environmental stress. Evaluate the plant’s care routine and growing conditions to identify and address any issues affecting its health.

Is Hoya Australis an indoor plant?

Yes, Hoya Australis can be grown indoors as a houseplant, provided it receives adequate bright light and proper plant care. It is popular for its attractive foliage and occasional fragrant flowers.

Do Hoyas prefer to climb or hang?

Hoyas are versatile plants that can either climb or trail depending on their growth habit and support structure. Some hoya species, like Hoya Australis, may climb with the help of aerial roots, while others, such as Hoya carnosa, tend to trail or hang from containers or baskets.

What do overwatered Hoya leaves look like?

Overwatered Hoya leaves may appear yellowed, wilted, or mushy, and the plant may exhibit signs of root rot. Additionally, overwatering can lead to leaf drop and a decline in overall plant health. Adjust the watering frequency and ensure the soil has adequate drainage to prevent waterlogging.

Conclusion

Now that you know all about how to grow and care for your Hoyas, it’s time to get planting! 

So what are you waiting for? Get growing!

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*image by jojoo64/depositphotos

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