Indoor Hoya Plant: The Elegant Climber
Discover the captivating Hoya (Wax Plant) at Boma Garden Centre in Kentish Town, prized for its glossy succulent-like leaves and clusters of fragrant, star-shaped flowers (often described as waxy pink flowers and sometimes called porcelain flowers). Its attractive foliage and fragrant flowers make it a perfect choice for indoor gardeners seeking an exotic, must-have houseplant. Ideal for bright indoor spaces, Hoyas thrive on shelves, plant stands and hanging planters, where their trailing or climbing growth adds natural elegance.
Easy to care for and long-lived, they suit both beginners and collectors, offering beauty and character with minimal maintenance. At Boma, we stock a curated range of Hoya varieties and provide expert guidance on light, watering, feeding and how to encourage those sought-after blooms.
About Hoya (Wax Plants) at Boma
The Hoya, often known as the Wax Plant, is one of the most enchanting and rewarding indoor plants, prized for its thick, glossy foliage and clusters of star-shaped, nectar-rich flowers (often referred to as waxy pink flowers or porcelain flowers). Native to tropical Asia and Australia (many species originate from eastern Asia), Hoyas are adored by plant enthusiasts for their easy-care nature, trailing or climbing habit, and long lifespan. At Boma Garden Centre in Kentish Town, our curated Hoya collection is chosen for quality, variety and suitability for London homes.
Hoyas thrive in bright, indirect light and enjoy warm indoor temperatures, making them perfect for living rooms, bedrooms, home offices and plant shelves. Their waxy leaves store moisture, giving them a succulent-like resilience that makes them forgiving for busy or occasional plant owners. With patience and proper light, Hoyas reward you with delicate, fragrant umbels of flowers that can appear repeatedly throughout the year.
Popular Hoya Varieties
| Hoya Species / Variety | Description | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|
| Hoya carnosa | A classic species with thick green, semi-succulent leaves and sweetly scented pink flowers. | Extremely hardy and suitable for beginners. |
| Hoya carnosa ‘Krimson Queen’ | Variegated variety with creamy white leaf margins and soft pink stems. Grows vigorously in good light and brightens any room. | Creamy white edges, soft pink stems, vigorous growth. |
| Hoya carnosa ‘Krimson Princess’ | Reversed variegation compared to ‘Krimson Queen,’ with creamy centres and green edges. Ideal for hanging pots and plant shelves. | Creamy leaf centres, green edges, perfect for hanging displays. |
| Hoya pubicalyx | Fast-growing with long, slender leaves featuring silver flecks. Produces clusters of star-shaped blooms in deep pink or red. | Silver-flecked leaves, dramatic pink/red flowers. |
| Hoya kerrii (Sweetheart Plant) | Known for its heart-shaped leaves, often sold as single-leaf plants. A charming choice for gifts and minimalist décor. | Heart-shaped leaves, great as a gift plant. |
| Hoya linearis | Soft-textured species with fine, trailing foliage. Great for bright windows or macramé hangers where its delicate strands can cascade beautifully. | Fine trailing foliage, ideal for hanging or cascading arrangements. |
| Hoya australis | A robust climber with round, glossy leaves. Thrives on moss poles or trellises and produces beautifully scented white flowers. | Glossy round leaves, fragrant white blooms, suitable for climbing. |
How to Care for a Hoya
- Light: Bright, indirect light is ideal—indoor hoya plants typically thrive in bright light and do well near an east facing window. Many Hoyas will tolerate some direct morning or late-afternoon sun, which can encourage flowering.
- Watering: Hoyas store water in their leaves, which allows them to tolerate infrequent watering; allow the top third of the compost to dry between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure excellent drainage and avoid letting the plant sit in excess water.
- Humidity & Temperature: Hoyas enjoy moderate to high humidity and temperatures between 18–25°C; it is important to maintain temperatures within this range for optimal plant health. Bathrooms, kitchens or rooms with humidifiers are ideal for flowering varieties.
- Feeding: Use a balanced liquid fertiliser every 4–6 weeks during periods when your indoor hoya plant is actively growing to support strong blooms and healthy foliage.
- Pruning & Training: Leave old flower stalks (spurs) intact—Hoyas re-bloom from the same flower stalks, producing new blooms in the future. Train climbing varieties on trellises or allow trailing types to cascade freely.
- Potting: Repotting your indoor hoya plant should be done every 2–3 years, moving it to a new container that is only slightly larger than the previous one. Use a well-aerated soil mix containing bark and orchid bark to ensure good drainage and support healthy growth.