Wax Plant — Growing reference
| Scientific name | Hoya carnosa |
|---|---|
| Seed germination (days) | 14–21 |
| Soil temperature for germination (°C) | 18.3–23.9 |
| First harvest or flowering (days) | 365–730 |
| Measured from | Transplant |
| Plant spacing (cm) | 61–121.9 |
| Mature height (cm) | 61–121.9 |
| Mature spread (cm) | 91.4–243.8 |
| USDA hardiness zones | 10–12 |
| Light | Partial sun |
| Water | Low |
| Sowing method | Cutting |
Growing directions
Root stem cuttings or plant container specimens in well-drained, lean soil in partial shade; wax plant (porcelain flower) is an East Asian tropical vining succulent of the milkweed family (Apocynaceae) that produces clusters of utterly distinctive, perfectly formed, waxy flowers — each cluster a spherical umbel of 20–40 small, star-shaped, pale-pink or white flowers, each flower centered with a smaller red-pink, five-pointed, star-shaped corona that gives the cluster an intricate, jewel-like appearance, and the entire flower cluster glistening with sweet, clear nectar droplets. The flowers are intensely fragrant, especially in the evening. The thick, succulent, oval, glossy, dark-green leaves on the twining stems provide attractive year-round foliage coverage. Flowering requires patience — established plants may take several years to bloom — and a cool, dry winter rest period (the opposite of most tropical plants) to initiate the process. Once blooming age is reached, it flowers reliably from the same spur-like peduncles that should never be removed. 'Krimson Queen' (white-cream leaf margins), 'Tricolor', and the double-flowered 'Compacta' are popular cultivars. A long-lived, low-maintenance succulent vine once established.
Source and local conditions
Typical planning ranges from OpenPlantDB (CC0). Cultivar, climate, season and growing method can change these values. Confirm the seed label and local guidance before planting.
Source & verification
OpenPlantDB · CC0