If you are new to houseplants, you may not have heard of Hoyas, but you have undoubtedly seen these vining plants many times! These houseplants have been popular for years because they are both gorgeous and hardy, and when they flower, they create a subtle, sweet fragrance.
Whether you are attracted to the delicate hanging needle-like foliage of the Hoya linearis, or the bold and glossy leaves of the Hoya australis, every Hoya will undoubtedly add beauty and elegance to your home.
All Hoyas are special, but there are five varieties that we feel have a particularly powerful impact.
Hoya Kentiana
The Hoya kentiana is full and lush with a multitude of long variegated leaves adorned with numerous shades of pink, green, and white. Refrain from pruning, and this houseplant’s dense vines will lengthen and create a colorful cascade to the floor. This wild beauty will thrive if provided partial sunlight and a thorough watering once the top of its soil has become dry.
Hoya Carnosa ‘Compacta’ (Hindu Rope)
Think of this Wax Vine, or Hindu Rope, as the Rapunzel of the plant world. With its draping vines of dense, deep green or variegated succulent leaves garnished with clusters of fragrant star-shaped waxy flowers, this gorgeous houseplant looks like the long, cascading hair of the well-known fairy tale princess.
However, unlike Rapunzel, the Hoya carnosa 'Compacta' does not need to be rescued by a heroic prince. As a succulent, it will thrive with little water and will be happiest if it remains next to a brightly lit window.
Hoya Linearis
The Hoya linearis is an elegant vining plant that becomes more beautiful and lush with age. The feathery foliage differs from other waxy-leaved Hoyas because the leaves are much smaller, tender, and contain fine hairs. Adding more beauty to these long, thin needle-like leaves are clusters of fragrant white star-shaped waxy flowers.
These Hoyas require more moisture than other varieties because the thin leaves lack the ability to store water as well as the others. It also prefers cooler nighttime temperatures.
Hoya Carnosa ‘Tricolor’
What makes the Hoya carnosa “Tricolor” so special is the subtle beauty of its green and pink stems and its waxy, pink-tinged, seemingly frost-kissed leaves. Sometimes this hoya provides a special treat by producing pure white leaves with soft pink highlights.
Adding even more to the Hoya’s appeal are its gorgeous clusters of waxy, star-shaped flowers. To keep this Hoya happy and healthy, it should be placed in a well-lit, draft-free spot with high humidity.
Hoya Australis
The Hoya australis is a sweet-smelling vining plant that can climb as easily as it can hang. This vigorous grower has thick, green oval leaves covering vines that can reach lengths of thirty feet. Adding a finishing touch to this plant are fragrant clusters of star-shaped flowers that will add a splash of color and a beautiful floral scent to one's home or office.
The Hoya australis is also easy to keep healthy because it simply likes to be left undisturbed in a brightly lit spot. Because it is a succulent plant, it does not require frequent watering.
Find Your Perfect Hoya
Each hoya will become a beautiful addition to any houseplant collection, and there is no doubt that those who purchase their first variety will quickly become lifelong hoya collectors like so many others before them. Choosing these five varieties, in particular, will create a balance of shapes, colors, textures, and scents that will bring beauty and elegance for years to come.
To learn more about Wax Vine care, visit our Hoya plant care section!