This plant grows in forests, among trees and shrubs, and is therefore used to low, indirect light. This condition should be recreated at home.
Many botanical gardens and hoya growers grow this plant under a shade layer that blocks 50-80% of direct sunlight.
Soil and Watering
Hoya does not require much space because it is an epiphytic plant (i.e. a plant that lives on another plant without feeding on it). It is generally not necessary to repot a hoya.
However, it is a good idea to change the soil every two or three years. Use terracotta pots, which are more porous and therefore drain excess water from the soil more easily. This is especially important because the wax flower does not like stagnant water. It requires regular watering, but the soil should be allowed to dry out thoroughly to prevent the plant from rotting.
Humidity and temperature
The wax flower cannot tolerate cold temperatures below 10°C, so caution should be exercised in winter.
In terms of humidity, this plant is used to living in environments with high humidity, typical of subtropical and tropical zones. However, it adapts well to drier environments.
Main problems with wax bloom and solutions
Here are the most common problems with wax bloom:
If the wax flower's leaves are burning or turning red, it may be a sign of too much light. Move the plant out of direct sunlight.
If the leaves are rotting, it may be due to insufficient watering or root death. Check the roots and look for scale insects.
If the leaves are starting to look limp, the roots may be dead due to over- or under-watering.
If the wax flower is not blooming, it is probably not getting the right amount of light. However, some leaves may need a specific type of “stress” to stimulate flowering (i.e. cold or dry periods).
If the buds are falling off before flowering, the plant's soil may have been too dry or too wet for a long time.
If the wax flower has been dry for too long, try not to overwater it. Add water a little at a time to ensure that the soil is well moistened.
