Hoya obovata. Photo: Danae Horst
Easy-to-care-for plants are always a hit around here- it’s nice to have a plant you can ‘forget’ about occasionally without killing it, right? While not totally indestructible, Hoyas definitely fit the easy-care bill. With succulent leaves, meaning they store water in the leaves, you can often get away with watering them as little as once a month, depending on the species. Besides being fairly easy to grow, Hoyas also look great on shelves or in hanging planters, since many of them become long and vine-y- perfect for that jungalicious vibe!
Photography by Jaclyn Campanaro via Design Sponge
GET THE GREEN: Wax Plant (Hoya obovata)
WATER: Hoyas need good drainage- pot in a planter with a drainage hole and allow to dry between waterings. When leaves begin to wrinkle or pucker slightly- it’s time to water.
SUNLIGHT: Bright to medium indirect light. Avoid direct sun or dark corners.
PLACEMENT: Most hoyas are climbers, so they do well in hanging planters, or on shelves, where they have space to roam.
EXTRA CREDIT: When mature, hoyas develop spectacular flowers. To encourage blooms, allow the plant to get slightly root bound by keeping it in a smaller pot. However, don’t transfer it from a larger pot to a smaller one, which could shock the plant.
WORD OF CAUTION: According to the ASPCA, hoyas are non-toxic to cats and dogs!
Ready to add a Hoya to your Jungalow? Find some here.
Is there a plant you want to learn more about? Leave a comment and you may find it in a future Plant-o-Pedia!
I just got a clipping of a night-blooming cereus. I dont know how to take care of it, though!
Its a wild plant
It seems to be the perfect plant to add a little green into the house without too much care. Exactly what I need!
Thank you for these posts! The last two have identified plants that were given to me, so they’re no longer mystery plants.
I have a Hoya that a lovely 90-year-old lady gave me. I used to clean her house when I was in college. It now lives happily on my covered patio and blooms every year. It must be 35 years old, no joke! I’ve only repotted it once. It loves to climb any plant or plant stand near it. I live in central California & leave it outside all year long.
I’d like to learn about yucca!
I fell in love with it last year when I went to Joshua Tree. When I came home I realized it’s EVERYWHERE in my city in of Birmingham, Alabama. But it’s never in any nurseries. I don’t know where people get it? Is it naturally growing here? I want to plant it in my yard! I guess online ordering is the way to go??
On yucca, (make sure it’s not Spanish Bayonet first…to save tour hands) just find a tree near you with some pups and hack one off with a knife. Most people that own the plants actually don’t mind because your saving them some yard work! There are some good videos on YouTube of yucca elephantides online that show propagation of new pups.
what is the type of hoya in the 2nd picture? The leaves are much thicker and almost a type of heart shape.
Very beautiful shelves and display. I am in love with your page/blog. Everything is beautiful and full of inspiration
Hi! I think its a Hoya kerrii!
You’re absolutely right, Brittney! Thanks!
Hi Pamela! There is a Hoya kerrii (the heart leaf shape) and a smaller Hoya obovata on that shelf. The kerrii has the same care as the obovata that I outline in the post. Hope that helps!
This arrangement is stunning! Totally going to try and re-create next Thanksgiving!
A kind 90-year-old woman recently handed me a Hoya as a gift. When I was a student, I helped her out by cleaning her home. It’s doing well under my patio cover, where it blooms year after year. Surely it can’t be much younger than 35 years old! Only once did I repot it. It will happily climb any nearby plant or plant stand. Because I am located in the middle of California, I leave it outdoors all year.
Hello, Pamela! Both a Hoya kerrii, which has the shape of a heart leaf, and a Hoya obovata, which is smaller, can be found on that shelf. A similar level of care is given to the kerrii as it is to the obovata, which I describe in the post. I hope this is helpful! space bar clicker