The wax flower ( Hoya carnosa ) is a beautiful plant, whose name derives from the appearance of its flowers which look like wax or porcelain, especially when they are not yet fully open.

Depending on the length of the plant, it is possible to leave it suspended or adapt it as a climbing plant, although in the latter case it will still need to be tied to a support.

To flower, the wax flower needs to be placed in a place with plenty of light, but not exposed directly to the sun. The ideal is to place it outside, in a place sheltered from the sun’s rays but with plenty of light.

The wax flower cannot resist intense cold, and this is why if you decide to grow it in cold places, you will need to protect it from wind and frost.

Its leaves are oval and fleshy in appearance, and this is indicative of the water reserves that the plant is capable of conserving. Despite this, it is advisable to water it frequently in summer, to encourage flowering.

In winter you need to reduce the frequency of watering, allowing the surface soil to dry between waterings. Overwatering could cause the leaves to turn yellow.

The wax flower can reach a height of several meters, but this will depend on the size of the pot. A 30 centimeter pot is enough to contain a 3 or 4 meter tall plant. The plant begins to flower when the roots are close together.

Among the main causes of flower bud drop are excessive heat (an average temperature of 30°C or higher), movement of the plant, cold air currents (such as air conditioning) and lack of water.

The plant will not flower if there is a lack of nutrients, light or humidity, or if the pot is too large.

Important: This website does not give medical advice, nor does it suggest the use of techniques as a form of treatment for physical problems, for which the advice of a doctor is required. If you decide to apply the information contained in this site, it does not assume responsibility. The intention of the site is to be illustrative, not exhortative or didactic.