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4.6 out of 5 (16 experiences)


About Hoya obovata
With over 500 species and even more cultivars, there's a Hoya out there for everyone! They're native to Southeast Asia and their common name, waxplant, refers to their thick, waxy leaves which help them retain water in the heat. They're excellent climbers and will take off if you give them a trellis to grow on. Their other-worldly, star-shaped flowers are often fragrant and come in brilliant shades of red, pink, yellow, and more!
Taxonomy
Hoya obovata
Hoya
Apocynaceae
Gentianales

How to care for Hoya obovata

How often to water your Hoya obovata

every 12
Hoya obovata needs 0.5 cups of water every 12 when it doesn’t get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5" pot.
Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.
Water 0.5 cups every
12

Check the growing potential in your area
A plant's growing potential is determined from its location, the time of year, and current local weather.

Select a city to check sunlight intensity

Finding light for Hoya obovata in your home

a window
Hoya obovata may have difficulty thriving, and will drop leaves 🍃, without ample sunlight.
Place it less than 3 feet from a south-facing window to maximize the potential for growth.
Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of Hoya obovata in your home 🏡.

How to fertilize Hoya obovata

Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.
By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil it’s likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway.
To replenish this plant's nutrients, repot your Hoya obovata after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.

Hoya obovata thrives in dry soil and should be watered sparingly. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.
Sunlight Needs
Hoya obovata may have difficulty thriving and will drop leaves 🍃 without ample sunlight. Place it less than 3 feet from a window to maximize the potential for growth. Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement in your home 🏡.
Toxicity
Greg does not have confirmed data on this plant’s toxicity. If you, a family member, or a pet consumes plant material of unknown toxicity, it’s always best to consult a medical professional.
If you or someone else ingested this plant, call Poison Control at US (800) 222-1222. If a pet consumed this plant, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA at US (888) 426-4435.
Humidity
Hoya obovata doesn’t require additional humidity. Plants absorb most water through their root system rather than their leaves, so the best way to provide humidity for your plants is through watering the soil.
Soil
Hoya obovata does best in well-draining soil. A good soil will contain lots of organic matter such as coco coir as well as perlite or vermiculite to help with drainage. Adding a handful of perlite to regular store-bought potting soil should do the trick!
Fertilizer
Hoya obovata should be repotted after it doubles in size or once a year, whichever comes first. Fresh potting soil has all the nutrients your plant needs, so as long as it’s refreshed yearly, you shouldn’t need to use fertilizer. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not fertilizer!
Dormancy
Hoya obovata does not have a typical pattern of dormancy. If you notice their growth slowing down substantially, double check that they are getting enough sunlight and water to thrive!
Native Region
Hoya obovata is native to Southeast Asia and Australia.
Care Summary for Hoya obovata
Hoya obovata
Greg recommends:

0.5 cups every 12 days

< 3ft from a window

Repot after 2x growth
Based on the 4” pot your plant is in, and that it doesn’t get direct sunlight.

What other plant parents say










She wasn’t growing much the first month or two after I took her home when she was on a bookshelf further from a window. Then I moved her to a northwest corner right next to the window with a grow light and she grew at least a dozen giant healthy leaves in just a couple months. Bright indirect light seemed to do the trick!

