Pink Hoya

Pink Hoya (Hoya carnosa 'Pink') is a trailing and climbing wax flower that reaches about 3m in length but only 20cm across, so it suits a hanging basket or a trellis. The fleshy leaves unfurl maroon, and big rounded heads of pink, star shaped, waxy flowers appear along the stems. It is rich in nectar, and in cooler states it makes a fine plant for the house or a conservatory.

Why you'll love it

• Waxy pink flower clusters. Round heads of starry, waxy pink flowers hang from the branches, and they are sweetly scented, most noticeably in the evening.
• Colourful new growth. The fleshy leaves emerge maroon and mature to glossy dark green, so even the foliage changes through the season.
• Pet friendly. Hoya carnosa is regarded as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
• Indoors or out. In cooler states it lives happily inside or in a conservatory, and in subtropical gardens it can hang or climb outdoors.
• A slim footprint. At only 20cm wide it takes almost no floor space for the length it reaches.

Where it works best

Hanging baskets and pots. Plant one to a basket in a free draining mix and let the stems trail. A bright porch, balcony or conservatory suits it.

Trellis and tree trunks. In the wild hoyas grow in the branches of trees, so outdoors in subtropical gardens they will climb a trellis or a rough trunk in dappled light. Space plants 50cm apart along a trellis.

Indoors in cooler states. Where winters are cold, grow it inside in bright light near a window and keep it above 5 degrees Celsius.

Growing Pink Hoya in Australia

Position and climate. It likes bright or filtered light, indoors or out. It is a plant for frost free locations: outdoors in subtropical gardens, and inside in cooler states. In far north Queensland the warm winters can mean fewer flowers.

Soil. Use an open, free draining mix such as orchid bark blended with compost. In nature hoyas perch in tree branches, so they dislike heavy, wet soil.

Water and feed. Err on the dry side, particularly in cooler months when growth slows, and water only once the mix has dried out. Mist now and then if the air is dry. A cooler winter position seems to help trigger flowers in the following warm season.

Pruning. Prune only to tidy long stems. Leave the old flower spurs in place, because new blooms form on them year after year.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Pink Hoya as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. It can arrive as a plug, a little smaller than our usual tube, though the root system is healthy and it can go straight into the ground or a bigger pot. Expect a small, steady starter that needs a season or two of growth before it flowers.

Our grower supplies the tube stock, and supply is not always steady. When the grower has none, the tube shows as sold out, and the notify button on the page emails you the day it is back.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Indoor plants
• Indoor exotic plants guide
• Pet friendly indoor plants
• Climbing plants for trellises

Common questions

Why is my hoya not flowering?

Usually it is too young or has too little light. A cooler spot over winter often helps trigger flowers in the following warm season, and in far north Queensland warm winters can mean fewer flowers.

Can I grow it indoors in a cool state?

Yes. In cooler states it grows well inside or in a conservatory. Give it bright or filtered light, mist when the air is dry, and hold the temperature above 5 degrees Celsius.

Is it safe for cats and dogs?

Hoya carnosa is generally regarded as non-toxic to cats and dogs, though any plant can upset a pet that chews it.