Red Hoya

Red Hoya (Hoya coronaria 'Red') is an unusual climbing and trailing wax flower with deep red, star shaped, waxy blooms carried in clusters. It grows to about 3m long but only 20cm wide, and its fleshy leaves are as tough as the flowers are showy. It suits baskets, trellises and bright indoor spots.

Why you'll love it

• A rare red. Red is an uncommon colour among hoyas, and these deep red stars are a talking point wherever they hang.
• Waxy, star shaped flowers. Clusters of glossy red stars open on the stems, with a texture like carved wax.
• Fleshy, forgiving leaves. The succulent leaves store water, so an occasional missed watering does little harm.
• Good indoors. In cooler states it suits a bright room or conservatory, and subtropical gardens can grow it outdoors.
• Slim and tall. At 20cm across it fits narrow corners, and the stems climb to 3m on a support.

Where it works best

Baskets and pots. Plant one to a hanging basket in a free draining mix and let the stems trail. Choose a bright spot out of harsh afternoon sun.

Trellis or support. Outdoors in a subtropical garden, train it up a trellis in bright, filtered light. Space plants 50cm apart along the support.

Cooler states indoors. Grow it in a well lit room or conservatory, where its slim shape takes up little space.

Growing Red Hoya in Australia

Position and climate. It likes bright or filtered light, indoors or in the garden. Outdoors it belongs in subtropical gardens, and in cooler states it is an indoor or conservatory plant. In far north Queensland the warm winters can reduce flowering. Hoyas need a little care to look their best, but the rules are simple.

Soil. Use an open, free draining mix of compost and orchid bark. This species leans towards a slightly more alkaline mix than most hoyas.

Water and feed. Err on the dry side, particularly in the cool months while growth slows. A chillier winter spot seems to help trigger flowers once summer warmth returns. Mist now and then if the air is dry.

Pruning. Prune only to tidy long stems, and leave the old flower spurs in place for next season's blooms.

What to expect when it arrives

Red Hoya is sold as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. It arrives as a small plant, and hoyas build steadily rather than fast, so expect a season or two of growth before the first flowers.

Tube stock comes from our grower and is not always available. 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
• Indoor flowering plants
• Climbing plants for trellises

Common questions

How often should I water it?

Sparingly. Let the mix dry out between drinks, especially in cooler months when growth slows.

Why won't it flower?

Give it bright light, a slightly cooler winter and some patience. A cool winter position seems to help trigger flowers once summer warmth returns.

Can I grow it outdoors?

In subtropical gardens, yes, in bright, filtered light. In cooler states keep it indoors or in a conservatory, because it needs frost free conditions.