Learn how to care for your Hoya plant. Everything you'll need to know from light, to soil, and how to water. Clever Bloom #hoya #houseplants

Hoya Plant Care

The Hoya genus is my absolute favorite! There are so many beautiful species, I would love to collect them all. In general, they are easy to care for, and as a bonus, they flower! Stay around for the best Hoya Plant Care.

Hoya Plant

Hoya is a diverse genus of tropical plants with over 200 species, each showcasing unique foliage and waxy leaves. These stunning plants thrive as houseplants, whether displayed on a tabletop or elegantly suspended in a decorative hanger. With the right care, Hoyas reward their owners with beautiful blooms—delicate, star-shaped flowers that, in some species, cluster together in a striking, umbrella-like formation. Their blooms come in a vibrant array of colors, including yellow, red, pink, white, purple, and more, adding a touch of natural beauty to any space.

Quick Tip: For the overall health of your Hoya Plant, think brighter light, less water.

Hoya retusa

Hoya carnosa variegata ‘Tricolor’

Containers & Pots

Hoya plants are tropical and often epiphytic, meaning they can grow on trees and other plants in their natural habitat with minimal soil. Because of this, they prefer drier conditions and can tolerate being root-bound. To prevent overwatering, I recommend using terracotta or clay pots, as these materials draw moisture from the soil and promote airflow. In contrast, plastic pots retain moisture, which may not be ideal for Hoyas. Regardless of the pot material you choose, the most important factor is proper drainage—your pot must have a drainage hole to allow excess water to escape and keep your Hoya healthy.

Light

Like any tropical plant, Hoyas thrive in bright, indirect light when grown indoors. While some debate the clarity of this term, I find it to be the simplest way to describe the ideal lighting conditions. Essentially, “bright light” means placing your plant near a window that receives abundant natural daylight. In my home, this is primarily a south-facing window, with west-facing windows as a secondary option. “Indirect light” means shielding the plant from direct sun exposure, which can be achieved by using a sheer curtain to diffuse the light and prevent leaf damage.

Hoya carnosa variegata ‘Tricolor’

Water

Water Hoya plants sparingly, ensuring they receive a deep, thorough soak. When watering, allow water to run through the soil until it begins to drain from the bottom of the pot. After watering, monitor the soil and wait until the majority has dried out before watering again. Hoyas store moisture in their thick, waxy leaves, allowing them to go longer between waterings without stress. You can use a moisture meter or even bamboo skewers to see if the soil is still moist at the bottom of the pot.

Potting Mix

Hoya plants require a well-draining potting mix to thrive. I prefer to create my own blend using equal parts potting soil, succulent soil, and a combination of perlite and orchid bark for added aeration. If mixing your own soil isn’t an option, no worries—succulent soil alone provides the excellent drainage that most Hoyas need.

Hoya linearis

Propagation

Click here to get step by step instructions for propagation. It’s requires very few steps. Locate the place to cut, snip, and stick the cutting in water. Hoyas can be propagated very easily. Just be patient, some Hoya can take a while to root.

Hoya kerrii

Pests

Houseplant pests are bound to happen, even with frequent care, but you’re in luck! I’ve created this 20 page guide to walk you through some of the most common plant pests and how to get rid of them for good.

Mounted Hoyas

I love mounting plants. Hoyas are a perfect plant to mount due to their epiphytic nature. There is a full mounting section in our book How To Raise A Plant and Make it Love You Back or you can check out this blog post of mine to make your own.