How to Make Hoya Plants Flower

Hoya plant in bloom

Hoya plants, also known as wax plants or porcelain flowers, are a member of the succulent family. The hoya plant has average light requirements and prefers warm soil, making it an easy care houseplant. A hanging pot or planter stand with a trellis is ideal to accommodate the climbing and trailing nature of hoya plants. Hoya plants do not flower until at they are at least four years old, according to the University of Saskatchewan Extension's Garden Line. Providing a hoya plant with proper care will ensure clusters of brightly colored star-shaped flowers in the summer.

Things You'll Need

• Pot
• Potting mix
• North facing window
• Watering can
• 15-15-15 liquid fertilizer
• Pruning shears

Instructions

1. Plant hoya in a well-draining potting mix, in a pot with a hole in the bottom to accommodate drainage. The pot should be large enough to accommodate the plant's growth.

2. Place the hoya plant in a brightly lit north facing window. Although hoya plants need sunlight, harsh afternoon sun can burn the leaves, so it's best to place your hoya plant where it will receive early morning or late afternoon sun.

3. Water the hoya plant deeply, allowing the soil to become fully saturated. Let the soil dry completely between waterings, as overwatering discourages flower production. Watering should be done infrequently in winter when the plant is dormant.

4. Keep the air temperature around the hoya plant above 45 degrees Fahrenheit in winter, and provide summer temperatures of 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Cooler temperatures may cause leaf loss and discourage flowering.

5. Feed hoya plants monthly with a small amount of 15-15-15 fertilizer. Mix 15 drops of liquid fertilizer into a quart of water in a watering can and pour the contents of the can around the base of the Hoya plant. Adequate fertilizer is required for flower production. Discontinue feedings in the winter months while the plant is dormant.

6. Prune hoya plants only at old growth, as flowers form on new growth. Leave the short flower spurs, called penduncles, in place after blooming to allow new clusters of blooms to grow.

Tips & Warnings

• The hoya plant is poisonous if ingested.

References

• University of Saskatchewan: Garden Line: The Hoya: Long Lived and Trouble Free
• Cactus and Succulent Society of America: Hoyas: Easy Care Plants Provide Flowery Rewards